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TRUCKING companies and farmers are being told to improve their practices, following reports of effluent being illegally dumped from trucks at three locations in the Matamata-Piako district.
With no information on the trucks involved in the roadside dumping incidents last week, the Waikato Regional Council was unable to take further action – this time.
The incidents did spark a call from the council chair of the Environmental Performance Committee Clyde Graf, who called on stock transport companies and farmers to do better to prevent effluent entering waterways and help keep the region’s roads clear of discharge and safe for users.
“This is very disappointing behaviour, given the effort and resources that have gone into installing dump stations around the region,” he said.
“It’s a shame a couple of cowboys are willing to smear the good reputation the industry has. Let’s hope it’s the last time we hear of it.”
The council compliance team would follow up, potentially with enforcement action where the council had details of trucks involved in stock effluent dumping.
It was a message especially important with Moving Day fast approaching, Clyde said. Moving Day occurred in the week leading up to and immediately following June 1 each year. It involved the mass transporting of cows and machinery around country roads as farm workers relocated themselves and their stock in time for the new season.
There were six effluent disposal sites around the region which truck drivers were encouraged to incorporate into their travel plans.
The regional council recommended that farmers: confirm stock pick-up times in advance of transport, where possible move stock close to the loading ramp the day before, stand stock off green feed for a minimum of four hours before transport (with water), use dry feed before transport because it results in less effluent.
Stock effluent disposal facilities in the Waikato region: Tūākau saleyards stock effluent disposal facility, Morrinsville stock effluent disposal facility, Kaimai stock effluent disposal facility, Tapapa stock effluent disposal facility, Te Kūiti stock effluent disposal facility, Taupō saleyards stock effluent disposal facility.
