Contents

Soils

In accordance with Schedule 21 (2) (e) (iv) of the Otago Regional Plan for Water

Soil Types and Risk Profiles

Click here to access the S - Map for Smit Dairies . The effluent application area consists of Eyre soils and, Steward soils both are FDE Category D well drained flat land under 7 degrees of slope.  According to Dairy NZ industry best practice the maximum effluent irrigation depth allowed is 10mm when a soil water deficit is identified that is greater than the application rate. This is achieved by application using low rate centre pivots which apply as little as 1.5mm and up to 6mm. Bucket tests are used to verify application rates and soil moisture deficit is determined a minimum of 24 hours after rain by a calibrated hand-held probe at the next location effluent will be applied. The application rate must not result in exceeding Field Capacity.

• Eyre 4

  • Rounded stony Loam.

  • Well drained.

  • Moderate to low profile available water (77mm).

  • FDE risk category D.

• Steward_1

  • Rounded stony silt.

  • Well drained.

  • Moderate to low profile available water (87mm).

  • FDE risk category D.

Subsurface Drains

Known subsurface drains are located on the map above and are not within the effluent application area. VRI is used to avoid a former irrigation race 

Critical Source Areas

Critical source areas are applied by low rate irrigation only as shown on the map above.

Operational Procedures and Maintenance

In accordance with Schedule 21 (2) (f) of the Otago Regional Plan for Water

The effluent pump is maintained monthly as part of the dairy shed inspection. For major issues that can't be repaired in-house contact an irrigation specialist. 

Electrical issues are to be referred to an electrician.

All maintenance and repairs are recorded in the Irrigation Procedures. 

Risks

• • Application depth settings to be used to adjust application depth according to soil moisture.

  • Soil moisture dedicate to be established to prevent run off to nearby water races or leaching.

  • Effluent pond levels to be kept as low as possible to provide maximum freeboard at any time in case of adverse weather.

  • During June and July irrigators are run at maximum speed when spreading effluent. Furthermore, effluent is spread across the entire effluent area as much as practical.

Solids

• Solids are spread annually, and cannot be spread on the same area more than once every two months, preferably by incorporating into cultivation of land.

• Solids are not spread onto land when the soil moisture exceeds field capacity; or within 20 metres of waterways, or the farm boundary. 

• Solids are also not spread where previous applications are still visible on the ground, or where soil moisture exceeds field capacity (a reading of 39% VWC on the soil moisture meter).

• Hazardous substances, hazardous waste and human effluent is not to be added to the effluent system.

Operation

Effluent operation procedures are detailed as part of the Irrigation Procedures and Pivot Irrigation Procedures

Inspection, Monitoring and Reporting

In accordance with Schedule 21 (2) (g) of the Otago Regional Plan for Water

Inspections

Inspect the system for leaks, ponding and run off each time the pump is started up and in between shifts. Check that the sprinklers are under pressure and turning normally. Ensure the pivot is not located in a swale or in a location lower than the sump in case of siphoning. Leaks, ponding, run off and flow through drainage can cause the effluent to enter a waterway which must not occur. Check that the irrigator is not located over a subsurface drain (refer to map above).

As part of the monthly shed inspection check the area around the storage pond for wet patches, areas of grass that are greener than the grass surrounding it or any other signs of leaking from the pond. Include a check of the stone traps to ensure they aren't becoming blocked.

Bucket tests are completed triennially on the irrigators to verify application depth and rate. 

Monitoring

In addition to the checks after start up staff are to check the same components while the effluent is running if they are passing the irrigator at least once a day.

All staff are to report any odour from the system if it reaches the farm boundary, or if any complaints are received about the effluent system including odour.

Reporting

When a leak, ponding or run off are discovered the pump must be turned off immediately and the fault reported to the farm owner within half an hour. Where possible the problem should be fixed immediately and recorded.

For major issues that can't be repaired in house contact an irrigation specialist. 

Effluent applications are recorded in the dairy diary and reported at audits for the irrigation company, ORC and Fonterra.

Pond Drop Test Records

In accordance with Schedule 21 (2) (h) of the Otago Regional Plan for Water

Wynfield drop test 

Date of last test: 2nd & 3rd June 2023

Date next test is due: June 2028

Rathmore drop test 

Date of last test: 2nd & 3rd June 2023

Date next test is due: June 2028

Contingency Measures

In accordance with Schedule 21 (2) (i) of the Otago Regional Plan for Water

The effluent system has several measures to prevent discharges to water:

• Staff training

• Monitoring

• Low pressure/high flow automatic pump cut out.

• Low rate application systems.

• Large storage pond. We never know when we will need to pump to storage or when we can empty the storage so we use every opportunity to drain effluent out of storage and apply to the paddocks. If there is effluent in storage and the soil has the appropriate soil water deficit to irrigate then emptying storage is a priority.

• Low water use creates less effluent with greenwash in the yard and recirculated cooler water for the wash down hoses.

Leak Response

In accordance with Schedule 21 (2) (j) of the Otago Regional Plan for Water

• When a leak, ponding or run off are discovered the pump must be turned off immediately and the fault reported to the farm owner within half an hour. Where possible the problem should be fixed immediately and recorded.

• For major issues that can't be repaired in house contact an irrigation specialist.  

• If a leak is detected in the effluent storage pond it must be emptied as soon as possible within the limits of the soil water deficit and the leak found and repaired.

Effluent Complaint Record

A register of effluent complaints must be available to the Otago Regional Council on request. If a complaint is received use this form to collect the following information:

(a) The date, time, location, and nature of the complaint

(b) The name, phone number and address of the complainant – unless the complainant elects not to supply, this information

(c ) Action taken by the consent holder to remedy the situation and any policies or methods put in place to avoid or mitigate the problem occurring again.