Guidance

Item specification and grant contribution

Updated 12 March 2024

Applies to England

Stores

Above ground steel slurry store

Grant contribution

£31.50 per m³

Specification

Cylindrical tank constructed of lapped and bolted vitreous enamel or epoxy resin coated steel panels, or stainless-steel panels, on a concrete base. Tank to be constructed to meet:

• silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil (SSAFO) 2010 regulations
• BS5502-50
• BS EN ISO 28722:2011

The store must have a minimum freeboard of 300mm and be designed with a lifespan of more than 20 years.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and construction of tank
• excavation for foundation and base
• supply, laying and consolidating of hardcore
• supply, pour and laying of concrete base to BS 8500-1:2015
• foundations including any necessary reinforcement
• SSAFO compliant controllable lockable sluice
• leak detection system where appropriate
• gas monitoring safety equipment

Where the installation is such that slurry could be released under gravity by the opening of a valve or sluice, the facility should be fitted with 2 valves in series not less than one metre (1m) apart and locked shut when not in use in accordance with SSAFO standards.

Standard cost does not include:

• tank cover
• reception pit
• agitator
• pumps
• inspection platform and ladders

These items are listed separately.

Precast circular concrete slurry store

Grant contribution

£26.17 per m³

Specification

Cylindrical tank constructed from precast concrete panels held together by external steel hoops, integrally bolted or self-supporting on a concrete base. Tank to be constructed to meet:

• SSAFO 2010 regulations
• BS5502-50

The store must have a minimum freeboard of 300mm and be designed with a lifespan of more than 20 years.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation of concrete panels
• excavation for foundation and base
• supply, laying and consolidating of hardcore
• supply, pour and laying of concrete base and foundations including any necessary reinforcement
• SSAFO compliant controllable lockable sluice
• leak detection system where appropriate
• gas monitoring safety equipment

Where the installation is such that slurry could be released under gravity by the opening of a valve or sluice, the facility should be fitted with 2 valves in series not less than 1m apart and locked shut when not in use in accordance with SSAFO standards.

This standard cost does not include:

• tank cover
• reception pit
• agitator
• pumps
• inspection platform and ladders

These items are listed separately.

Earth bank lagoon without synthetic liner

Grant contribution

£10.08 per m³

Specification

Construction of an earth bank lagoon which must comply with SSAFO 2010, including requirements for soil impermeability, banks designed to withstand loads calculated as shown in BS 5502-50. Lagoon must have a 750mm freeboard and be designed with a lifespan of more than 20 years.

Standard cost will include:

• excavation of lagoon base and area of lagoon walls
• excavation of subsoil from below ground element
• construction of lagoon walls and lining including compaction of material
• spreading topsoil to landscape external wall of lagoon
• embankment top that meets Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) C759 specification and allows room for anchoring the store cover
• fixed abstraction and mixing points
• leak detection system where appropriate
• gas monitoring safety equipment

Where the installation is such that slurry could be released under gravity by the opening of a valve, the facility should be fitted with 2 valves in series not less than 1m apart and locked shut when not in use in accordance with SSAFO standards.

It can include provision of an internal access ramp (where appropriate, that is below ground stores for higher dry-matter or sand bedded slurry) to facilitate internal maintenance and the removal of accumulated sediment from the base. The ramp may be:

• constructed of consolidated earth
• surfaced if necessary, with either concrete or compacted stone
• a minimum of 4m wide with a slope not to exceed one in 4
• capable of supporting vehicles with an axle load of not less than 7 tons

To be eligible the facility must be enclosed in a safety fence and have tyre ladders. The safety fence is not included as part of this item but is a separate item.

The safety fence must be to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) specification in accordance with AIS9 of the type that offers no accessible hand or foothold. Fence to fully enclose store with lockable access gate to have similar features to those of the fence to deter and prevent persons from climbing over.

Cost does not include:

• store cover
• reception pit
• agitator
• pumps
• inspection platform

These items are listed separately.

Earth bank lagoon with synthetic liner

Grant contribution

£18.22 per m³

Specification

Construction of an earth bank synthetically lined lagoon which must comply with SSAFO 2010, including banks designed to withstand loads calculated as shown in BS 5502-50. Lagoon must have a 750mm freeboard and be designed with a lifespan of more than 20 years.

