Spreading sewage sludge on farm land has led to many complaints from the public about offensive odour as well as concerns about the risk posed to public health. Following the conclusion of a review into the issue, Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead has published recommendations designed to improve the guidance, practice and regulations - which include implementing some requirements into Scottish law.
Among the recommendations to come out of the review of the storage and spreading of sewage sludge on land in Scotland are:
* The requirements of the Safe Sludge Matrix should be incorporated into law in Scotland.
*There should be an operator's licence including a "fit and proper person" test for all operators who are involved in the handling, storage, transportation and spreading of material on agricultural land.
*SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) should be the lead agency for incidents and complaints relating specifically to sewage sludge, with a single point of contact.
*SEPA should have the power to have an "exempt" activity, such as storage of sewage sludge, stopped immediately and the sludge removed.
*Tighter monitoring of operator practice by SEPA.
Mr Lochhead said: "Some of the recommendations will require changes to legislation, and we will of course undertake a public consultation on any draft legislative proposals.
"The use of sewage sludge - when well managed - allows us to recycle valuable materials in a way that is safe and environmentally beneficial. I am confident that these actions will address the issues raised by communities and MSPs in relation to the spreading of sewage sludge, notably offensive odours."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 189 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1125 per head and 230p per kg to average £860.42 and 200.7p (+7.3p on the fortnight), while 240 store bullocks peaked at £1220 and 262.3p to level at £937.25 and 209.1p (+5.9p). Forty-five store, B&W bullocks sold to £810 and 151.4p to average £720.33 and 132.7p (-2.5p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4365 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £115 per head and 269p per kg to average 188.3p (+9.1p on the week).
The firm also had 5085 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £148 for Texels and averaged £79.27 (+£2.83), while light ewes peaked at £79 for Cheviots and levelled at £55.48 (+£4.60). Rams sold to £117 for a Suffolk and averaged £68.72.
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