The Environment Agency has updated its guidance on complying with permitting rules for intensive farmers.
The guidance, which can be viewed here, has changed from a PDF document and 11 PDF appendices to pages on the government website. It is divided into four sections on management, operations, emissions and monitoring and information.
The style has been updated in order to be clearer on what is required. The agency said the new format enables it to update guidance easily, as and when required.
The revised guidance updates the 2010 version of ‘How to comply’ and incorporates the Best Available Techniques (BAT) Conclusions. It links to two other pieces of generic guidance for permitted sites about management systems and emissions, which the agency says must be followed in addition to the farming guidance.
It also references legislation that has been introduced since the previous guidance was published, especially the Farming rules for water.
Information from the 2010 appendices on dust, odour and noise has been incorporated into the guidance as example of measures to include in a dust/odour/noise management plan. The AHDB model templates are still available as examples of the various plans and reports that are required, including odour, noise and dust management plans.
‘For the moment’, compliance will continue be assessed during farm inspections through the existing inspection form, the agency added.