RP18: Above ground tanks
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the above ground tanks item.
How much will be paid
£73.34 per cubic metre.
Where to use this item
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants.
Only:
- in areas targeted for the reduction of water pollution from agriculture
- with support from a Catchment Sensitive Farming officer
Where this item cannot be used
- without relevant advice or permission from the Local Planning Authority
- on historic or archaeological features
How this item will benefit the environment
The above ground storage tank will collect and contain rainwater and help to keep clean and dirty water separate. This will provide free clean water, which may be suitable to use for a number of tasks around the farm such as yard washing, instead of wasting potable water supplies.
Requirements
- agree with your CSF officer where to install the tank and pump
- install a new above-ground storage tank on hardstanding or concrete following the advice received
- ensure that all work meets relevant British Standards - examine copies of the most up-to-date standards for guidance
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- photographs of site before works start
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:
- photographs of the completed work
Before applying, applicants must seek advice from the Local Planning Authority to check if consent is required to carry out the planned work. You do not need to provide this with your application, but you will need to submit consents/permissions with your payment claim. Applicants will have to send the following with their application:
- written support from a CSF officer
Related Mid Tier and Capital Grants items
This item can be used on the same area as the following items:
- RP15 - Concrete yard renewal
- RP16 - Rainwater goods
- RP17 - Storage tanks underground
- RP19 - First flush rainwater diverters and downpipe filters
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.
Installing the storage tank
There are no generic specifications for above-ground storage tanks since they are pre-made tanks supplied as fit for purpose, but the work normally includes:
- installing the tank and pump
- creating a hardstanding or concrete base for the tank
- installing connecting pipework
Water management
Throughout the work make sure that foul or dirty water does not contaminate the clean water collected.
Applicants must also check if restrictions apply to using harvested rainwater in your supply chain. Contact the farm assurance scheme and purchasers of produce.
Historic and archaeological features
- get listed building consent if used close to a historic farmstead or listed building, as this item may have negative effects on it
- consider the effect of the item on the fabric and setting of the historic buildings, as well as the nature and historic value of the existing surfaces
Dirty water
This item it not intended to be used for collecting dirty water, effluents and slurries.
Biodiversity
This item has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holding’s situation and potential.
The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.
Further information
Check the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) website for more information on effective use of water on dairy farms.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) operates in parts of the country where there are water quality issues linked to farming. The scheme provides farmers with free advice and training. See guidance for further information on CSF support.
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants including how to apply.
Updates to this page
Last updated 9 February 2021 + show all updates
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Added in links to Capital Grants manual as this option is now available for Capital Grants
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Information updated for applications in 2016
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First published.