Standard cost will include:

• excavation of lagoon base and area of lagoon walls
• excavation of subsoil for below ground element
• construction of lagoon walls from excavated subsoil including compacting of material
• embankment top should meet CIRIA C759 specification and allow room for anchoring the store cover
• supply and installation of liner
• application of site topsoil to landscape external wall of lagoon
• fixed abstraction and mixing points
• leak detection and gas relief system
• gas monitoring safety equipment

Liner must have a life expectancy of more than 20 years and be suitable for use with acidified slurry (pH of 5.5).

Where the installation is such that slurry could be released under gravity by the opening of a valve, the facility should be fitted with 2 valves in series not less than 1m apart and locked shut when not in use in accordance with SSAFO standards.

To be eligible the facility must be enclosed in a safety fence and have tyre ladders. The safety fence is not included as part of this item but is a separate item.

The safety fence must be to HSE specification in accordance with AIS9 of the type that offers no accessible hand or foothold. Fence to fully enclose store with lockable access gate to have similar features to those of the fence to deter and prevent persons from climbing over.

Standard cost does not include:

• store cover
• reception pit
• agitator
• pumps
• inspection platform

These items are listed separately.

Store using precast rectangular concrete panels

Grant contribution

£72.74 per m³

Specification

Construction of a store using precast vertical reinforced concrete panels. It must be designed using interlocking vertical panels, either cantilever design L or T panels, or plain panels supported by appropriate foundations and tied into the floor slab to create an impermeable tank. All joints must be sealed to prevent leakage. Store to be constructed to meet SSAFO 2010 regulations and BS5502. The store must have a minimum freeboard of 300mm and be designed with a lifespan of more than 20 years.

Standard cost includes:

• excavation for foundation and base
• supply laying and consolidation of hardcore
• supply pour and laying of concrete base and foundations
• SSAFO compliant controllable lockable sluice
• leak detection system where appropriate
• gas monitoring safety equipment

The store should include provision of an internal access ramp (where appropriate) to facilitate internal maintenance and the removal of accumulated sediment from the base. The ramp should be a minimum of 4m wide with a slope not to exceed one in 4, capable of supporting vehicles with an axle load of not less than 7 tons.

Where the installation is such that slurry could be released under gravity by the opening of a valve, the facility should be fitted with 2 valves in series not less than 1m apart and locked shut when not in use in accordance with SSAFO standards.

Standard cost does not include:

• tank cover
• reception pit
• agitator
• pumps
• inspection platform and ladders

These items are listed separately.

Large volume permanently installed supported slurry bag

Grant contribution

£19.27 per m³

Specification

The slurry bag must be able to store more than 2,500m³. The slurry bag and earth works must meet SSAFO 2010 regulations. Facility must have a lifespan of more than 20 years and be suitable for use with slurry at a pH of 5.5.

Standard cost includes:

• excavation of base and construction of supporting earthworks or bunding
• supply and installation of bag including fixing to supporting earth work and necessary protection as specified by the supplier such as sand blinding or an appropriate non-woven geotextile
• bag to be held in place against the embankment, using steel pins or equivalent proprietary fixing systems in accordance with the supplier’s design and installation requirements
• leak detection system over secondary membrane

The bag must be fitted with:

• suction or fill lines
• valves
• a spill tank or catch pit at the abstraction or fill point
• air vents along with a leak detection system

Where the installation is such that slurry could be released under gravity by the opening of a valve, the facility should be fitted with 2 valves in series not less than 1m apart and locked shut when not in use in accordance with SSAFO standards.

Cost does not include:

• reception pit
• agitator
• pumps

These items are listed separately.

Covers

Fixed flexible cover

Grant contribution

£32.17 per m²

Specification

Cover made from flexible or pliant sheet material such as reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheeting.

The cover must be:

• designed to have a life expectancy of at least 10 years
• made from material resistant to ammonia and resilient or stabilised to UV
• designed to form a taut skin when stretched over the top of the store
• either self-supporting or supported on a suitably corrosion proof structure to BS 5502 to prevent direct contact between cover and slurry
• constructed to prevent water ingress into the store and reduce ammonia emissions from the store into the surrounding atmosphere
• fitted with gas vents to reduce the build-up of gas

Standard cost includes:

• support structure
• cover
• installation

Floating flexible cover

Grant contribution

£7.99 per m²

Specification

Flexible sheet cover to limit atmospheric emissions and to provide an impermeable barrier to prevent rainwater entering the store.

