The Environment Agency
wants to hear from farmers facing problems
with the disposal of uncollected milk as
the big freeze continues to affect roads
across England
and Wales.
Spreading milk on snow
or frozen land would normally be a breach
of pollution and waste regulations because
it can cause more harm than sewage if it
flows into rivers, killing fish and other
aquatic wildlife.
But, owing to the exceptional
weather conditions, farmers who are unable
to get their milk collected and have no
storage arrangements, will be allowed to
spread providing they contact the Environment
Agency for advice first and meet the following
criteria:
there is no alternative
storage available, such as their own slurry
lagoons or at a neighbour's farm;
there are no other environmentally acceptable
options for disposal, such as through a
sewage treatment works;
the spreading is unlikely to result in pollution
and harm;
only the lowest risk land with minimal slope
that is at least 50 metres away from a watercourse
is used to spread.
New guidance
New guidance including advice on selecting
the most appropriate land to spread to minimise
pollution and to work safely should be read
or downloaded from the Environment Agency
website.
Harvey Bradshaw, the
Environment Agency’s Head of Business Performance
and Regulation, said: "We know that
many people are working hard to keep the
milk supply chain working despite the current
exceptionally cold weather.
“But there may be some
areas where farmers are facing problems
with milk collections and we want to help
while still protecting the environment against
pollution.
Get in touch
"Most farmers should have enough storage
space to cope through the winter, but anyone
who is facing surplus milk storage problems,
or difficulties with other materials such
as slurry, should contact their local Environment
Agency office or call the Environment Agency’s
helpline on 08708 506506 so we can advise
on the best options available.”
