Silage Effluent & Agricultural Runoff Tanks

Silage effluent, slurry, and other agricultural runoff are highly corrosive and legally mandated to be stored securely to prevent land and water pollution. Our selection of Silage Effluent Tanks and Agricultural Runoff Tanks provides reliable, high-capacity, and compliant solutions for temporary storage before safe disposal.

These specialised tanks are essential for farms and agricultural operations requiring secure containment of aggressive liquids generated during the ensiling process or from dirty yards and feed areas.

Key Features & Compliance Mandates

Our range of silage and agricultural runoff tanks are built specifically to handle aggressive, acidic waste while meeting strict UK regulations.

1. Chemically Resistant Construction

Standard cesspools and septic tanks are not suitable for storing silage effluent. The aggressive, acidic nature of silage juice quickly degrades standard GRP or concrete.

Specialised Liners: Our tanks feature chemically resistant liners (VL liners) or are built from materials designed specifically to withstand the corrosive attack of silage effluent and chemical washdown.
Material Options: We offer robust tanks in GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) with chemically resistant resins, or heavy-duty Polyethylene (MDPE/HDPE) options.

2. Compliance with UK Environmental Regulations

All tanks supplied for the storage of agricultural slurry and effluent are designed to comply with UK compliance requirements, including:

SSAFO Regulations: Tanks meet the standards required by the Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations 2010 (SSAFO) to prevent pollution of water sources.
Watertight Integrity: Designed to be completely sealed and watertight to prevent leakage into surrounding soil and groundwater.

3. High-Capacity & Ease of Access

Choosing the right size is critical to accommodate peak volumes, especially during harvest seasons.

Volume Range: We offer a wide range of capacities, from smaller tanks for intermittent runoff to large volume storage units for dedicated silage bunkers.
Heavy-Duty Access: Designed with sturdy lids and access points for safe inspection and easy access by licensed waste disposal contractors.

Important: Why Compliance Matters

The Environmental Agency places strict liability on farmers and landowners for pollution caused by agricultural effluent. Using a tank that is not rated for chemical resistance (i.e., using a standard tank without a specific liner) will not only lead to structural failure and leakage but will also void the manufacturer's warranty and result in significant fines if pollution occurs.

Always choose a tank explicitly specified for Silage or Chemical Waste storage.

Why do I need a specific tank for silage effluent?

Silage effluent is highly acidic and extremely polluting—up to 200 times more toxic than raw sewage. Standard tanks can be corroded by the acid, so specific effluent tanks are manufactured from chemical-resistant materials (like high-density polyethylene or GRP) and designed to be completely watertight to prevent devastating leaks into local watercourses.

What are the legal requirements for storing silage effluent in the UK?

In the UK, silage effluent must be stored in tanks that comply with SSAFO (Silage, Slurry, and Agricultural Fuel Oil) regulations. These rules dictate that the tank and its pipework must be resistant to corrosion and have a design life of at least 20 years without maintenance.

Can these tanks also be used for general agricultural runoff?

Yes. These tanks are ideal for collecting 'dirty water'—runoff from yard areas, livestock housing, and parlor washings. Because the tanks are designed for the harsh chemical nature of silage juice, they easily handle the less aggressive nature of general agricultural wastewater.

How do I determine the correct capacity for an effluent tank?

Sizing depends on the volume of silage being made and its dry matter content. As a rule of thumb, wetter silage produces more effluent. SSAFO regulations generally require a minimum storage capacity based on the size of your silo, often requiring at least 2 days' worth of peak flow storage.

Are there shallow-dig options available for difficult ground?

Yes, we offer low-profile or 'shallow-dig' tanks. These are ideal for agricultural sites with high water tables or rocky ground conditions, as they significantly reduce the excavation depth required while maintaining the necessary storage volume.

Do effluent tanks require high-level alarms?

While not always a legal requirement for every setup, we highly recommend them. Since an overflow can lead to heavy fines and environmental damage, a high-level alarm provides an essential early warning that the tank needs emptying.

How should the tank be maintained?

The tank should be fully emptied and inspected for cracks or signs of corrosion annually, typically before the silage season begins. Ensuring the inlet pipes and gratings are clear of debris is also vital to prevent back-ups.