The cover must be:

• made from material that is impermeable to rainwater, resistant to ammonia and slurry with a pH down to 5.5
• made from material resistant or stabilised to UV
• designed to have a life expectancy of at least 10 years
• designed to include floatation or fixing to the sides of the store to prevent movement during agitation of slurry or removal by wind
• of sufficient size to allow it to float over the slurry as the level of liquid changes

Standard cost includes:

• supply of cover
• installation

Reception pits

Precast concrete reception pit

Grant contribution

£154.81 per m³

Specification

Supply and installation of a precast concrete reception pit.

Reception pit to be constructed to meet:

• SSAFO 2010 regulations
• BS5502 50
• BS EN ISO 28722:2011 where appropriate

Reception pit must be resistant to ammonia and slurry down to a pH of 5.5.

Standard cost includes:

• solid or slatted reinforced cover to tank where appropriate with lockable access points
• excavation for tank
• associated concrete works
• supply, pour and consolidate concrete to form base or foundation
• install tank
• back fill in accordance with tank supplier’s specifications

The reception pit must have capacity for a minimum of 2 days’ slurry production.

Cast in situ concrete reception pit

Grant contribution

£154.81 per m³

Specification

Supply and installation of a cast in-situ concrete reception pit.

Reception pit to be constructed to meet:

• SSAFO 2010 regulations
• BS5502 50
• BS EN ISO 28722:2011 where appropriate

Reception pit must be resistant to ammonia and slurry down to a pH of 5.5.

Standard cost includes:

• solid or slatted reinforced cover to tank where appropriate with lockable access points
• excavation for tank
• associated concrete works

The reception pit must have capacity for a minimum of 2 days’ slurry production.

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) reception pit

Grant contribution

£154.81 per m³

Specification

Supply and installation of a reception pit constructed of GRP.

Reception pit to be constructed to meet:

• SSAFO 2010 regulations
• BS5502 50
• BS EN ISO 28722:2011 where appropriate

Reception pit must be resistant to ammonia and slurry at a pH of 5.5.

Standard cost includes:

• solid or slatted reinforced cover to tank where appropriate with lockable access points
• excavation for tank installation
• back fill in accordance with tank supplier’s specifications

The reception pit must have capacity for a minimum of 2 days’ slurry production.

Steel tank reception pit

Grant contribution

£154.81 per m³

Specification

Supply and installation of steel tank reception pit and appropriate concrete surround and fill.

Reception pit to be constructed to meet:

• SSAFO 2010 regulations
• BS5502 50
• BS EN ISO 28722:2011 where appropriate

Tank must be resistant to ammonia and slurry at a pH of 5.5.

Standard cost includes:

• solid or slatted reinforced cover to tank where appropriate with lockable access points
• excavation for tank
• installation of tank
• back fill in accordance with tank supplier’s specifications

The reception pit must have capacity for a minimum of 2 days’ slurry production.

Pumps

Electric powered slurry transfer pump

Grant contribution

£5,708 each

Specification

Fixed electrically powered pump with a minimum transfer rate of not less than 120m³ an hour at a 12m pumping head.

Pump to be suitable for operation in environments with pH down to 5.5.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation
• electrical connection to farms distribution board

Mobile pumps are not eligible under this item.

Powered take off (PTO) or hydraulically powered slurry transfer pump

Grant contribution

£2,638 each

Specification

Fixed PTO or hydraulically powered pump with a minimum transfer rate of not less than 120m³ an hour at a 12m pumping head.

Pump to be suitable for operation in environments with pH down to 5.5.

Standard cost includes supply and installation.

Mobile pumps are not eligible under this item.

Centrifugal chopper pump

Grant contribution

£5,635 each

Specification

Fixed electrically powered centrifugal chopper pump with minimum 80mm diameter outlet. Minimum transfer rate of 100m³ an hour at a 10m pumping head.

Pump to be suitable for operation in environments with pH down to 5.5.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation
• electrical connection to farms distribution board

Mobile pumps are not eligible under this item.

PTO or hydraulically driven chopper pump

Grant contribution

£3,695 each

Specification

Fixed centrifugal chopper pump with minimum 80mm diameter outlet. Minimum transfer rate of 100m³ an hour at a 10m pumping head.

