Limerick City and County Council is reminding farmers that we are now in the closed period for slurry spreading, which runs from 01 October to 15 January.
During this time, the application of slurry poses a significant risk to water quality due to nutrient runoff.
Key Points to Note:
- Investigation of Breaches: If the Council receives complaints about inappropriate slurry or soiled water spreading, an investigation will be conducted. Breaches of the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations may result in significant fines and reporting to the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine.
- Water Management: Ensure that extraneous waters (e.g., clean water from buildings and open yards) are not directed to slurry tanks to maximise storage capacity.
- Farm Yard Manure (FYM): The spreading of FYM is prohibited from 01 November to 15 January. Additionally, FYM cannot be stored on land during these dates.
- Soiled Water: From 01 December to 31 December 2024, the spreading of soiled water will be prohibited except for winter/liquid milk producers.
- Buffer Zones: Slurry & soiled water spreading distance from waters:
- 5m from open drain or stream, extends to 10m for the 2 weeks before & after the closed period.
- 10m from open drain or stream with steep sloped lands (10% or greater).
- 15m from a karst limestone feature.
- 20m from a lake shoreline or turlough likely to flood.
- Consult Your Contractor: Before spreading, please consult with your Agricultural Contractor to ensure they comply with these regulations.
- Umbilical System: The umbilical system must not be used to spread slurry or soiled water on saturated soils or when conditions pose a risk to water quality.
- Appropriate Conditions: Slurry, FYM, and soiled water should only be spread when ground conditions are appropriate and heavy rainfall is not expected within 48 hours.
Limerick City and County Council thanks you for your cooperation in adhering to these regulations to protect our water quality.
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