ERP permits are a legal requirement for any intensive livestock producer over the below thresholds:

Poultry: 40,000

Sows: 750

Production pigs over 30kg: 2000

As expected the Environment brought in a new fee structure as of 1st April 2018, for any new permit application or variation received after the deadline the new higher fees will apply.  As expected there was a flood of applications received by the EA towards the end of March.

Due to the new Best Available Techniques Reference Document (BREF) updated in 2017, all new or variated permits will have to comply with new reduced ammonia emissions levels straight away and existing permitted units will have to comply by 2022.  This has led on a couple of units to some full and frank discussions on the future of the pig unit given the cost to retro fit some emission reduction techniques.  I had planned to take a trip out to Denmark to see first hand a slurry acidification system (grant available) that reduced ammonia emissions by 64%, however I was unable to attend, but plan to visit later in the year.  It is worth reviewing how your pig unit would comply with the new requirements to help make farm infrastructure decisions.  Given the recent commentary on ammonia emissions and the perceived impact of agriculture, it is clear these regulations are likely to get tighter.

For specialist advice of intensive permitting or waste regulations including EA disputes, contact your local FCG office or Harry at harryedwards@fcgagric.com