Farmyard runoff and compost leachate treatment system

Bristol University has a veterinary school which operates a farm and large dairy unit. The runoff from this unit had caused a pollution incident within a local watercourse resulting in the threat of action by the Environment Agency unless steps were taken to provide a treatment system.

JPR undertook the construction of a gravel filter bed combined with a series of swales in order to provide adequate treatment to the yard runoff prior to entering the local stream.  A separate treatment bed was constructed to treat the runoff from the compost facility that was being constructed, housing animal bedding waste and landscaping arisings.

The gravel filter swale system is a passive system relying on gravity thus reducing ongoing energy and maintenance costs.   It has proved very successful and both the client and the Environment Agency are pleased with the results.