The majority of consent holders are working to comply with the conditions of their consent, the annual Environmental Compliance Monitoring Report compiled by Environment Southland has found.
Full compliance from dairy farmers has increased, and there are new measures in place to decrease the rate of significant non-compliance. Compliance Manager Simon Mapp says the Southland Dairy Effluent Advisory Group has been set up to help farmers address any issues rather than looking at just the effect. “We can approach this group with incidents we have found on farm, and then work with them and the farmer to find long-term fixes.”
Simon says the on-farm cooperation is extremely pleasing and is assisting with increased compliance.
While the on-farm cooperation is important, Environment Southland needs to continue to use the regulatory and enforcement tools when necessary. “In the past year there were 34 infringement notices and 16 abatement notices issued as well as 11 individuals or companies prosecuted,” Simon says. “Council’s focus is on maintaining and improving water quality, so it’s important to retain these tools.”
Major industry across Southland is leading the way with their proactive approach to achieving better environmental compliance than their consents require. “A lot of investment is currently going into many of our industrial areas to improve environmental performance and this is very pleasing to see.”