David Throup – Area Environment Manager, Worcestershire Ian Jones – Team Leader, Land and Water Team 17 November 2011

Our recent involvement April 2011 Contact with WRS and CSG re: sludge application August 2011 Advice to WRS, enabling slurry pit to be emptied September 2011 Inspection with WRS confirms presence of gypsum October/November 2011 Action relating to use of gypsum, sewage sludge and agricultural practices

Environment Agency remit Pollution Incidents Use of recovered gypsum Application of sewage sludge Agricultural Compliance

Pollution Incidents 7 incidents reported since 2006 Attended over 50% One incident substantiated No impact on surrounding streams

Use of gypsum Gypsum is recovered from plasterboard recycling Quality Protocol – specific end uses Use in agriculture as a soil conditioner or fertiliser Intervention with source company and farm

Use of sewage sludge The Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989 Protection of soil and water Cleansing Services Group Operations Agricultural benefit Future requirements

Agricultural Compliance ‘Cross compliance’ Inspections Correct application rates of nitrogenous materials Findings are notified to the Rural Payments Agency

The future Cross compliance audit Increased monitoring in partnership with WRS Scrutiny of future proposals relating to sewage sludge and gypsum

Summary Gypsum no longer imported for use in animal pens Gypsum stockpiles have been applied to agricultural land Sludge application has ceased All parties fully aware of responsibilities regarding the legitimate end-use of gypsum

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