Laois County Council maintain a public register of farmers and land owners who spread sewage sludge on their lands.
Local authorities regulate the spreading of sewage sludge by farmers and land owners on their lands.
Sludge from Waste Water Treatment Plants and septic tanks can only be used in Agriculture in accordance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 and the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 2001.
These regulations require that sludge is only used in accordance with a Nutrient Management Plan.
Laois County Council Environment Section is responsible for the assessment of these Nutrient Management Plans.
If you are a farmer who wishes to use sewage sludge for agricultural purposes, you are advised to engage the services of an Agricultural Consultant with specific experience in the area of Sludge Management.
If you are an Agricultural Consultant who wishes to submit a Nutrient Management Plan for assessment then contact the Environment Section of Laois County Council concerning their requirements in this regard.
Buffer zones from the Code of Good Practice using Biosolids for Farmers:
The following Buffer Strips must be observed when landspreading Biosolids:
Recommended Buffer Strips for Biosolids (m):
Sensitive Buildings (Hospitals, Schools and Churches): 200
Dwelling Houses: 100
Public Roads: 10
Streams and Drains: 10
Lakes and Main River Channels: 20
Domestic Wells: 50
Public Water Supply Sources: 50-300
Should you have any queries in relation to Sewage Sludge, please contact the Environment Section at environmentadmin@laoiscoco.ie