Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if analyses of soil samples resulting from the spreading of Biofert in County Carlow complied with all aspects of the biosolid recycling in agriculture scheme; if any excesses in heavy metals were noticed as a result of the spreading of Biofert and sludge cake; and if so, if farmers were informed of such findings. [14480/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The re-use of waste water sludge, including Biofert, in agriculture is subject to compliance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 1998, as amended, which give full effect to Council Directive 86/278/EEC on the protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil when sewage sludge is used in agriculture.

The management, control and use of waste water sludge products, including Biofert, is a matter for individual sanitary authorities and producers and my Department has no direct function in regard to the use of such products in agriculture in individual cases.

I understand that in the case referred to, Biofert was spread on land with metal levels above the threshold of the regulations in a period from late 1999 through 2000. I also understand that this was discontinued in 2001 and no longer occurs. The issue arose from the spreading of Biofert on lands which had levels of metal above the prescribed threshold prior to the spreading of Biofert, rather than from any effect of the Biofert.

Individual farmers are required to be provided with copies of the certificate of analysis of the biosolids, the nutrient management plan, including soil testing details, and other monitoring data.