Dairy farm effluent compliance checklist

Transcription

Dairy farm effluent – the rules for achieving
compliance in the Auckland region
This checklist is a self audit for you and your staff to ensure ongoing compliance of your effluent management
system with Auckland Council rules. The checklist is for your own information and you do not need to share it with
any organisation.
After working through the checklist we strongly recommend that you follow up any boxes that are not ticked as
soon as possible. If you need assistance, please contact one of the organisations listed at the back of the checklist.
•
The Resource Management Act presumes that any discharge to water is illegal unless authorised
•
Dairy farms in the Auckland region operate either under a resource consent (for those farms discharging from treatment
ponds to water) or according to permitted activity rules (for those applying effluent to land)
•
For those farms operating with a resource consent, read this checklist in conjunction with your individual consent as not
all resource consents are the same
•
You must ensure that your effluent treatment/disposal system and any discharge from the system comply with council
rules at all times, regardless of the time of the year, weather conditions, breakdown or staffing issues
•
Make sure all permanent and relief staff know the rules, are fully trained in the operation and maintenance of the
effluent system, and know what to do and who to contact if the system breaks down
•
Always aim for good practice rather than just achieving compliance.
Version 2 June 2011
This symbol indicates there is a tool or resource available to
help you – see the list at the end of the checklist.
Effluent compliance checklist - Auckland region
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Auckland checklist
Permitted activity operations – i.e. application of effluent to land
You can carry out permitted activities without a resource consent as long as you
comply with the following conditions:


Infrastructure and maintenance
All effluent is contained within the system (pipe work, sumps, ponds) prior to application to land
There are no leakages to water or land from your effluent storage structures
Good practice:
Ensure pumps, pipelines, hydrants, connections and irrigators are all well maintained and managed.
Most incidences of non-compliance are due to poor maintenance
Contingency measures are in place in the event of a system failure e.g. additional storage capacity
or an alternative method of disposal
Effluent solids, sludges and slurries (from pond cleaning) are stored on sealed surfaces or spread evenly on
pasture to avoid overloading1
Application
Getting the right amount of effluent on the soil at the right time and in the right place
The application area is large enough to meet the permitted activity requirements for nitrogen loading1
Irrigator speed, pump pressure etc is sufficient to ensure that effluent can be applied in a way that does not
result in ponding or effluent runoff to waterways 2
There is no visible discharge via subsurface drains
People and systems
These factors will help you and your staff to comply
Everyone in the farming operation understands the importance of effluent management and the
consequences of non-compliance
Everyone knows what to do if something goes wrong
Resource consented operations – i.e. oxidation ponds & discharge to water
Not all resource consents are the same. Older consents will not list all of the stated conditions in this
checklist. Your current consent will list the conditions you currently need to comply with. However, many
of these new conditions may be written into your next consent
Understand your consent
Getting familiar with the conditions of your resource consent and actively seeking compliance
Have a copy of your dairy washwater resource consent
(NB: dairy washwater includes plant and yard wash)
3
Ensure all staff are familiar with all of the conditions of your resource consent
In the case of sale or purchase the consent must be transferred to the new owner 4
The resource consent issued is specific to the farming operation at the time. If the operation changes, a variation to the
consent may be required. For example, a variation may be required if cow numbers increase, or a feed pad is added to
the system
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

