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Click to view all ENVIRONMENT

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

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Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

ENVIRONMENT

CR.EC.1 Key

Standards

Potential pollutants must be stored in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution to crops, feedstuffs, animals, soils, groundwater and watercourses. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.1.a

Fuel tanks are bunded where required by legislation.

CR.EC.1.b

PPPs are kept in a locked store with access only given to trained and authorised personnel.

CR.EC.1.c

Manufactured fertiliser is stored on a hard, dry surface.

CR.EC.1.d

AN fertilisers are stored in accordance with the HSE document ‘Storing and Handling Ammonium Nitrate’.

CR.EC.1.e

Any fertiliser spillage can be contained.

CR.EC.1.f

Organic manures are not stored: - within 10m of inland freshwaters or coastal waters - within 50m of a spring, well or borehole

CR.EC.1.g

Liquid fertiliser is stored in suitable tanks or bowsers: - liquid fertiliser tanks are either bunded or have lockable or removable tap handles

CR.EC.1.1 Key

Standards

The PPP store must be of a suitable design, construction and layout. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.1.1.a

The store has adequate ventilation.

CR.EC.1.1.b

The lighting within the store is sufficient to read product labels.

CR.EC.1.1.c

The store is frost-proof.

CR.EC.1.1.d

The store is away from areas presenting a risk of fire and at least 4m away from flammable materials, sources of ignition.

CR.EC.1.1.e

Warning signs on or adjacent to, the door including: - general warning sign - no smoking sign - naked flames prohibited sign

CR.EC.1.1.f

Liquids cannot contaminate granules and powders.

CR.EC.1.1.g

Fixed shelving is strong enough to support product.

CR.EC.1.1.h

Emergency facilities are available to deal with spillages e.g. sand/absorbent granules/an adequate sump/ability to retain spillages (i.e. bunded).

CR.EC.1.1.i

An outside cage is only used where the product is supplied in a container designed specifically for outside storage.

CR.EC.1.1.j

Segregation of product and empty packaging.

CR.EC.1.1.k

Emergency phone numbers are displayed.

CR.EC.1.1.m

A first aid kit, including eye wash, is available.

CR.EC.1.1.n

A fire extinguisher is available.

CR.EC.1.2

Standards

A list of stored PPPs must be available and updated on a regular basis.

List of stored PPPs

CR.EC.2

Standards

In the case of packaging breakages PPPs must be transferred to a suitable container.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.2.a

Container has an appropriate safe closure cap or bag tie.

CR.EC.2.b

The original label information is displayed.

CR.EC.3

Standards

Nitrogen based fertilisers must be stored in a way that minimises the risk of theft. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.3.a

Stored in a secure building or compound where there is no public access.

CR.EC.3.b

Product is either not stored close to, or is not visible from, a public highway (covering or sheeting is an acceptable way of ensuring the product is not visible).

CR.EC.3.c

Checks are made to ensure manufactured fertiliser has not been tampered with, moved or stolen.

CR.EC.3.d

Any theft or losses are reported to the police immediately (Tel: 101) as detailed in the Appendix.

CR.EC.3.e

Site map references for granular nitrogen fertiliser storage are recorded (what3words or six figure Easting and Northing reference, e.g. 123456/456789).

CR.EC.3.1

Standards

A list of stored manufactured fertiliser must be kept and updated regularly.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.3.1.a

Physical stock checks are carried out regularly.

Stored manufactured fertiliser list

CR.EC.3.2

Standards

It is recommended that you notify the relevant authorities if you are storing certain amounts and/or types of fertiliser.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.3.2.a

Sites storing more than 150 tonnes of fertilisers which contain Ammonium Nitrate, where the Nitrogen content is greater than 15.75%, notify the Fire and Rescue Service.

CR.EC.3.2.b

If storing more than 25 tonnes in total of any fertilisers or other substances with an oxidiser warning sign on the bag or container you have notified both HSE and the Fire and Rescue Service.

