Infrastructure grant supports bagging slurry solution

Defra’s slurry infrastructure grants are primarily aimed at reducing the contribution of slurry to greenhouse gas emissions.

Bag tanks which can help reduce emissions are supported by the grant funding and offer a complete solution to storing, agitating and managing slurry, says John Tydeman of slurry specialists Tramspread.

“Depending on location, bag tanks can often be installed without planning permission. The tanks sit low to the ground, have capacities up to 7500m³, feature integral stirrers and suction or delivery pipes,” says Mr Tydeman.

“We import and install Albers Alligator bag tanks which only need groundworks similar to a shallow lagoon with sloping sides and base. This design enables the bag tank to be easily filled and fully emptied at any time.”

The grants cover the installation of above ground storage such as steel and stainless steel tanks. These offer farms with less space the opportunity to increase slurry storage and in some cases incrementally add to the size of the tank.

Extending

“Stallkamp tanks can be extended using additional stainless steel rings. A more cost- effective option is the Agritank. Both are covered by the slurry infrastructure grant. However, unlike a bag tank, both will require planning permission.”

All storage tanks must have an impermeable cover which will add to the cost of steel tanks that require a textile or floating cover. The grant will also fund items needed for the basic functioning of new or expanded stores, such as reception pits, pumps and agitators.

“Textile covers can be costly whereas a floating solution like Hexa-Cover will be considerably cheaper.

“While floating tile covers are not covered by the grants, it may still be a cheaper option for some farms,” says Mr Tydeman.

A fixed contribution towards the cost of slurry storage will be calculated using Defra’s standard costings which see £19.27 per m³ contributed for a bag tank with liner and £31.50 per m³ for a steel tank.