Overview

CXCS Representative: Evie Price

Please note that all names and locations have been removed to protect the identity of our clients and the inspectors.

The inspection started with the nitrogen storage, which was all correct and audited by CXCS beforehand. The inspectors moved on to the workshop to see a pre-91 red diesel tank and the waste oil that was stored in an IBC. Unfortunately, these were both right next door to an outside drain. This was mentioned, but the main discussion was how to bund the oil; drip tray or concrete block bund or meshed grid on the floor to act as a catch pit.

We then looked at the storage of dairy chemicals and the parlour. The inspector highlighted that with such a big enterprise the main risk of spillages would be at delivery of the chemicals and suggested that a contingency plan should be put in place- of which all staff should be aware.

A contingency plan should be part of the dairy assurance paperwork.

We looked at yard areas and the different groups of cattle, with questions about bedding and the handling of the cattle. This was to determine if any work with the cattle on open yards would make the yard ‘dirty’ and therefore any washings would need to be contained. The cows at this farm are housed inside, being fed cut forage, whilst the young-stock go out to graze.

Much of the concrete is cracked and the guttering needs major repairs; this had been picked up by Charles in his farmyard audit a few weeks back. Our client has applied for mid-tier stewardship – with plans to make the necessary repairs to the concreting and guttering and so this was mentioned to the inspector.

We looked at the silage pits which were all compliant. There is a main slurry storage tower opposite the farmyard and two lagoons, three and five miles away. The inspector didn’t want to see either of these but did check our slurry calculations afterward, to check that there was at least five months worth of storage.

The inspection concluded with a look at the chemical store which was locked and displayed the relevant signs; the Inspector didn’t ask to see inside, but our client unlocked it and showed him anyway. It was compliant, complete with bunding and no out of date chemicals.

The farm was previously inspected by the EA in 2009, so this inspection report was brought along and edited where any changes had been made, i.e new storage and an increase in cattle numbers. It was also brought to our attention by the inspector, that the farm is located on a large aquifer, with a high risk of contamination due to the soil being lighter and more free draining in this area. The inspector also asked to see a consignment/waste transfer more for waste oil, which was produced. This is something that CXCS will become more proactive in staying on top of during our visits to clients.

Lastly, the inspector also highlighted the new 2018 water regulations, which will make it easier for the EA to enforce on items such as soil erosion.