Farmers asked for views on tougher sheep dip guidance

Nation.Cymru staff

Farmers are being asked for their views on changes to sheep dipping guidance aimed at reducing pollution in Welsh rivers and streams.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), working with the Welsh Government, is consulting on revisions to the Groundwater Protection Code covering the use and disposal of sheep dip.

The guidance was last updated in 2017 and the proposed changes include new advice on where sheep dipping should take place, what to do when rain is forecast and how damaged or leaking dip baths should be dealt with.

NRW says sheep dipping remains important for protecting livestock from parasites but chemicals can damage water quality if they are incorrectly used, stored or disposed of.

The regulator said it had also seen evidence of the cumulative impact of disposing of sheep dip on land.

Dave Jones, NRW’s Senior Specialist Advisor for Groundwater, said: “The disposal of sheep dip to land has taken place for more than 30 years.

“However, we have seen evidence of the cumulative impact this can have on our rivers and streams, contributing to failures in meeting the standards needed to protect the water environment.

“The updated guidance is designed to reflect current policy and environmental requirements while supporting farmers to adopt good practice.

“To get this right, we need the knowledge and experience of the farming industry to help shape the final document.”

One of the main changes would remove references to applications for new environmental permits allowing waste sheep dip to be disposed of on land, as such permits are no longer issued in Wales.

Existing permit holders will be allowed to continue operating under their permits for the time being.

NRW also proposes revising guidance on parts of farms considered unsuitable for sheep dipping and updating advice on dipping when rain is forecast to reflect manufacturers’ recommendations.

Farmers would be advised not to repair damaged or leaking dip baths but instead replace them or use a mobile dipping unit.

Exemption

References to enzyme treatment of waste sheep dip under the former T27 waste exemption would also be removed because the product concerned never became available and the exemption is no longer valid.

Mr Jones said: “The guidance was last updated in 2017, and this consultation provides an opportunity to ensure it continues to meet the needs of both the farming industry and the environment.

“We want to hear from farmers, land managers and anyone with an interest in sheep dipping.

“We welcome suggestions for improvement, feedback on any sections that are difficult to understand, and comments on whether the proposed measures are practical to implement.”

The 12-week consultation opened on July 29 and will run until October 16.

NRW says responses will be considered before the final version of the guidance is published, which is expected in early 2027.

---

Get more trusted Welsh news

Choose Nation.Cymru as a preferred source in Google News to see more of our journalism.