EPA Victoria (EPA) is reminding all farmers in Southwest Victoria to put dairy effluent ponds on their \u2018to do\u2019 list before winter sets in.<\/p>\n
EPA Southwest Regional Manager, Carolyn Francis, says last year\u2019s wet spring and flooding in parts of the state were reminders of the hazards of an overgrown or backed up dairy effluent system. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe threat from a neglected dairy effluent management system is in overflows and leaks, and any rainy weather can send backed up effluent pouring over the edge,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cDairy farmers need to get some pre-winter maintenance done on their dairy effluent ponds, pumps, and pipes as soon as they can. It\u2019s the most effective way to make sure dairy effluent is a fertiliser that\u2019s good for your farm, not a pollutant that threatens waterways and neighbouring properties.\u201d <\/p>\n
The pollutants can include:
\n\u2022\tnutrients
\n\u2022\tpesticides
\n\u2022\tfertilisers
\n\u2022\tmilk from washdown, spillage and waste milk
\n\u2022\tcontaminated soil washed away by heavy rain <\/p>\n
Letting those pollutants escape into channels, drains and waterways can reduce oxygen levels, kill aquatic life, encourage toxic algae, and create the danger of disease. <\/p>\n
\u201cDairy farmers can prevent effluent ponds from overflowing by de-sludging, controlling weeds and irrigating the water component to pasture when weather conditions are appropriate,\u201d Ms Francis said. <\/p>\n
\u201cNow is the right time to clean out ponds while keeping effluent irrigation equipment in good condition and preparing to deal with any pipe or pump failures.\u201d<\/p>\n
To read the EPA\u2019s guide on dairy effluent management, visit epa.vic.gov.au\/for-business\/find-a-topic\/effluent-dairy-farm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
EPA Victoria (EPA) is reminding all farmers in Southwest Victoria to put dairy effluent ponds on their \u2018to do\u2019 list before winter sets in. EPA Southwest Regional Manager, Carolyn Francis, says last year\u2019s wet spring and flooding in parts of the state were reminders of the hazards of an overgrown or backed up dairy effluent […]<\/p>\n