In response to the incidents, the chairman of the council’s Environmental Performance Committee, councillor Clyde Graf, said: “This is very disappointing behaviour, given the effort and resources that have gone into installing dump stations around the region.”
“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,” said Graf.
Where the council has details of the trucks involved in stock effluent dumping, its compliance team will follow up, potentially with enforcement action.
There are six effluent disposal sites around the region that truck drivers are encouraged to incorporate into their travel plans. Farmers are also urged to stand stock off green feed before they’re transported.
The regional council recommends that farmers:
● Confirm stock pick-up times in advance of transport.
● Move stock close to the loading ramp the day before, when possible.
● 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 sale yards 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 sale yards stock effluent disposal facility.
