Closed-period slurry spreading linked to river pollution in Meath study

Phosphate loss into water during wet weather had been identified earlier, leading to chemistry sampling to determine if slurry was spread in the closed season, and if nutrients were entering the rivers

Phosphate loss into water during wet weather had been identified earlier, leading to chemistry sampling to determine if slurry was spread in the closed season, and if nutrients were entering the rivers. File picture

In a week of bad news for water quality, newly published results showed spreading slurry in the closed period is part of the problem.

Chemistry sampling at 15 sites in Moynalty, Co Meath, in the 2024/25 winter revealed spreading continuing after the September 30, 2024, last date for spreading, set by the Nitrates Action Programme.