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What Is a Silage Tank?

Ensuring that our wastewater is properly disposed of is the responsibility of each and every one of us. Fortunately, for most people, systems that are connected to mains sewage systems mean that we do not need to consider this. Some places, however, are not connected to mains wastewater systems, and this is where a septic tank system, cesspool, or silage tank is needed.

A silage tank is a tank that has an input but no output. It is a single-chambered tank that temporarily stores effluent but needs to be regularly emptied. Unlike a septic tank that allows for cleaned wastewater to drain into the local area, a silage tank will store all of the waste inside the tank.

The Difference Between a Silage Tank and a Cesspool

The definition of a silage tank is very similar to that of a cesspool. The main difference between the two, however, is that whereas a cesspool is designed for domestic use and storing household waste, a silage tank is designed for agricultural waste.

Agricultural waste can be far more damaging to the environment around it than domestic sewage. Research shows that silage effluent can demand up to 200 times the biochemical oxygen than domestic sewage. This makes it far more dangerous if it leaks into the surrounding area, potentially killing fish and plants, especially if it gets into the watercourse.

For this reason, as opposed to a cesspool, a silage tank has a special lining that is used to protect the tank and ensure that the silage effluent is properly stored until it is properly disposed of.

Rules Related to Fitting a Silage Tank

If you are looking for a place to store your agricultural waste, a silage tank is the best solution for you. There are, however, some rules that are related to fitting your silage tank. These include:

Notify the Environment Agency – If you are in England, you must notify the Environment Agency at least two weeks before you get the tank fitted. If you are in Wales, you must notify the NRW at least two weeks before it is fitted, and if you are in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you must notify SEPA or DAERA at least 28 days before it is installed. Depending on where you are, you may also need to obtain planning permission before you install your silage tank.

Check the Substance – Depending on the substance that you are storing, there are different regulations that you must follow. Make sure that you check what they are according to the substance that you are intending to store inside the silage tank.

Tank Placement and Maintenance – Different rules exist according to where your silage tank is going to be kept. If you are going to have your silage tank above ground, your silage tank must have an expected lifespan of at least 20 years with maintenance. If you are going to have your silage tank stored under the ground, it must have an expected lifespan of at least 20 years without maintenance.

Safety Zone – The placement of your silage tank is also important and at the mercy of regulations. Your silage tank should be placed at least 10 metres from coastal or inland waters. It might also be the case that the local authority imposes other restrictions on where you can place your silage tank.

Tank Checking and Emptying – You are also obliged to ensure that you are checking and emptying your silage tank as often as it is recommended for you to do so.

Choosing a Silage Tank

If you are looking to get a silage tank for storing your silage effluent, it is important that you choose the right one. There are a few factors that you should consider when deciding which one to get. These include:

  • The required size – they can range from 2,800 litres to 79,000 litres capacity. The size that you need depends on how much waste you will be producing and how often you will empty the tank. Regulations state that you must have at least two days’ worth of storage at peak flow.
  • Whether you would like a silage tank high-level alarm – an alarm that alerts you when the silage tank is filled to a high level.
  • The size of silage tank invert that you require
  • Whether you require one or two silage tank necks
  • The size of the pipework that you need

Ensuring that you are responsible when it comes to the storage and disposal of your waste is essential. If it is not done properly, it can not only get you into trouble with the law but also be extremely damaging to the environment and public health.

The information provided in these articles is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is created to the best of our knowledge and is based on information available. We may make changes to the material on our Website, or to the products and prices described in it, at any time without prior notice. If you would like to find out more and discuss your specific application with us further, please contact us and a member of our expert team will gladly assist you.

Friday 29th March 2024
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