Some rules are in force now while others don’t come into effect until 1 April 2020.
Rules that affect you now
- Work in waterways, building stock crossings, culverts and bridges
- Prohibited effluent discharge rules
- Prohibited sediment discharge rules
Rules that will apply in 2020
- Nitrogen loss limit rules
- Discharge threshold rules
For a summary of the rules and suggested actions to comply with them, click here.
Managing dairy effluent in Otago
Effluent discharge to land is a permitted activity under the Otago Water Plan. This means you don’t need a consent to discharge effluent to land in Otago, but you will need to comply with the council’s conditions. See a full summary of the ORC water plan rules relating to effluent management here.
How can you be sure that your effluent system will meet requirements?
One way is through getting an effluent "Warrant of Fitness" (WOF) assessment of your effluent system. This is a voluntary programme that helps you understand all the requirements to make sure your system is fit for purpose and capable of being compliant 365 days a year. You will receive a brief report with practical actions. The assessment is carried out by a trained and certified independent professional and takes three to four hours. Find out more at www.effluentwof.co.nz.
Your milk supply company environmental specialist can help if you have further questions regarding the suitability of your effluent system or if you are considering up-grading.
Related information
Environmental plans
DairyNZ recommends you ensure you understand potential environmental risk on your farm and have a plan to mitigate these as much as possible. This can be done using the DairyNZ EnviroWalk app. This will also help you demonstrate all the good work already being done.
You can also contact your dairy supply environmental officer to find out if they can help you with completing an environmental plan for your property.
Wintering management
Wintering management has a large part to play to reduce nutrient and sediment loss on your property. Under the current rules any sediment entering waterways is deemed a prohibited activity. For further information on how you can avoid sediment loss and to learn more about good management wintering practices click here
Further links
Current Otago Environmental and Community Groups:
| NOSLaM | The North Otago Sustainable Land Management Group provides best practice land and water management support and education for the North Otago area. Contact Rob McTague, Coordinator, 021 194 9597, noslamoffice@gmail.com. |
| Clutha Community Trust | Clutha Development offer membership to their catchment groups through the Clutha Community Trust. |
| Pomahaka | Pomahaka Water Care Group |
If you have any questions, please contact:
Hanna Stalker, Catchment Engagement Leader, 027 644 2273, hannah.stalker@dairynz.co.nz.
Justin Kitto, Water Quality Specialist, 027 702 9832, justin.kitto@dairynz.co.nz.
