SAC Environmental

WASTeS (Waste to Agricultural Land Systems Training Scheme) is a vocational training scheme developed by SAC in response to the changing requirements of the agricultural waste management industry, food producers, processors, retailers and consumers.

Environmental management is now of greater importance than ever within the agricultural industry. Agriculture is increasingly becoming more regulated as all involved in the food chain push for higher standards and assured working practices.

WASTeS seeks to promote the integrated and effective recycling of organic wastes to agricultural land for agricultural benefit and without harm to the environment. The courses cover best practice application of agricultural manures, biosolids & exempt wastes and farm waste management planning. 

WASTeS courses are available at 3 levels providing integrated and comprehensive coverage for all personnel involved within the agricultural and waste management industries.

• Level 1 - Consultants
• Level 2 - Regulators
• Level 3 - Contractors

WASTeS courses cover all organic wastes recycled to land:

• Agricultural slurries and manures
• Non-agricultural wastes such as sewage sludges and other exempt wastes

WASTeS courses are designed to

• Complement the existing agricultural Regulations and Codes of Practice currently in use throughout the whole of the UK
• Embrace best agronomic and environmental practice

Level 1 - Consultants (3 day course). The following subjects are covered in depth:

Regulations and Codes of Practice
For environmental and waste management pertaining to the agricultural industry.

Land Assessment
Techniques on how to assess land suitability, procedures to follow and how to report your findings.

Agricultural Wastes
Their production, their handling and application and their value in nutrient management.

Agricultural Pollution
How pollution can occur, different types of pollution, potential adverse environmental impacts and the prevention of pollution.

Farm Waste Management Planning
How to assess and advise on waste management on the farm, how to prepare a Farm Waste Management Plan (FWMP).

Non-Agricultural Wastes
Different types of product, their handling and application, their value in nutrient management, potential adverse agronomic and environmental impacts, how to assess, report and advise on their management.

The Level 1 course will be invaluable for:

• Agricultural Advisors and Consultants
• Agri-business Managers

A sound knowledge of farm waste management and field experience is required for Level 1 courses.
 

Level 2 - Regulators (2 day course). The following subjects are covered in detail:

Regulations and Codes of Practice
For environmental and waste management pertaining to the agricultural industry.

Land Suitability
How waste applications in the field affect agricultural soil sustainability.

Agricultural Wastes
Sources of wastes, the production and collection of wastes, the handling and application of wastes and their nutrient value in management.

Agricultural Pollution
How pollution can occur, different types of pollution, potential adverse environmental impacts and the prevention of pollution.

Farm Waste Management Plans
What to look for in Farm Waste Management Plans (FWMP) and to critically assess a FWMP.

Non-Agricultural Wastes
Different types of product, their handling and application, nutrient value, potential adverse agronomic and environmental impacts, what to look for in a FWMP dealing with these wastes.

The Level 2 course will be invaluable for:

• Environment Agency
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Local Authority Environmental Managers
• Water Company Managers
• Biosolids Managers
• Land Agents/Solicitors

Level 3 - Contractors (1 day course). The following subjects are covered in detail:

Regulations and Codes of Practice
For environmental and waste management pertaining to the agricultural industry.

Waste Handling Operations
Types of waste collection facilities, types of waste  handling systems, the operation and maintenance of waste collection and handling systems.

Waste Application Operations
Types of waste applicators, the operation and maintenance of waste applicators, how to follow, implement and communicate a Farm Waste Management Plan (FWMP) in the field.

Agricultural Pollution
How pollution can occur, different types of pollution, potential adverse environmental impacts and the prevention of pollution.

Land Suitability
How waste applications in the field affect agricultural soil sustainability.

Non-Agricultural Wastes
Different types of product, their handling and application, nutrient value, potential adverse agronomic and environmental impacts, how to implement and communicate a FWMP dealing with these wastes.

The Level 3 course will be invaluable for:

• Biosolids Managers and Field Staff
• Waste Recycling Managers and Field Staff
• Agricultural Contractor Managers and Employees
• Farmers, Farm Managers and Farm Workers