CR.EC.4 Key

Standards

PPPs must be appropriate for their intended use. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.4.a

Manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

CR.EC.4.b

PPPs are approved for use.

CR.EC.4.c

Unapproved product is kept in a segregated area of the pesticide store, pending collection for disposal at the earliest opportunity; clearly marked with signs/labels stating that it must not be used.

CR.EC.4.d

The Defra Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products is adhered to and particular attention is given to: - environmental impact and residue levels - maximum permitted dose rates - any relevant risks if reduced dose rates are used - restrictions on repeated applications to a single crop - rotation of modes of action (where possible)

CR.EC.4.1

Standards

PPPs are mixed/handled in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.4.1.a

Where used, measuring equipment is dedicated to this purpose, non-glass, clean and free of accumulated residues and numbering is sufficiently legible to enable accurate measurement.

CR.EC.4.1.b

Where used, weighing scales are dedicated to this purpose and are check weighed at least annually and, if necessary, calibrated.

CR.EC.4.1.c

Any dedicated PPP filling areas are designed to effectively contain any drips or spills generated by filling of PPP application equipment.

CR.EC.4.1.d

Where a dedicated filling area is not in place, a suitable alternative provision is present to control this risk (e.g. a suitably functional drip tray and selection of filling locations distanced from water courses, boreholes/springs/wells).

CR.EC.4.1.e

Any alternative provisions used are managed appropriately to ensure they do not themselves present a risk of contamination to personnel or environment.

PPP store scale calibration record where required

CR.EC.5 Key

Standards

PPPs must be applied in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.5.a

PPP application does not occur in areas of high pollution risk, as identified on farm map.

CR.EC.5.b

PPP application does not occur in unsuitable conditions e.g. when there is a risk of drift or where soil conditions are unsuitable e.g. waterlogged, flooded or snow-covered soil or where the soil has been frozen for more than 12 hours in the previous 24 hours.

CR.EC.5.c

Buffer zone requirements of the PPP being applied are complied with.

CR.EC.5.d

Local beekeepers are given 48 hours’ notice (unless otherwise agreed) of the intention to apply a PPP that is hazardous to bees, via direct contact/BeeConnected/equivalent.

CR.EC.5.e

Care is taken when applying near hedgerows, woodlands, wetlands, private homes or public places e.g. schools, parks, playground.

CR.EC.6

Standards

PPP application must be undertaken by competent operators. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.6.a

NPTC Pesticide Application Certificates/Lantra Awards Level 2 Pesticides qualification.

CR.EC.6.b

National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) registration is held: - BASIS Prompt,registration with the BPCA CPD scheme or NRoSO is held for those applying grain store insecticides
  • NPTC/Lantra certificates
  • NRoSO membership number and expiry date

CR.EC.7

Standards

All PPP application equipment must be maintained and tested.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.7.a

Frequency of testing is carried out as follows: - Equipment = 3m+ boom sprayer/Granular nematicide applicator Testing frequency = Annual NSTS test - Equipment = Slug pelleter (including electric spinning disc and hydraulic/ PTO fertiliser spreaders)/≤3m/ granular herbicide applicator (boom type) Testing frequency = NSTS tested before the equipment is 5 years old and thereafter NSTS tested once every 6 years - Equipment = Handheld/knapsack sprayer Testing frequency = No testing required

CR.EC.7.b

Equipment calibration occurs between seasons of use, as a minimum.

CR.EC.7.c

Equipment used to apply granular PPPs is calibrated whenever there is a change of product.
  • NSTS Certificates
  • Calibration records

CR.EC.7.1

Standards

PPPs must be transported in manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.7.1.a

Transporting product through water/crossing watercourses is avoided wherever possible

CR.EC.7.1.b

Diluted PPPs: - valves which control the flow of the PPP to the spraying equipment are shut during transport unless constant agitation is specifically mentioned on the label - hoses, nozzles and other fittings are maintained in line with manufacturer’s instructions

CR.EC.7.1.c

Undiluted PPPs: - transported in a secure chest/cabinet/container

CR.EC.7.2

Standards

Where Metaldehyde is used, it must be used in a manner that reduces the risk to water, birds and small mammals.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.7.2.a

Appropriate active per hectare has been used to avoid drainage and run-off.

