‘Contaminated’ agricultural diesel may cause problems in machinery

TRACES of bacteria were found in 25% of agricultural diesel samples tested in a nationwide survey commissioned by the IFA.

Diesel samples taken in counties Cork, Monaghan, Offaly, Wexford and Waterford showed high levels of bacteria, particularly yeasts and moulds which cause clogged and slimy filters, excess smoke and loss of engine power.

IFA environment and rural affairs chairman Pat Farrell said it was alarming that one-in-four samples tested did not achieve basic diesel quality standards. Sediment and dirt particles were seen in samples from Laois, Sligo and Waterford.

Mr Farrell said: “The diesel samples were taken from the delivery trucks as they were filling the holding tanks in the farmyards, therefore this indicates that either the trucks delivering the diesel or the tanks in the ports are contaminated and need to be cleaned. This sediment contamination can lead to shortened filter life and can cause problems with the flow and combustion of the diesel, which can lead to fuel starvation in the engine.”

According to the National Standards Authority of Ireland there should be no microbial contamination in fuel.

The IFA is now seeking a meeting with the Department of the Environment.