EPA reminds dairy farmers to be ready

EPA Victoria is reminding dairy farmers that with winter well under way, now was the time to check effluent systems and prepare for the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding.
EPA Gippsland regional manager Zac Dornom said winter conditions could put extra pressure on effluent systems and increase the risk of pollution if farms are not prepared.
"Proper management of dairy effluent is important for protecting waterways, neighboring properties and the broader environment," he said.
"EPA's inspections continue to find issues with effluent runoff, low freeboard levels in ponds and systems that are struggling to cope during wet conditions. These risks increase significantly during periods of heavy rain."
"Winter is the time to inspect ponds, drainage systems, bunds, tanks, pumps, irrigation equipment and storage areas to make sure contaminants stay contained during wet weather. Farmers should check pond levels and maintain adequate freeboard and have contingency plans in place before conditions become challenging."
Mr Dornom said dairy effluent was a valuable resource when managed well but could quickly become a pollutant if it escaped into drains, creeks, rivers or neighbouring land.
"Keeping effluent levels low and maintaining equipment is especially important at this time of the year. The last thing you want is for systems to be at capacity when a significant rain event arrives.
"Under Victoria's General Environmental Duty, farmers are required to take proactive steps to identify and manage risks to human health and the environment. That includes preparing for foreseeable events such as heavy rain, flooding and prolonged wet weather.
"In Gippsland, protecting our rivers and waterways also helps protect the Gippsland Lakes. Many of the catchments across the region flow into the Lakes, so good effluent and runoff management on farms plays an important role in maintaining the health of one of Victoria's most valued natural assets."
Farmers also need to be prepared to safely manage waste milk if bad weather disrupts milk collection services or causes power outages.
"Milk must not be released to waterways, drains or stormwater systems," Mr Dornom said. "Your emergency plan should include how waste milk and effluent will be stored, managed or disposed of if normal farm operations are disrupted."
"Good preparation now can prevent pollution incidents, protect local waterways and avoid costly clean up and compliance action later."
For more information on dealing with effluent and waste milk, visit: EPA Victoria's Manage Farm Waste webpage or Agriculture Victoria's Managing Effluent webpage.