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Dairy effluent to remain on farm

By Department of Primary Industries - 13th October 2005 - Back to News

Dairy effluent has the potential to pollute surface and ground waters, which contributes to degraded water quality and can impact adversely on human and stock health, as well as aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The nutrients associated with dairy effluent can also contribute to blue-green algal blooms.

In an attempt to ensure that dairy effluent remains ‘on-farm’, the Environment Protection Act was passed in 1970. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) administers this Act which requires that surface or ground water should not be polluted.

To assist with complying with the above Act, it is necessary to meet the three requirements of the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) waters of Victoria, which was revised in 2003.

The act firstly states that dairy effluent and wastewater from dairy sheds, feedpads and laneways must not be discharged to surface and groundwaters.

Secondly, the Act encourages the implementation of effective agricultural practices to minimise the run-off of pollutants such as nutrients, sediments, biocides, salt and pathogens.

Finally, farmers need to implement management practices that are consistent with approved protocols, guidelines and codes of practice.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the EPA can assist with these approved protocols and guidelines.

The EPA and DPI suggest an effluent management plan as the best way for a dairy farmer to demonstrate that they have considered the main environmental management issues and put in place appropriate controls and management regimes.

The effluent management plan assists farmers to determine where and when to apply effluent.

Record sheets, a document describing the appropriate management of their effluent system, system designs and general information is also provided.

The Department of Primary Industries can provide practical one-on-one assistance to help develop a plan.

In addition to this, the dairy company that you supply may also have some requirements on effluent. If you wish to install or modify your effluent system, you may need to apply for permits, so you will need to consult with your local council and relevant Water Authority. For works on waterways, you also need to contact your local Catchment Management Authority.

For further information please contact the Gippsland DPI Nutrient Extension Team at Ellinbank on (03) 5624 2222 or at Maffra on (03) 5147 0800.

The Gippsland Lakes Action Plan and the Natural Heritage Trust through the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority fund the Gippsland Nutrient Extension Team.

INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF PLANTS
AND PLANT PRODUCTS

The movement of plants and plant products (eg potted plants, bulbs, bare rooted plants, vegetables, etc) to other states and territories is restricted by the importation requirements of each state and territory. These activities are covered by the Plant Health and Plant Products Act 1995.

Plants being exported into other states from Victoria may be required to be certified to ensure they comply with relevant plant health requirements.

While certificates can be issued by the Plant Standards Branch of the Department of Primary Industries, accreditation allows a business to issue their own certificates.

Certification, in the form of a Plant Health Assurance Certificate (PHAC), is required if exporting plants to the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania or Western Australia.

Certification is generally not required for exporting plants to either New South Wales or Queensland, with the exception of plants in soil (eg field grown trees).

Accreditation is based on a program of property inspections and system audits performed by a Plant Standards Officer. This is to ensure that properties meet interstate requirements and have systems and resources in place to administer the program.

"Guidelines for Grower Accreditation" describes the process of accreditation and the expectations required of accredited businesses.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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