Large quantities of disinfectant are being used across the countryto combat foot-and-mouth disease. But it is being used at great riskto wildlife, especially fish, if the disinfectant seeps into riversand streams.
So the EA have urged farmers in Lancashire to take care when usingor disposing of disinfectants so as to avoid the risk of causingpollution.
Laurence Rankin, the Agency’s Environment Protection Manager inLancashire, stressed the importance of taking care with disinfectant.
He said: “It is vital that the proper steps are taking wheneverusing or disposing of disinfectant. Relatively small amounts cancause major pollution problems if they spill or drain into a river orstream.
“A few simple precautions can make a big difference in minimisingthese risks. Staff at the Environment Agency are happy to offer anyhelp, advice and guidance that may be necessary – simply call ourgeneral inquiry line on 0845 933 3111.”
Among the simple precautions farmers and other users ofdisinfectant should take are:
– Use MAFF/DEFR-approved disinfectants
– Follow the instructions and safety advice
– take care when transporting, pouring and dilutingdisinfectant
– sites for disinfecting should be well away from ditches, drainsand springs
– disinfectant storage lagoons should be constructed in accordancewith MAFF’s Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection ofWater
– used disinfectant should be disposed of to a slurry or manurestore, or to a temporary lagoon, before eventually disposing of it toland in accordance with the MAFF water code. For large amounts anauthorisation from the Agency may be required.
If serious spillages do occur, they should be reported to theEnvironment Agency’s 24 hour free emergency helpline on 0800 80 7060.
Further information on the safe use and disposal of disinfectantsis available on the Environment Agency’s web site:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
