The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008

PART 2 Sampling and analysis

Slurry

1.—(1) At least five samples, each of 2 litres, must be taken.

(2) The sample must be taken from a slurry vessel, and—

(a) if reasonably practicable, the slurry must be thoroughly mixed before the samples are taken, and

(b) each sample must be taken from a different location.

(3) But if a tanker used for spreading is fitted with a suitable valve, the samples may be taken while spreading, and each sample must be taken at intervals during the spreading.

(4) The samples must be poured into a larger container, stirred thoroughly and a 2 litre sample must be taken from that container and poured into a smaller clean container.

(5) That sample must then be sent for analysis.

Solid manures

2.—(1) The samples must be taken from a manure heap.

(2) At least ten sub-samples of 1kg each must be taken. each from a different location in a heap.

(3) Each sub-sample must be taken at least 0.5 metres from the surface of the heap.

(4) If samples are being collected to calculate compliance with the whole farm limit for pigs and poultry, four samples for analysis must be taken in a calendar year (one taken in each quarter) from manure heaps not more than 12 months old.

(5) The sub-samples must be placed on a clean, dry tray or sheet.

(6) Any lumps must be broken up and the sub-samples must be thoroughly mixed together.

(7) A representative sample of at least 2kg must then be sent for analysis.