Regulatory framework reform for sludge applied to agricultural land

We want to know what you think about changes to how sewage sludge is regulated when it is spread on agricultural land in England. The aim is to improve environmental protection, safety and spreading practices. 

We are seeking views on:  

• Reform option 1: revoke the sludge regulations, and regulate sludge spreading within the environmental permitting regulations  

• Reform option 2: updating the current sludge regulations  

• Reform option 3: changing standards through non-regulatory approaches