Infrastructure and maintenance
Prior to discharge all effluent is contained within the effluent system (pipe work, stone traps, sumps or ponds) as
specified in your consent (e.g. there should be no unsealed drains carrying effluent)
Stormwater diversions from the roof and clean yard washdown areas are recommended, and in some cases are a
requirement of your consent. Check your consent
Ponds are well constructed and do not leak
Pond surfaces are clear of weeds and obstructions
The first (anaerobic) pond is routinely desludged (as specified in your consent)
Ponds are fenced off from livestock
There is at least 400mm freeboard maintained on all ponds at all times
(NB: freeboard is the difference between the level of the pond contents and the lowest part of the embankment)
Suitable baffles or tees are placed on all effluent pond outlets
There is no evidence of effluent short-circuiting the system
The discharge from the oxidation ponds does not contain solids
There is no material other than farm dairy washwater entering your oxidation ponds
(unless specified in your consent)
People and systems
These are not always requirements of your resource consent but they will help you and your staff to comply
Everyone in the farming operation understands the importance of effluent management and the
consequences of non-compliance
Everyone knows what to do if something goes wrong
Other sources of effluent/nutrients outside of the dairy
Ensure compliance with these sources of effluent/nutrients
All effluent and leachate from feed pads, stand-off pads and silage pits is collected and contained
All leachate and solids from feed pads, stand-off pads and silage pits are spread to land to a rate which
meets the permitted activity requirements for nitrogen loading for your farm’s soil type 5
No effluent or leachate from these can run off into waterways
For rules on farm dumps, offal holes and silage stacks see Rules 5.5.34 and 5.5.35
1 Refer to your nutrient budget in order to determine your farm’s nutrient loading on your effluent application area.
2 Topography, rainfall, soil moisture, soil type and drainage all influence the risk of runoff and ponding. A soil moisture probe can be used to check soil moisture.
3 If you would like a copy of your resource consent contact a member of the Rural and Wastewater Discharge Team, Auckland Council.
4 Contact the Auckland Council for a resource consent transfer form.
5 See Proposed Auckland Regional Plan: Air, Land and Water Permitted Activity Rule 5.5.35 for the application rate guidelines for the soil type on your farm.
Disclaimer
The information that appears in this checklist is intended to provide the best possible compliance guidelines for dairy farm effluent practices. However, the
information is provided as a general guidance only and is not intended as a substitute for specific advice. Practices, systems and advice may vary depending on
the circumstances applicable to your situation. The information may also be subject to change at any time without notice. DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, Auckland
Council and Fonterra take no responsibility whatsoever for the currency and/or accuracy of this information, its completeness or fitness for purpose.
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Waterway and riparian management
Waterway and riparian management when carried out effectively will:
• Filter sediment and pollutants
• Take up nutrients that would otherwise enter waterways
• Prevent stock from entering and fouling waterways
• Enhance stock management, safety and health
• Regulate stream flow and stabilise stream banks
• Enhance biodiversity by improving habitats for bird life and aquatic life
• Enhance the aesthetics and therefore the value of a farm property
• Provide shade and shelter for stock.
For information regarding the rules around clearing drains and work in rural streams, please refer to the
Auckland Council Rural Fact Sheet.
Fact sheets developed by the Auckland Council are available by contacting a member of the Auckland Council Rural
and Wastewater Discharge Team on 09 301 0101, these include:
•
•
•
•
Work in rural streams
Silage leachate management
Feed pads and stand-off pads
Offal and animal disposal
Contacts
You can check out the rules in the regional plans at: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. If you are not sure of any of
the questions in this checklist, or need further assistance contact:
Fonterra
Sustainability team
0800 65 65 68
Auckland Council
Rural and wastewater discharge team
09 301 0101
DairyNZ
Sustainability team
0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969)
Federated Farmers
0800 Farming (0800 327 6464)
AgITO
0800 691 111
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Auckland Council Rules
Regional Plan: Farm Dairy Discharges
Discharge of dairy sludge and/or farm dairy washwater onto or into land is permitted provided:
Rule 6.2.1.1
The application rate of nitrogen from any combination of dairy sludge, farm dairy washwater and nitrogenous fertiliser shall be:
(a) at a rate not exceeding the equivalent of 150kgN/ha/year and 30kgN/ha/day in the following areas:
(i) those areas underlain by aeolian sands (Awhitu, Kaipara, Tapora, Pakiri, Omaha Flats); OR
(ii) those areas underlain by volcanic basalt (Pukekohe, Puni, Waiuku, Bombay, Mangere); OR
(b) at a rate not exceeding the equivalent of 200kgN/ha/year and 50kgN/ha/day, on low permeability clayey soils of low
vulnerability due to poor groundwater quality/yield; OR
(c) at a higher rate where it can be demonstrated by site-specific analysis, to the satisfaction of the ARC prior to application
occurring, that existing or reasonably foreseeable uses of the groundwater or receiving water would not be compromised.
Rule 6.2.1.2
Farm dairy washwater and dairy sludge shall be spread in a manner and in places which ensure that runoff does not result at any time.
Rule 6.2.1.3
Washwater or dairy sludge shall not be applied onto land or injected into land in such a place or in such circumstances that it
may enter:
(a) a water body that is not part of the washwater treatment system, or
(b) any water supply bore, or
(c) the coastal marine area.
Rule 6.2.1.4
