Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has issued six Gippsland dairy farms with statutory notices following a series of inspections this year that found overflowing effluent ponds with the potential to harm the local environment.
EPA Gippsland Regional Manager Emily Sanders said land managers were responsible for ensuring that effluent – a mixture of cow manure, urine and wash waters from dairy/milking sheds – was retained on their properties and managed appropriately to protect local waterways and lands.
“EPA reminds farmers of the need to manage effluent ponds. Allowing ponds to overflow in an uncontrolled way increases the risk of pollution to the environment,” Ms Sanders said.
“The notices issued by EPA require these farmers to remove excess effluent from ponds and to ensure adequate systems are in place so that there is no overflow. Failure to comply with these notices would see EPA investigate whether any breaches of the Environment Protection Act 1970 have occurred and could lead to possible sanctions.”
Ms Sanders said dairy effluent was a valuable resource which, when managed well, increased pasture production and reduced fertiliser costs.
“Dairy farmers can manage effluent ponds by de-sludging, removing vegetation and weeds on and around ponds and irrigating when weather conditions are appropriate to ensure no overflow occurs,” Ms Sanders said.
“Poorly managed effluent ponds can overflow, causing surface water and land pollution. Increased nutrients in waterways from dairy effluent can also reduce oxygen levels, which in turn affects plants and animals, contributes to algal blooms and increases the risk of disease from E.coli and pathogens.”
Ms Sanders said EPA had conducted the inspections in response to 13 community reports that raised concerns about effluent management at dairy farms.
“EPA urges members of the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au,” Ms Sanders said.
EPA encourages dairy processors to support their milk suppliers in managing effluent. Agriculture Victoria and dairy regional development programs such as GippsDairy have a range of tools which can assist farmers.
Guidelines on effective effluent management on dairy farms can be found by visiting: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/guidelines/water-guidance/dairy-farms-and-water