Water grants 2015: roofing (sprayer washdown area, manure storage area, livestock gathering area, slurry stores, silage stores) (RP28)
Eligibility and requirements for roofing (sprayer washdown area, manure storage area, livestock gathering area, slurry stores, silage stores).
Applies to England
Farmers and other land managers can apply for water grants.
Read the accompanying guidance to find out more about Countryside Stewardship water grants 2015.
How much will be paid
£62.00 per square metre.
Where the item is available
This item is available in Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) target areas.
When this item can’t be used
It can’t be used to cover:
- a livestock housing unit;
- item RP15 - Concrete renewal;
- concrete previously funded by CSF (if it’s still under agreement);
- an existing biobed;
- a biobed applied for under item RP24 - Lined biobed plus pesticide loading and washdown area;
- a biobed applied for under item RP25 - Lined biobed with existing washdown area; or
- existing roofing.
This item can’t be used for any other purpose (e.g. to cover stored machinery).
How this item will benefit the environment
This item will reduce water pollution by preventing rainfall from getting into:
- sprayer washdown areas;
- manure storage;
- livestock gathering areas; or
- slurry and silage stores.
Requirements
Before applying for this item, contact:
- the Environment Agency, if any part of the roof-supporting structure forms parts of the silage or slurry store - new and significantly altered stores may have to meet the silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil (SSAFO) regulations 2010; and
- the local planning authority, to check if planning permission is needed.
Applicants must send any advice or consent they receive from them with their application for this item.
With permission from Natural England, advice and consent can be received up until 29 May 2015; applicants can discuss this with their local Catchment Sensitive Farming officer.
Applicants must also send dated photographs of the existing site with their application.
On the land
Successful applicants will need to:
- build a roof structure impermeable to rainwater;
- install guttering and drains to direct roof water to a clean water drain;
- make sure that drainage works meet any building and local authority requirements; and
- make sure that all works meet the relevant British Standards – check the most up-to-date standards.
Keeping records
Successful applicants will need to keep:
- dated and geotagged photographs before and after the works have taken place (submit these with any claim and show them on request);
- any consents received in connection with the work (show these on request); and
- receipted invoices and bank statements relating to this work.
How to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully.
How to get more detailed advice
More detailed information is available through the CSF officer. Applicants may be able to request an infrastructure audit, a slurry and manure handling plan, or a pesticide handling report.
How to separate clean and dirty water
Foul or dirty water should not be allowed to contaminate clean waste. Consideration should be given to how to manage any additional runoff from the impermeable roofed area. Clean and dirty drains may need to be re-organised, or add:
- cross drains;
- catchpits;
- gulleys;
- kerbs; or
- sleeping policemen.
Make sure channels and pipes meet the relevant regulations
Any foul or dirty water (including slurry or manure residues), and any associated channels and pipes, must meet the SSAFO regulations. Channels and pipes should have a minimum design life of 20 years (with maintenance).
What can be covered with this item
This item can be used to cover:
- manure stores (applicants will need to prove that a pollution problem exists);
- yards where animals are handled, feed, drink or exercise;
- slurry and silage stores (make sure the existing floors, walls and effluent collection aren’t a pollution risk - contact the EA for advice); or
- silage self-feeding sites
It can also be used over pesticide sprayer or applicator loading and washdown areas. Make sure:
- the roof covers the bunded wash down area and the drain to the holding tank;
- there’s a minimum 1m overhang on each side;
- the bunded area is a minimum of the sprayer transport width (with the booms folded) plus 2m, and the sprayer length plus 1.5m; and
- the foundations and structural supports are secure and don’t breach the bund, so no pesticide washings can escape.
Side walls and shades can also be built with your roof, though only at your own expense and as long as you don’t breach any consents or permits.
Further information
Find out more about keeping clean and dirty water separate in this information sheet from the Rivers Trust.
See the Voluntary Initiative website for further information about pesticide loading and washdown areas.
*[SSAFO[: silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil