Managing Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH4-N) in digestate applied within Lincolnshire - Find a freedom of information request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am writing to request information regarding the regulatory and legal framework for managing Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH4-N) in digestate applied within Lincolnshire. 

Information Requested

1) Legal Thresholds for Ammoniacal Nitrogen:

a) What are the legal limits (in mg/kg) for ammoniacal nitrogen in digestate used for agricultural purposes in Lincolnshire?

b) Are there specific limits or thresholds set under the following regulations:

i) PAS 110 standards for digestate?

ii) Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR)?

iii) Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) rules applicable to Lincolnshire?

2) Application and Monitoring:

a) What are the acceptable application rates for digestate containing ammoniacal nitrogen, and how does the council ensure compliance with these rates?

b) How does the council or relevant regulatory body monitor the nitrogen content in digestate applied to land, particularly ammoniacal nitrogen levels?

3) Compliance Oversight:

a) What enforcement measures are in place for instances where digestate nitrogen levels exceed regulatory or legal limits?

b) Has enforcement action ever been taken against digestate producers or users for exceeding ammoniacal nitrogen thresholds in Lincolnshire?

4) General Guidance:

a) Are there any local policies or guidance documents that specify additional limits or requirements for digestate application in Lincolnshire?

b) For digestate containing high concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen, what criteria determine its suitability for agricultural use under local and national regulations?

Purpose of Request

This request is made to gain clarity on the regulatory limits and compliance mechanisms for digestate application in Lincolnshire, particularly concerning ammoniacal nitrogen. Understanding these frameworks is essential to assess the environmental and agricultural suitability of such materials in the region.

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1) Lincolnshire County Council does not set legal limits for digestate or set the PAS 110 standards. You would need to contact national regulators to discuss these issues. Digestate use on land is covered by the environmental permits issued by the Environment Agency – they also manage Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.

2-4) You would need to contact the Environment Agency to discuss these matters

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency#org-contacts