These Regulations re-enact, with amendments, the Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations 2001 (“the 2001 Regulations”), which require persons with custody or control of a crop being made into silage, of livestock slurry or of certain fuel oil to carry out works and take precautions and other steps for preventing pollution of inland or coastal waters.

The principal change from the 2001 Regulations is to allow equivalent European standards to be applied where conformity to a British Standard or Code of Practice published by the British Standards Institute is required by these Regulations.

The Regulations have been notified to the European Commission and the other Member States in accordance with Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (O.J. No L 204, 21.7.98, p.37), as amended by Directive 98/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (O.J. No. L 217, 5.8.98, p.18).

Copies of the documents published by the British Standards Institution referred to in the Regulations may be obtained from any of the sales outlets of the British Standards Institution, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE (Telephone number: 01908 220022), and copies of the Code of Good Practice for the Prevention of Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity may be obtained free of charge from the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, 47 Robbs Loan, Edinburgh EH14 1TY, or from SEERAD local area offices.