Groundwater Protection Code - Use and Disposal of Sheep Dip
The Department has published a Groundwater Protection Code: Use and Disposal of Sheep Dip Compounds. The code gives advice on how the Groundwater Regulations 1998 apply to sheep dipping and disposal of used dip, and what should be done before, during and after dipping to protect groundwater. A checklist of key points drawn from the code in poster and pocket format has also been produced for easy reference while dipping.Copies of the documents are available as follows:
|
Code of Practice |
English text (Adobe Acrobat - 207kb) |
Welsh text (Adobe Acrobat - 475kb) |
|
Checklist |
English text (Adobe Acrobat - 20kb) |
Welsh text (Adobe Acrobat - 320kb) |
|
Poster |
English text (Adobe Acrobat - 20kb) |
Welsh text (Adobe Acrobat - 320kb) |
The above documents have been made available in Adobe Acrobat format for downloading. The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be freely downloaded. Viewers with visual difficulties may find it useful to investigate services provided to improve the accessibility of Acrobat documents -- http://access.adobe.com
Free printed copies of the code, in English or Welsh, may be obtained from Defra Publications, quoting publication code PB12010. See Ordering information for details of how to order.
Background
The code is the first in a series to be made under Regulation 21 of the Groundwater Regulations aimed at activities and sectors with the potential to pollute groundwater. It is intended as an aid to both regulated and regulator. The code refers to relevant codes and guidance covering other issues such as health and safety.
Sheep dipping is a particular priority for this type of code since misuse of sheep dip has caused serious environmental damage in the past. The active ingredients of dip are generally highly toxic to aquatic life and are classified as List I substances under the Groundwater Regulations. The Regulations require that before disposing, or tipping for the purpose of disposal, a listed dangerous substance to land, authorisation should be obtained from the Environment Agency. If granted, the authorisation will contain such conditions as are necessary to prevent List I substances from entering groundwater, and List II substances from polluting groundwater. The Agency may also serve notices under the Regulations to prohibit, or allow to continue subject to conditions, activities 'in or on land' which might result in groundwater pollution.
A draft of the code was sent for public consultation to a wide range of bodies last year, including farming and environmental organisations with an interest in the Regulations. Following this consultation, amendments have been made to the code in response to the comments received.
Further information
- Information regarding the sheep dip Pollution Reduction Programme (PRP) is available on the Environment Agency website
- Guidance on the Groundwater Regulations 1998
- Groundwater protection code: sheep dip
- Groundwater protection code: petrol stations
- Groundwater protection code: solvents
Contacting Defra
If you want further information that is not covered by these pages, you can contact us by e-mail at wq.enquiries@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Page last modified:20 May 2008
Page published 29 August 2001