Fly management guidance issued by Agency

According to the Agency, the move towards fortnightly collection of domestic refuse, the introduction of new processing techniques, and a reduction in the number of landfill sites being used in recent years has increased the potential for fly infestation.

It is the responsibility of site operators to put in place measures to prevent fly dispersal from a site, or to reduce the impact of flies on neighbouring properties to acceptable level.

The guidance document, published last month, includes guidance for fly management at sites including waste transfer stations, landfill sites, mechanical biological treatment (MBT) facilities, in-vessel composting (IVC) sites and green waste composting sites.

Guidance

Environmental permit conditions require fly pests to be managed in a number of different ways. Some permits may have a specific pest condition which requires the operator to produce and put in place a Pest Management Plan to ensure they satisfactorily manage the situation to regain compliance with the permit.

According to the Agency, waste management sites are among the main areas where fly infestations occur. Common house flies and bluebottles are particularly prevalent at sites handling waste containing organic matter, particularly during warmer weather. Infestation typically starts at the point of waste generation, when eggs are laid on waste in domestic or trade waste bins.

In its guidance, the Agency states that it is crucial for steps to be taken to prevent or minimise the potential for infestations of maggots or flies when waste is taken to a transfer station, as it can be too late to prevent them from getting to landfill after this step.

Site operators are recommended to carry out fly monitoring procedures twice-a-week during April-October, when the risk of infestation is high, and reject problematic waste where appropriate. The Agency also states that it is important to ensure that waste doesnt accumulate in inaccessible areas such as behind walls or in corners during hot months and clean down and disinfect drainage systems regularly, as well as minimising the time external doors are left open.

Landfill site operators are advised to use a smaller tipping face to restrict the need for insecticide treatment, and to immediately cover waste streams such as food waste that are highly attractive to flies. Meanwhile, operators of MBT facilities are recommended to use double or automatic doors for access to treatment halls and maintain negative air-pressure.