The Scottish Government has published recommendations designed to improve guidance, practice and regulations relating to the spreading of sewage sludge on land in Scotland, following the conclusion of a review into the issue.
Among the recommendations to come out of the review of the storage and spreading of sewage sludge on land 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 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
Annoucing the recommendations, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment Richard LochheadMr Lochhead said:
“Following the recent conclusion of the review, I have approved a wide range of recommendations. 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.”
The review was commissioned by the Cabinet Secretary in response to a number of public complaints relating to odour, and focused on issues such as public nuisance, regulations and guidance, regulatory roles, and the treatment and testing of sludge.
A review group made up of Scottish Government, SEPA and Scottish Water officials held discussions over recent months with communities, the sewage sludge industry, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
Sewage sludge is produced by Scottish Water (20 per cent) and Public Finance Initiative (PFI) contractors (80 per cent) on a daily basis from sewage treatment works throughout Scotland. One of the long-established routes for sewage sludge is for it to be spread on land due to the potential to improve soil quality and provide nutrients for crops.
Click here to download The ‘Review of the Storage and Spreading of Sewage Sludge on Land in Scotland
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
Börger UK, which has firmly established itself as a leading pump brand since it was set up in Staffordshire in 2004, has moved into bigger, brand-new premises in Shrewsbury.
HUBER Technology UK & Ireland are inviting people to register for their March webinar where they will be providing information about HUBER water intake screens for municipal and industrial applications.
Sulzer has launched a new global Center of Excellence (CoE) for Water Treatment Solutions - the CoE consolidates Sulzer’s wastewater treatment expertise in a unified and global manner.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.