This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sheep dipping code of practice
13/03/2003
Practical guidance for farmers and crofters to ensure
that vulnerable groundwaters are not threatened by sheep
dipping operations was published today.
The
Code promotes best practice for farmers in order to
minimise the risks of pollution of the water environment
from chemicals used in dipping.
The
Code has been produced in conjunction with the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency and the Scottish Agricultural
College. It follows extensive consultation with farming and
crofting sectors.
Allan Wilson, Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural
Development, said:
"Groundwater is an important natural resource for
Scotland, not only in terms of drinking water supplies, but
also to the wider water environment, such as wetlands,
rivers and lochs.
"Dipping plays an important part in the maintenance of
good animal health and welfare. However, it is equally
vital that proper precautions are taken to minimise the
risks these activities pose to our aquatic environment.
"The Code provides guidance which should help promote
good practice with benefits for animal health and the water
environment."
The Code is designed to provide advice to farmers and
crofters to ensure that their operations properly comply
with guidelines from the Groundwater Regulations 1998
during all stages of the dipping process.
The Regulations make provision for Ministers to issue
Codes of Practice with a view to helping farmers to take
action which will prevent or alleviate the pollution of
surface waters and groundwaters.
The
Code of Practice consists of two pages of DOs and
DON'Ts, and 20 pages of advice. It has been based on a
draft produced by the Scottish Agricultural College, and
was the subject of consultation in May 2001.
The Code complements the work of the Executive's
existing Prevention of Environmental Pollution from
Agricultural Activities (PEPFAA) code, which provides
general guidance to farmers. A full revision to the
existing 1997 PEPFAA code is to be published later this
year, while a summary version was introduced last year,
available on the Executive's website at
www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/environment/pepf-00.asp
The disposal of waste dip, when the dipping has been
completed, is subject to a separate authorisation scheme
run by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA).
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has a
responsibility to maintain and improve the quality of
Scotland's waters, including groundwater. This may include
the promotion of guidance to operators such as farmers and
crofters. The Code will also assist SEPA in exercising
their powers to serve enforcement notices where activities
are posing a risk to groundwater.
This release was published on 14/03/2003