CR.EC.7.2.b

No applications are made during heavy rain or when drains are flowing.

CR.EC.7.2.c

Consideration is given to the proximity of watercourses, as demonstrated on the farm map(s).

CR.EC.7.2.d

Consideration is given to the maximum permitted dose rate and maximum application rates.

Metaldehyde application records

CR.EC.7.3

Standards

Where granular nematicides are used, use must be in accordance with the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) Best Practice Protocol. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.7.3.a

Staff applying granular nematicides hold a PA4 or PA4G certificate.

CR.EC.7.3.b

Staff applying granular nematicide complete ARTIS e-learning modules.

CR.EC.7.3.c

The applicator is checked prior to the start of the season and on each working day to ensure all pipework is correctly fitted, the hopper bungs are in place and the hopper lids are secure. When the applicator is in use, granules are monitored to check they are flowing correctly.

CR.EC.7.3.d

The applicator must be able to turn off the flow of nematicide granules at least 3 metres from the end of each row

CR.EC.7.3.e

Designated areas for filling hoppers in each field are used which can easily be checked for spillages. Spillages should be dealt with according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the NSP protocol to ensure no granules are left on the surface.

CR.EC.7.3.f

Treated fields are checked 24–48 hours after application for any adverse effects to wildlife. If any are found, contact the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) and the granule manufacturer.
  • PA4G certificate
  • ARTIS e-learning certificate
  • Applicator check record (pre-season and on day of operation)
  • Post-application field check record

CR.EC.7.4

Standards

Advisers making recommendations on PPP use must be on the BASIS Professional Register.

Name and BASIS professional register number

CR.EC.7.5

Standards

Surplus spray mix must be dealt with in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.7.5.a

Surplus spray mix is sprayed onto designated areas (e.g. crop left specifically for the purpose) and the maximum rate is not exceeded, or securely stored pending collection by a registered waste contractor.

CR.EC.7.5.b

Tank washings and rinsates are treated in a biobed or biofilter under a registered waste exemption or disposed directly to the ground in accordance with an appropriate permit.

Exemption/permit

CR.EC.8

Standards

Records must be kept of all PPP applications.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.8.a

Records are kept of all PPP applications, including PPPs used to treat seed, in-field PPPs, pre-harvest crop store PPPs, post-harvest PPPs and diatomaceous earths.

CR.EC.8.b

Records include: - field/store identifier for post-harvest treatments - crop/variety - total area - sowing or planting date - date and time applied - justification/target for application - product name and active ingredient - rate of application - water volume - wind direction and speed - harvest interval - name of sprayer operator

CR.EC.8.c

Records are kept for at least 3 years.

PPP application records

CR.EC.8.1

Standards

Systems must be in place to ensure statutory harvest intervals for PPPs are complied with.

Records demonstrating harvest intervals are complied with

CR.EC.9 Key

Standards

Manufactured fertilisers and organic manures must be applied in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.9.a

Any materials, including waste materials, that are applied to land should have agricultural benefit.

CR.EC.9.b

Exemptions/permits to use waste materials are held.

CR.EC.9.c

A Manure Management Plan (MMP) is kept and followed when applying organic manures to land.

CR.EC.9.e

Before application the following factors are considered: - NVZ restrictions - soil type - soil condition - crop requirements - slope - weather conditions - the location of watercourses - water supplies and abstraction points (including on neighbouring land)

CR.EC.9.f

Applications are not carried out during high risk times e.g. on waterlogged, flooded or snow-covered soil or where the soil has been frozen for more than 12 hours in the previous 24 hours.

CR.EC.9.g

Biosolids are assured under the Biosolids Assurance Scheme.

CR.EC.9.h

Untreated sewage sludge, untreated abattoir or catering derived animal by-products are not applied.

