Council highlights environmental risks as farmers prepare for silage harvest
As the silage season kicks off, Limerick City and County Council is reminding local farmers of their legal responsibilities in managing silage effluent to protect local water sources.
Silage effluent, a byproduct of the silage-making process, is a highly potent pollutant, up to 200 times more polluting than domestic sewage. With such risks, the council is urging all agricultural producers to follow strict guidelines under the EU (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022.
Farmers are advised to ensure that silage pits are structurally sound, use appropriate sealants, and follow government specifications for silage bases. Overfilling pits, neglecting drainage systems, or failing to wilt grass before ensiling can lead to dangerous effluent leaks, potentially damaging nearby rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Silage effluent must be collected, diluted with slurry, and spread carefully on land, well away from water sources. Any leaks or discharges must be reported immediately to Limerick City and County Council at 061-556000 or by email to customerservices@limerick.ie.
With the environment and farm sustainability at stake, the Council is calling on farmers to play their part this season in keeping Limerick’s waterways clean.