Dairy and the Environment

Marlborough has a relatively small dairy industry in comparison to other areas. However, this industry could still have a negative impact on water quality if environmental issues are not appropriately managed.

Tips for Operating an Environmentally Sustainable Dairy Effluent System (398 Kb).

To promote good dairy effluent management the Marlborough District Council carries out an annual Dairy Effluent Survey Report on all farms in Marlborough.

 

 

Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Surveys  2010-11 Summary Report (565 Kb)

Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Surveys 2009-10 Report (744 Kb)

 

Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Surveys 2008/09 Report (1,200 Kb)

 

Dairyshed Effluent Survey 2007/08 Report (1,700 Kb)

Dairyshed Effluent Survey 2006/07 Report (1,700 Kb)

Stream Crossing 2007 Report (749 Kb) 

Dairy Effluent Discharge

In the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan resource consent is required to discharge dairy effluent.

In the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Volume 2 (ref Dairy Effluent Disposal Chapter 36.1.7.3) the discharge is permitted.

Constructing of Bridges and Culverts

Another issue in the dairy industry is the impact of dairy herds walking through waterways. Marlborough farmers have responded to this issue by eliminating some stream crossing sites by constructing of bridges and culverts.

Often the construction of these structures requires a resource consent. To keep the resource consent process as simple as possible the Council has prepared easy-to-use resource consent guidelines. The guidelines vary depending on the area in which you are located.  Below are guidelines for areas under the jurisdiction of the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan and the proposed Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan.

To make an application for a resource consent you will need to complete one of the below guidelines as well as a standard resource consent application form.

(PWARMP) Guidelines (267 Kb)

(MSRMP) Guidelines (56 Kb)