As silage season approaches, Limerick City and County Council has reminded farmers of their obligations around effluent.
In a statement, the local authority highlighted the EU water protection regulations when it comes to silage effluent.
The council said that silage effluent is a “particularly potent pollutant” being “200 times more polluting potential than raw domestic sewage”.
“It is essential that all effluents arising from the silage making process are collected, stored and managed in a manner which ensures that water quality is not impacted,” it said.
Silage effluent
Ahead of making silage, the council said that farmers should ensure that the silage base and associated collecting channels are clear.
If repairs are needed, the local authority recommended that farmers seek professional advice and follow Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) building specifications.
Farmers should be away of how much silage their slab is capable of storing as a lot of effluent problems occur when clamps are overstocked with silage.
“Additional silage should be stored on another slab or made into round bales,” the council said.
The council advised that grass should be wilted before ensiling to ensure that dry matter (DM) content is at a level where release of effluent is minimised, at least 30% DM should be attained.
It said grass should be kept behind the drainage channels on the base and ensure that the drainage channels are kept free from blockage. Farmers should also ensure that the polythene cover extends beyond the channels.
The council said that the silage pit should be checked regularly to ensure that all effluents are being collected.
“Directly ensiled grass can release up to 30 litres of effluent per tonne for the first few days after ensiling so keep a constant eye on effluent collection tank,” it said.
Field drains and streams should also be checked throughout the year to ensure that farm effluents are not being directed away from storage facilities.
“This is particularly important at silage-making time and when the pit is opened over the winter period,” the council added.
In cases where silage effluent is spread on lands, it should be diluted at least 1:1 with slurry with adequate buffer zones maintained to protect watercourses.
If a farmer sees silage effluent leaking from the pit, they are obliged to report any such issue to Limerick City and County Council at 061 556000 or on the out-of-hours emergency phone: 061 417833.