A NEW assurance scheme aims to reduce pollution caused by the spreading of organic materials on UK farms.

Delivered by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College, Spreading Organic Materials Assurance (SOMA) is the only training and qualification scheme focused specifically on ‘point of application’.

SAC Consulting's Neil Carter said: “Where application of organic materials such as biosolids – or sewage sludge – takes place, there is always an inherent risk to the surrounding environment.

“There is already legislation to minimise this risk, but at the point of application there are a number of variables which on any given day can cause a problem.”

SOMA is designed to ensure that people applying these materials are aware of the risks, are able to identify the variables and can then minimise the impact on the surrounding environment.

Mr Carter added: “Although a great deal of planning goes into applications, the operator of the machine might not be aware of much of what has taken place already. By making them aware of why this legislation is in place and the potential environmental and financial penalties from applying materials inappropriately, the scheme will provide confidence to the public that by utilising what were once wastes we are helping to reduce landfill and reclaim the agricultural benefit.”

Fieldfare Associates, part of SAC Consulting, already offers ‘Landspreading for Operators’ – a Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board-accredited course to help ensure operators are aware of why they are spreading the material, the risks to the environment, the general public and themselves, and how to mitigate these risks. Individuals must pass this course in order to become SOMA-assured.

To find out more about SOMA, go to https://www.sruc.ac.uk/info/20005/sac_consulting/1989/soma