SNAs will go - eventually
Despite some earlier confusion around the exact timing, the new Government is moving to reform the way local bodies implement Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) rules on farmland.
"Nationally, farmers lowered the level of significant non-compliance below 10% for the first time, which is a good achievement and we're keen to see this trend continue.
"The way Waikato Regional Council process is supporting the Farm Dairy Effluent Standards and Code of Practice for system design, should also give farmers some of the clarity they have been asking for," she says.
"It's reassuring that the council will refer farmers who need support to people with demonstrated skills – the accredited effluent design companies. We have done a lot of work to lift standards and the quality of advice in this area through this programme and it is being acknowledged.
"We hope farmers contact DairyNZ for resources and accredited design companies for technical support if they have any questions around how they will perform."
Wilson says if farmers are unsure of their farm's soil risk, DairyNZ has a new soils guide to help them assess risk. "It will give farmers a better idea of where the council may be monitoring this season, so they can get prepared.
"Farmers can also self-assess their effluent system with the Waikato Effluent Compliance Checklist which is on the DairyNZ website, www.dairynz.co.nz/checklists."
