New proposals on soiled water could cost farmers millions in unplanned building costs under the draft Nitrates Action Programme.

Under the proposals, farmers will need to store soiled or dirty water in a separate tank to slurry.

Most farmers currently use slurry tanks to collect dirty water from silage pits and yards during the winter months.

The Irish Farmers Journal has sought clarification from the Department of Agriculture on what it defines as soiled/dirty water and whether drystock and dairy farmers will be treated differently.

If the Department follows through with a requirement to have a separate tank for water and slurry, and a clampdown on the spreading of soiled water during the winter months, this will see over 70,000 farmers having to build new tanks.

IFA dairy chair Stephen Arthur said the proposals will mean an added expense of €20,000 to €30,000 per farm, which the Department expects farmers to incur.