Following changes to the regulations in April 2021, farmers in Wales have to notify Natural Resources Wales (NRW) at least 14 days prior to any construction works on any new stores, or for substantial improvements to existing stores. Those that don’t notify NRW, risk an unlimited fine and even prosecution.
The requirement forms part of SMR 1 – Water Protection.
Natural Resources Wales says the ideal time to notify them is at the design stage. The notification is required for the following construction proposals:
- New silage or slurry stores
- Substantially reconstructed or enlarged stores
- Any facilities that are being repurposed for storing silage or slurry
- All of the above including field and non-baled, bagged silage sites
Farmers making substantial changes to existing stores must make sure they meet current standards which can be found here: Natural Resources Wales / Silage and slurry storage
