The Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

6.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the slurry storage tank shall have adequate storage capacity for the likely quantities of slurry produced from time to time on the premises in question having regard to –

(a) the proposed method of disposal of the slurry (including the likely rates and times of disposal); and

(b) the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (3).

(2) Where it is proposed to dispose of the slurry on the premises by spreading it on the land, nothing in sub-paragraph (1) shall require the tank to have a greater storage capacity than is adequate, having regard to the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (3) to store the maximum quantity of slurry which is likely to be produced in any continuous four month period.

(3) The matters to which regard is to be had under sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) are –

(a) the storage capacity of any other slurry storage tank on the premises in question;

(b) where moist soil conditions dictate that slurry should not be disposed of by means of spreading on land as it could not be fully absorbed;

(c) the likely quantities of rainfall (including any fall of snow, hail or sleet) which may fall or drain into the slurry storage tank during the likely maximum storage period;

(d) the need to make provision for not less than 750 millimetres of freeboard in the case of a tank with walls made of earth and 300 millimetres of freeboard in all other cases; and

(e) soil quality in the vicinity of the slurry storage tank.