Pump to be suitable for operation in environments with pH down to 5.5.

Standard cost includes supply and installation.

Mobile pumps are not eligible under this item.

Pipework

Galvanised steel pipe work 100mm

Grant contribution

£28.00 per m

Specification

100mm diameter galvanised steel pipe work suitable for use with liquids pH of 5.5 and rated at not less than 16 bar or pump pressure plus 30%.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation of pipework
• fixing brackets and joiners.

Pipework must be located in areas inaccessible to livestock or machinery or protected by burial or secured to support posts or walling in such a way as to minimise the risk of accidental damage.

Galvanised steel pipe work 150mm

Grant contribution

£55.33 per m

Specification

150mm diameter galvanised steel pipe work suitable for use with liquids pH of 5.5 and rated at not less than 16 bar or pump pressure plus 30%.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation of pipework
• fixing brackets and joiners

Pipework must be located in areas inaccessible to livestock or machinery, protected by burial or secured to support posts or walling in such a way as to minimise the risk of accidental damage.

Polyethylene (PE) or equivalent pipework 100mm

Grant contribution

£25.07 per m

Specification

100mm diameter high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or equivalent pipe work suitable for use with liquids pH of 5.5 and rated at not less than 16 bar or pump pressure plus 30%.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation
• fixing brackets and joiners

Pipework must be located in areas inaccessible to livestock or machinery or protected by burial or secured to support posts or walling in such a way as to minimise the risk of accidental damage.

PE or equivalent pipework 150mm

Grant contribution

£33.04 per m

Specification

150mm diameter HDPE, ABS or equivalent pipe work suitable for use with liquids pH of 5.5 and rated at not less than 16 bar or pump pressure plus 30%.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation
• fixing brackets and joiners

Pipework must be located in areas inaccessible to livestock or machinery or protected by burial or secured to support posts or walling in such a way as to minimise the risk of accidental damage.

Transfer channels

Under-floor transfer channels

Grant contribution

£215.55 per m

Specification

Flat bottomed, V or U section pre-cast concrete slurry channel with tongue and groove or equivalent channel sealing system.

Channels must:

• include solid or slatted topped lid with a minimum 4t axle load
• be a minimum depth of 750mm, minimum unit width 1000mm

Standard cost includes:

• precast headwall
• excavation
• supply and installation of channel units on concrete bedding
• backfilling with permeable fill or lean-mix concrete
• making good interface with surrounding yard area with minimum C30 or 37 concrete not less than 150mm thick

Agitators

Tank wall mixers tank capacity up to 1,200m³

Grant contribution

£3,847 each

Specification

Tank wall mixer for either concrete or steel tanks, or in situ mounted mixer for large slurry bags. Fixed installation electric motor driven with a 600mm impeller.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation
• electrical connection to farms distribution board

Mobile mixers are not eligible under this item.

Tank wall mixers tank capacity up to 8,000m³

Grant contribution

£8,668 each

Specification

Tank wall mixer for either concrete or steel tanks, or in situ mounted mixer for large slurry bags. Fixed installation electric or PTO motor driven with twin jetters for upper and lower sediment mobilisation.

Standard cost includes:

• supply and installation
• electrical connection to farms distribution board

Mobile mixers are not eligible under this item.

Safety equipment

Inspection platform with ladder for above ground concrete and steel tanks

Grant contribution

£1,460 each

Specification

Galvanised steel inspection platform and ladder for above ground steel and concrete tank.

Standard cost includes supply and installation.

Platform and ladder to meet BS5502 standard.

Ladder must be designed to prevent unauthorised access to platform. Platform must be located at least 1m below top of tank.

Safety fencing for below ground stores earth bank lagoons and slurry bags

Grant contribution

£11.04 per m

Specification

Safety fence to meet or exceed the specifications of HSE guidance AIS9 of the type that offers no accessible hand or foothold. For example, chain-link fence topped by 3 strands of barbed wire, spaced at intervals of 100mm, to give an overall height of 1.3m with posts at 2m spacing.

Fence to fully enclose store with lockable access gates, minimum 3.5m wide to an equivalent standard to those of the fence to deter and prevent unauthorised access. Fixed abstraction and agitation points should ideally be accessible from outside the fence.