Growers are now free to install Lined Biobeds to treat pesticide washings and run-off from pesticide handling areas.

The changes come under new exemptions to the agricultural waste regulations, the NFU has reported. Developed in Sweden, a Biobed is a lined 1m deep pit filled with a mixture of soil, straw and peat-free compost. This mixture locks up and then degrades dilute pesticide wastes such as sprayer washings.

In independent trials, Lined Biobeds are said to have been shown to reduce pesticide residues in spray washings by an astonishing 100,000 fold.

“Pesticide handling sites are a significant source of pesticide residues in water, so it’s good to have a practical option like Lined Biobeds to help tackle this problem,” said Voluntary Initiative manager Patrick Goldsworthy.

NFU Pesticide spokesman Julian Hasler added that it was positive to see that EA, PSD and Defra ‘have at last worked out a sensible way forward.’

A biobed must be sited at least 10m away from water courses and 50m away from a spring, well or borehole. They can be used to treat up to 15,000 litres of dilute spray waste (excluding rain water) with the drainage water being used to irrigate vegetated land. The biobed mix needs to be replaced every five years. Spent biobed mix can be spread on farmland after 12 months storage.

The new exemption applies from May 2 in England and Wales, bringing those countries into line with Scotland, where a similar exemption has been available since December 2006. Growers are advised to register their site with the Environment Agency before building a biobed and they must follow the EA’s guidelines.

To assist, a guide has been produced to explain what is required. The guidance and the exemption pack can be obtained from EA’s agricultural waste line on 0845 603 3113.

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