Kilkenny County Council
Sludge Management
Sludge
Sludge from wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks can only be used in Agriculture in accordance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 and the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 2001. These regulations require that sludge is only used in accordance with a Nutrient Management Plan. Kilkenny County Council Environment Section is responsible for the assessment of these Nutrient Management Plans.
If you are a farmer who wishes to use sewage sludge for agricultural purposes, you are advised to engage the services of an Agricultural Consultant with specific experience in the area of sludge management.
If you are an Agricultural Consultant who wishes to submit a Nutrient Management Plan for assessment you should be aware of Kilkenny County Council's requirements in this regard. Where you have not submitted any previous plans you are advised to arrange a meeting with the Environment Section.
Sludge from Kilkenny County Council's own treatment plants is used in agriculture on various land banks throughout County Kilkenny. A register of sludge used in agriculture is kept and is available to view as part of the Council's interactive mapping system. Click here to access GIS maps.
Fee associated with submitting a Nutrient Management Plan
The Assessment of Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) submitted under the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 to 2001 as from January 2011 is subject to a charge. All Nutrient Management Plans submitted under the regulation must be accompanied by €300. Half of the charge will be refunded where a plan is refused or withdrawn.
Groundwater Protection Responses for the Landspreading of Organic Waste (DOE / EPA / GSI publication) (592 KB PDF)
