Environmental Permitting Regulation (EPR) compliance in the pig industry is rising, according to reports from the Environment Agency (EA).
AHDB reports that the picture across the sector is encouraging, with more than 97% of inspected farms in the highest possible compliance bands
Compliance is based on a calculation of any permit breaches noted during an inspection visit and being categorised according to their potential, or actual, negative environmental impact.
In order to maintain this high rate of compliance, EA advises farmers to avoid the most common permit breaches:
- Written management systems, e.g. no system, out of date, missing records
- Containment of stored materials, e.g. oil tank bunds, disinfectant storage and use
- Site drainage systems, e.g. diverter valve timings, blocked pipework and overflows, lack of kerbing
Further information is available via Environmental Permitting Regulations.