Key Takeaways:
- Four parties, including two Waikato farmers and two farming companies, have been fined a total of $108,000 for unlawfully discharging dairy effluent.
- The breaches occurred between March and August 2024 in the wider Te Awamutu area.
- The fines were imposed by the Waikato Regional Council for improper use of irrigators and failure to exclude stock from a waterway.
- The council remains committed to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting the region’s waterways and land from harmful discharges.
Introduction to the Incident
The Waikato Regional Council has taken action against four parties, including two farmers and two farming companies, for unlawfully discharging dairy effluent. The incident occurred between March and August 2024 in the wider Te Awamutu area, and the parties involved were Stella Farming Ltd, LTB Farms Ltd, Scott Blundell, and Michael Davison. The council’s prosecution resulted in fines totaling $108,000, with Stella Farming Ltd facing an additional charge for failing to exclude stock from a waterway.
The Prosecution and Fines
The four parties appeared in the Huntly District Court on December 1, where they faced charges related to the unlawful discharges of dairy effluent. Stella Farming Ltd was fined $44,000, while LTB Farms Ltd was fined $26,000. Scott Blundell, an employee of LTB Farms, was fined $2,000 and sentenced to 100 hours of community service. Michael Davison was fined $36,000. The fines reflect the severity of the breaches and the importance of complying with environmental regulations.
The Importance of Proper Effluent Irrigation
According to Waikato regional compliance manager, Patrick Lynch, effluent irrigation is a critical part of dairy farm management. However, when it is done incorrectly, it can have negative impacts on waterways. Lynch emphasized that all farmers have a responsibility to ensure their systems are fit for purpose and operated correctly. This includes proper use of irrigators and exclusion of stock from waterways. The Waikato Regional Council is committed to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting the region’s waterways and land from harmful discharges.
The Role of the Waikato Regional Council
The Waikato Regional Council plays a crucial role in protecting the region’s environment and natural resources. The council’s compliance team works to ensure that farmers and other parties comply with environmental regulations, including those related to dairy effluent disposal. The council’s actions in this case demonstrate its commitment to enforcing these regulations and holding parties accountable for non-compliance. By taking action against those who breach environmental regulations, the council helps to protect the region’s waterways and land for future generations.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The fines imposed on the four parties involved in the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent serve as a reminder of the importance of complying with environmental regulations. The Waikato Regional Council’s commitment to enforcing these regulations is crucial for protecting the region’s environment and natural resources. As the dairy industry continues to play a significant role in New Zealand’s economy, it is essential that farmers and other parties prioritize environmental sustainability and comply with regulations related to effluent disposal. By doing so, they can help to minimize the negative impacts of dairy farming on the environment and ensure a sustainable future for the industry.
