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  • The treatment of slurry

The treatment of slurry

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This General Binding Rule (GBR) applies to the treatment of slurry which consists mainly of rainwater and washings by draining through a constructed farm wetland.

Authorisation level

General Binding Rule (GBR)

Rules

The treatment of slurry through a constructed farm wetland is covered by General Binding Rules. If you intend to carry out this activity, and you comply with the rules set out below, your activity will be authorised. You don’t need to apply to SEPA for an authorisation.

If you carry out an activity under this authorisation you must comply with the rules. It is an offence if you do not comply with the rules.

If you cannot comply with the rules, you will need a different type of authorisation.

General Binding Rule (GBR) for the treatment of slurry

  1. Slurry may be drained through a constructed farm wetland only if it consists mainly of rainwater and washings which derive from—

    1. a midden which mainly contains farmyard manure and is situated where its contents can be affected directly by precipitation,
    2. any uncovered yard, used by livestock to move from one area to another but not including areas covered by paragraph (b),
    3. a yard which is used for the gathering or holding of livestock no more than once a week and which can be directly affected by precipitation,

  2. slurry must not be drained through a constructed farm wetland from areas—

    1. where livestock are gathered or held more than once a week, or
    2. used for livestock movement or holding prior to, during or after being—
      1. milked,
      2. housed, or
      3. fed,

  3. slurry which contains pesticide must not be drained through a constructed farm wetland,

  4. all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that the drainage of slurry through a constructed farm wetland does not result in the introduction of any substance or heat to the water environment which may give rise to harm to the water environment,

  5. where a constructed farm wetland is to be constructed or to be substantially rebuilt or enlarged—

    1. the operator must give notice to SEPA of the works no later than 30 days prior to commencing the works,
    2. the notice under sub-paragraph (i) must be accompanied by an engineering plan for the works to be carried out.

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