CR.EC.9.i

Applications are made in accordance with Appendix.
  • Exemptions/permits
  • Manure Management Plan (or records detailing required information)

CR.EC.9.1

Standards

Advisers making recommendations on manufactured fertiliser use must be on the FACTS Professional Register.

Name and FACTS professional register number

CR.EC.9.2

Standards

Fertiliser rates must be based on a calculation of the nutrient requirements of the crop and on regular analysis of nutrient levels in soil, plant or nutrient solution.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.9.2.a

Proper account is taken of nutrient content of organic manure.

Analysis results or standard analysis (e.g. RB209)

CR.EC.9.4

Standards

Documented evidence detailing the chemical content (N, P, K) of all purchased manufactured fertilisers must be kept for twelve months.

Invoices/delivery records/data sheets

CR.EC.9.5

Standards

Documentary evidence must be kept which demonstrates that manufactured fertiliser is responsibly sourced and traceable, e.g. from a Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) approved supplier. (New)

Invoices/delivery records

CR.EC.10

Standards

All manufactured fertiliser application equipment must be maintained and calibrated at least annually.

Calibration record

CR.EC.10.1

Standards

Records must be kept of all applications of manufactured fertilisers and organic manures.

How you will be measured

CR.EC.10.1.a

Records include: - field identifier/location - date of application - product type - product quantity - method of application - name of operator or contractor

Manufactured fertiliser/organic manure application records

CR.EC.11 Key

Standards

All wastes which cannot be utilised are disposed of in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and pollution. (Revised)

How you will be measured

CR.EC.11.a

Wastes are disposed of by a registered waste carrier.

CR.EC.11.b

Wastes are not burnt, with the exception of vegetation and untreated wood.

CR.EC.11.c

Empty PPP containers are: - cleaned using an integrated pressure rinsing device, or triple rinsed appropriately and the rinsate returned to the spray tank - stored securely - not reused - returned to the supplier or where non-returnable, disposed of via a registered waste carrier

CR.EC.11.d

Redundant PPPs are disposed of via the supplier or a registered waste carrier.
  • Waste transfer notes
  • Waste Carrier name and registration number
  • EC.1 – Potential pollutants include, but are not limited to, PPPs, fertilisers – manufactured and organic, anaerobic digestate, fuel oil, empty containers, disinfectants and rodenticides.
    Watercourse includes, water courses (ditches, streams, rivers), ponds, lakes, reservoirs, canals, estuaries, coastline
    Organic manure includes livestock manures, sewage sludge/biosolids, compost, digestates, organic industrial waste
  • EC.4 – A PPP is defined as any product with a current MAPP number
  • EC.5 – BeeConnected website: beeconnected.org.uk
  • EC.6 – PPP application operators also include those applying granular/dust PPPs, post-harvest treatment or seed treatment
  • EC.7.2 – For information about the responsible use of metaldehyde, see: www.getpelletwise.co.uk
  • EC 7.3 – Nematicide Stewardship Programme: http://nspstewardship.co.uk
    The Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP) was founded in 2015 with a scope covering the use of cholinesterase inhibiting, granular nematicides – specifically: oxamyl                        (e.g.Vydate) and fosthiazate (e.g. Nemathorin). The NSP scope does not include liquid nematicides and non-cholinesterase inhibiting granular nematicides.
  • EC.9 – The supply and timing of nutrient application is matched to meet crop demand. Non-target areas are protected from run-off and leaching
  • EC.9.2 – Risk factors which could lead to runoff, which should be taken into account are: slope (especially if greater than 12 degrees), ground cover, proximity to watercourses or                              wetlands, weather conditions and forecasts, soil type and condition, presence and condition of land drains
    PPPs are defined as any product with a current MAPP number
  • EC.11 – In order to transport your own waste you must be registered (free of charge) as a low tier waste carrier: https://www.gov.uk/register-renew-waste-carrier-broker-dealer-england
    Opportunities are considered for: reducing the production of waste, re-using waste (where appropriate), recycling waste, plastics in particular