Weather impact on effluent ponds - Advice from Bay of Plenty Regional Council

To all members of Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers 
 
 
Yet again we are faced with unprecedented rainfall. This has raised the question again that some farmers are concerned about their effluent pond storage capacity, and potentially their ability to comply fully with all farm dairy effluent discharge consent conditions. 
  
I have spoken with the Compliance Manager Alex Miller and Land/Primary Industries Team Leader Fraser Toulmin. Our advice is that farmers should contact one of the following members of the compliance team if they find themselves in a situation where they don’t think they’ll be able to comply with their consent conditions. It is always better to discuss the options beforehand and see what the best available one is, both for the short term and perhaps for the longer term as well. 
  
This also applies to farmers who are currently in the process of having a new effluent system installed who are worried about not meeting their consented completion date due to the bad weather.
  
If in need please call:
  
Chris Lawrence, Compliance Officer (Whakatāne): 027 270 6159
Gary Ryburn, Compliance Officer (Tauranga): 027 270 9093
  
  
If you have any questions about this please feel free to get in touch again. 
  
  
Kia haumaru to noho, stay safe stay well.
  
Chris Lawrence
Regulatory Compliance Officer
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana