Water quality threat
Changes in the industry are expected to yield benefits in water quality in the years ahead.
The Environmental Protection Agency says a high percentage of farmers have built the necessary facilities, understand the implications for the environment of poor practices, and demonstrate a responsible approach.
There is a small number who have not yet adopted required policies and practices, which is why education and awareness programmes, and farm surveys, are needed.
Farm surveys to locate potential sources of agricultural pollution have been proposed by 27 local authorities.
Where water quality is found to be unsatisfactory, or at risk, due to farming activities, local authorities send a warning letter to a farmer, followed by formal notices and legal action - which is not needed in the majority of cases.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Cork County Council has reported definite improvements in water quality in the Owenboy, Awbeg and Argideen catchments, as a result of intensive farm surveys and a high degree of co-operation from the agricultural community in response to actions requested by the council.
Limerick County Council has carried out intensive farm survey work throughout the Deel catchment over the past two years.
Every farmer receives a letter from the council, thanking him or her for co-operation and noting any farmyard problems.
The farmer is asked to undertake works necessary to remedy minor problems within a specified time, after which the farm is re-inspected. Where bigger problems are identified, the farmer is asked to submit an effluent management plan, prepared by his agricultural advisor, within six weeks.
Once the plan has been finalised and approved, deadlines for the completion of works required are agreed with the farmer and he is requested, in writing, to carry out the works, followed by re-inspection.
The council reports a high degree of co-operation and compliance among farmers, but statutory notices were used where serious problems were not addressed.
More than 700 farms have been inspected, involving 1,350 visits.
The single biggest problem identified in farmyards has been control of soil and rain waters.
The solution can be as simple as guttering sheds, re-diverting clean uncontaminated rain water, and limiting animal access to the yard.
In many areas of South Tipperary, water deterioration was noted at, and downstream of, cattle watering sites, and the EPA says aerial surveys along the Suir by the Fisheries Boards indicate that this problem is widespread.
In some cases negotiations are underway to provide for fencing and separate water supply for farms, sometimes provided for through REPS.
The Environmental Protection Agency says local authorities should seriously consider requiring farmers to undertake necessary stream protection measures, and says ring feeders near streams pose a similar threat, and should be relocated.
