From storing slurry and agricultural fuel oil to applying pesticides and managing livestock near watercourses, farming involves activities that can affect the surrounding environment. The Environment Agency carries out farm inspections to check compliance with environmental regulations and help protect water quality, soil and surrounding habitats. Inspections may focus on particular activities or pollution risks, depending on your farm and the reason for the visit.
If you receive notification of an inspection, taking time to review your practices and gather relevant records can help you prepare. Here are some steps to consider.
1. Get your records in order
The Environment Agency will usually contact you to arrange an inspection and provide details of the areas and documents it wants to review. You may be able to provide relevant paperwork in advance, helping the officer focus on the inspection itself.
Depending on your farming activities, this could include nutrient management plans and soil sample results, drainage and risk maps, Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) records, and calculations showing whether your slurry store has sufficient capacity.
Gather the relevant documents and check that they are up to date and easy to access. If your records are stored digitally, make sure you can locate them quickly. Having this information ready can help demonstrate how you manage environmental risks and make the inspection more straightforward.
2. Check silage, slurry and manure storage
Silage effluent, slurry and manure can pose a significant pollution risk if storage facilities are damaged, inadequately maintained or unable to contain their contents. Check your silage clamps for damaged flooring, drainage problems and signs of effluent escaping. Make sure effluent collection systems are working properly and that any runoff can be contained.
For slurry stores, check for visible damage, leaks and signs of deterioration. Review your storage capacity, including whether it is sufficient for the volume of slurry produced and expected rainfall. If you use an earth-banked store, make sure it is maintained appropriately and has the required freeboard.
Farmyard manure storage and areas where dirty water collects should also be checked for potential leakage or runoff into surrounding land and watercourses.
The rules for storing silage and slurry include requirements covering the construction, location, capacity and maintenance of storage facilities. If you plan to build a new store or make substantial changes to an existing one, you may also need to notify the Environment Agency at least 14 days before work begins.
Read the official guidance on storing silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil to understand the requirements that apply to your farm.
3. Review fuel storage and spill prevention
Agricultural fuel oil, including red diesel, can cause serious environmental damage if it leaks into drains, soil or watercourses.
Inspect your fuel tanks, pipework, hoses and fittings for signs of damage or leaks. Check that tanks have appropriate secondary containment, commonly known as bunding, and that it is in good condition. Bunds should be impermeable, free from drains and capable of containing spills in line with the applicable requirements.
Check that taps and valves are secured when not in use, delivery arrangements minimise the risk of overfilling, and suitable spill-response equipment is readily available. Make sure anyone handling fuel knows what to do if a spill occurs.
The regulations for agricultural fuel oil storage depend on the circumstances, including the quantity stored and whether you are constructing a new installation or substantially changing an existing one. The Environment Agency’s agricultural fuel oil storage guidance explains the requirements in more detail.
4. Check pesticide storage and handling
Pesticides and other agricultural chemicals need to be stored, handled and disposed of carefully to reduce the risk of pollution.
Check that pesticides are stored securely and that containers are in good condition. Review where sprayers are filled and cleaned, paying particular attention to the risk of spills, contaminated water entering drains and washings reaching watercourses.
Make sure pesticide handling and cleaning take place in appropriate areas, and that washings and waste are managed correctly. Check that anyone involved in handling or applying pesticides has the necessary training and follows the relevant safety requirements.
Keep relevant records and guidance accessible so you can explain the procedures followed on your farm if asked.
For further information, consult the Environment Agency’s guidance on preventing water pollution from farming activities.
5. Review drainage and field management
Farmyard drainage and field management are important areas of an Environment Agency inspection, particularly where activities could allow pollutants to reach nearby watercourses.
Walk around your farmyard and buildings to check where rainwater and dirty water flow. Look for blocked drains, damaged pipework, leaking gutters and downpipes, or areas where clean and contaminated water are not adequately separated.
Check for signs of runoff entering ditches, streams or other watercourses. Review drainage and risk maps where available, so you can identify vulnerable areas and explain the measures in place to manage them.
Fields may also be inspected for signs of soil erosion, runoff and livestock poaching, particularly near watercourses. Review how and when fertilisers and manures are applied, taking account of soil conditions, crop requirements and the weather. Consider whether any fields or areas within fields are unsuitable for spreading.
The Government’s Farming Rules for Water guidance explains the requirements for managing agricultural activities to protect water quality.
6. Know what to expect during the inspection
An Environment Agency inspection typically involves an officer reviewing relevant records, walking around the farm and discussing how you manage environmental risks. The visit may cover storage facilities, fuel tanks, drainage systems, pesticide handling areas and fields, depending on your activities and the focus of the inspection.
The Environment Agency advises that inspections can take between one and three hours, depending on the size of the farm and the amount of advice required.
Being selected for an inspection does not automatically mean you have done something wrong. Inspections may be targeted at areas where water quality is at risk, and officers can help identify problems that may not be immediately obvious during day-to-day farm operations.
If the officer identifies areas of concern, they should discuss these with you and explain what needs to be addressed. The Environment Agency’s approach includes advice and guidance to help farmers comply with regulations, although more formal enforcement action may be necessary in some circumstances.
You can read the Environment Agency’s own advice in its guide to preparing for a farm inspection.
7. Follow up on any actions
Following the inspection, you will usually receive a report setting out any actions required and the relevant deadlines. The Environment Agency advises that this is usually provided within two weeks.
Read the report carefully and make sure you understand what needs to be done. Prioritise actions according to their urgency and potential environmental impact, and keep records of the work completed.
Evidence such as photographs, repair invoices and updated plans can help demonstrate that improvements have been made. If you are concerned about meeting a deadline, contact the relevant officer as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
Addressing issues promptly can help reduce the risk of pollution, further disruption and potential enforcement action.
Better Sorted Than Sorry
We visit this topic as part of our Better Sorted Than Sorry campaign, as preparing for an Environment Agency inspection is not just about having the right paperwork ready. Regularly checking storage facilities, drainage, pesticide handling and field conditions can help you identify problems before they become more serious.
A few practical checks and well-maintained records can help you demonstrate how you manage environmental risks while protecting your land, watercourses and farming business.
For advice on your farm insurance, contact our Farm Team on 01653 609152 or email farm@mcclarroninsurance.com.
