SSAFO Regulations 2010
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- The Crown Estate, Crown Estate Scotland, APHA, Forestry Commission, Natural England
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 5 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides
What you must do
5 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Management duties 2
Design, build and maintain silage silos to meet SSAFO standards
Unlimited fineIf your business stores silage in a silo you must design, construct and keep it so that the base extends beyond the walls, captures all effluent, drains it to an appropriately sized tank and is impermeable and resistant to silage liquid. The silo and its drainage must be at least 10 m from any inland or coastal water and built to last at least 20 years. Failure to meet these technical specs can lead to unlimited fines and imprisonment.
Store fuel oil on farm in approved tanks or drums
Unlimited fineIf you keep fuel oil on your farm, you must store it in a dedicated tank or drum area that meets the standards set out in Schedule 3, or in an approved underground tank. The rule does not apply if you only store up to 1,500 litres or if the oil is in a tanker just being moved around the farm.
Notifications 1
Notify Environment Agency before building new or expanded storage
Unlimited fineIf you plan to build, substantially enlarge, or rebuild a silo, slurry tank or fuel‑oil store after 15 June 2013, you must inform the Environment Agency of the type and location of the store. The notice has to be sent at least 14 days before any construction work starts. Failing to do so can lead to unlimited fines and prosecution.
Other requirements 1
Comply with any SSAFO regulation 7 notice
Unlimited fineIf the Environment Agency serves you with a regulation 7 notice because you store or control silage, slurry or fuel oil, you must carry out the works, precautions or steps set out in that notice. The work must be completed within the period stated (normally 28 days, or a longer reasonable period). Failure to do so can lead to prosecution and an unlimited fine.
Offences and prohibitions 1
Breach SSAFO regulations 3, 4, 5 or 7
Unlimited fineIf your business fails to follow the requirements set out in SSAFO Regulations 3(1) or (4), 4(1), 5(1) or 7(4A), you commit a criminal offence. On conviction in a magistrates’ court you could be fined up to the statutory maximum (currently £5,000); if the case goes to Crown Court the fine is unlimited.
Penalties for non-compliance
5 penalties under this legislation. 5 carry an unlimited fine.
Design, build and maintain silage silos to meet SSAFO standards
Unlimited fine
Store fuel oil on farm in approved tanks or drums
Unlimited fine
Notify Environment Agency before building new or expanded storage
Unlimited fine
Comply with any SSAFO regulation 7 notice
Unlimited fine
Breach SSAFO regulations 3, 4, 5 or 7
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Comply with Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations
How to comply with NVZ regulations if your land is in a designated Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Covers nitrogen application limits, …
Slurry and silage storage compliance (SSAFO)
How to comply with SSAFO regulations for storing silage, slurry, and agricultural fuel oil on farms. Covers construction standards, storage …
Sections and provisions
11 classified provisions from this legislation.