For dairy washwater there shall be contingency measures in place to ensure that there is no contravention of the above conditions in the event of duty pump or other system failure.
Proposed Auckland Regional Plan: Air, Land and Water
Other sources of effluent / nutrients outside of dairy sludge and / or farm dairy washwater are permitted provided:
Rule 5.5.34
Discharges from production land activities listed in (a) to (i) of this Rule onto or into land are Permitted Activities, subject to
the conditions in Rule 5.5.35:
(a) Composting and stockpiling of solid vegetative material or animal waste that is not decomposing at such a rate or in
such a manner as to produce leachate which discharges from the material overland to surface water;
(b) Composting and stockpiling of solid vegetative waste or animal waste that is decomposing and producing leachate on
an impervious surface that collects all discharges from the material, and directs it to a treatment system.
(ba) Vegetative material related to forest harvesting and preparation;
(c) The spreading of vegetative material or solid animal waste;
(d) The storage of liquid contaminants from production land activities;
(e) Discharges to land of liquid contaminants from production land activities that is less than 10m3 per discharge system per day;
(f) Discharges to land of greenhouse nutrient solution from greenhouses with a total floor area of 1 ha or less;
(g) The emergency land application of milk on the property from which it was produced;
(h) Stockdip liquid contaminants disposal in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations; or
(i) The disposal of livestock and offal, using offal holes, shallow trenches or composting, except where the material originates
from a commercial animal processing business, providing that material to be composted does not create odour or pest problems.
Rule 5.5.35
All Permitted Activities in Rule 5.5.34 are subject to the following conditions:
(a) There is no discharge into any surface water body, or contamination of groundwater body;
(b) Any discharge to land shall not result in hydraulic overloading; and
(d) The discharge is not an environmentally hazardous substance;
(f) The discharge shall not result in any significant adverse effects from the spread of pathogens or the attraction of pests.
(g) Additional condition for discharges of liquid contaminants from production land activities (Rule 5.5.34 (e) and (f)):
There shall be contingency measures in place to ensure that there is no contravention of rule 5.5.34 in the event of system failure.
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Tools and resources available to help
with effluent management
The following are a series of practical tools which have been developed by DairyNZ with farmers. They are available to download
on the dairynz.co.nz website under publications and tools, or order a copy by calling 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969).
Training staff
Upgrading your system
Effluent Training Record
Farm Dairy Effluent Systems: Planning the Right System for
To help make sure you cover all the bases when training new staff.
Serves as a file away record of training should you ever need it
Your Farm
AgITO Dealing with Dairy Farm Effluent
A one day course looking at the reasons why, and how to treat
dairy effluent on farm. Suitable for all the farm team. Includes a
one-on-one practical assessment on the participant’s farm.
AgITO 0800 691 111
A farmer guide to the farm dairy effluent system design standards
and code of practice. Helps you plan your system with your
designer so you get a system which is fit for purpose
Improving farm performance
AgITO Effluent Management Planning
FarmFacts
A one day course for farm owners, herd managers, supervisors,
sharemilkers etc. Templates and tutor expertise to help you
create an effluent management plan for your farm. Includes a
follow up session to discuss practical implications.
AgITO 0800 691 111
A set of fact sheets explaining all things dairy including effluent –
one of DairyNZs most popular resources
Top Tips for Effluent Irrigators
Make sure your staff get it right every time with this poster for
the dairy, outlining top tips for trouble free effluent irrigators
Effluent Management Plan
A visual plan to pin up in the dairy so all staff know the drill with
effluent management
Nutrient Management Case Studies
Nutrient use efficiency is all about finding productivity gains on your
farm. Pick up some ideas on where you may be able to use your
nutrients more effectively from farmers from across the country.
Minimising Muck, Maximising Money Guide and Case Studies
Avoid the pitfalls when designing feed pads and stand-off facilities
with this guide to design and management of feed pad and stand-off
areas, including case studies from farmers around the country
Compliance Toolkit
Managing and monitoring
Irrigator Run Sheet
Get the best financial return from the fertiliser in effluent by
recording where it goes with this one page template for recording
irrigator runs. Includes: date, paddock number, run number and
sign off area for person responsible for moving the irrigator
A Guide to Managing Farm Dairy Effluent
Are you complying with your legal requirements? Find out with this easy
to use online tool for cutting through the red tape. Covers all aspects
of farm compliance; employment, health and safety, animal welfare
and environment. Download copies of the Compliance Checklist for
dairy regions across the country, or use the consent scoping tool to
minimise your compliance risks. Visit compliancetoolkit.co.nz
Best Management Practices for Maize
Covers using effluent on maize crops so you can optimise the
fertiliser value of effluent, crop yield and improve soil condition by
adding organic material
A good practice guide for farm decision makers. Topics include design,
nutrient value, management, monitoring, measuring and storage
Farm Enviro Walk
Fonterra Dairy Diary
A good practice self-assessment for environmental performance on
farm. Covers effluent, soil, nutrient, waterways and other hotspots
on farm. A useful training tool
A handy all-in-one place for recording daily monitoring and
management information, including effluent
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Dairy farm effluent compliance checklist

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