September 16, 2011

New rules for intensively farmed stock around natural waterways

Farmers are being advised to begin planning how they will manage their stock to comply with new planning rules which come into force in June next year.

“Farmed pigs and dairy cattle will be prohibited from entering natural waterways from June next year,” said Environment Canterbury Commissioner Tom Lambie.

“We are recommending now is a good time for farmers to review their practices and check their farms to ensure they will be fully compliant with the new rules.”

The new rules around stock access to waterways are detailed in the Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan (NRRP), which regulates the sustainable use of resources in the region.

The NRRP was made operative in June this year after several years of community consultation, including more than 1000 submissions which were considered by two hearing committees.

“All stock farmers should be thinking about how to reduce the impact their animals have on waterways,” said Tom Lambie.

“In particular farmers managing intensively farmed stock – which the NRRP defines as dairy cattle and farmed pigs – should be working on plans to exclude their stock from waterways by the June 2012 deadline.”

“Lower intensity farmers who take on extra stock for mob-grazing over the winter need to be extra vigilant to ensure they will be able to comply with the new rules.”

Stock are already excluded from waterways under the NRRP if there are significant adverse effects. Such effects include heavy pugging of the bed or banks of waterways; visible discoloration of water; an increase in bacteria levels; or any obvious evidence of faecal matter in waterways.

The options for farmers to reduce stock access to waterways include new permanent fences; the use of temporary fences, as well as new bridges or culverts.

“Farmers may also find they need to change how they manage stock,” said Tom Lambie.

“This could include restricting stock access at drinking sites or installing new stock watering systems.”

There are also new rules restricting stock access to rivers or lakes near a river bathing site or within 1km of a community drinking water supply. Salmon and inanga spawning sites are also protected, as are a number of specified locations on spring-fed rivers on the Canterbury Plains.

“The new stock exclusion rules are strong and it is Environment Canterbury’s responsibility to check they are adhered to.

“Our preference is to work with farmers to ensure there is widespread understanding of what needs to be done.”

Environment Canterbury has a hands-on team which works with farmers and community groups to restore waterways and biodiversity. There is also a team which works closely with industry and farming groups to implement good practice in water metering and develop audited self management systems.

Environment Canterbury also works closely with industry, agriculture and training organisations to encourage good practice on Canterbury farms.

“We are seeing broad agreement across the farming community on the need to ensure we are farming sustainably and meeting our environmental responsibilities,” said Tom Lambie.

See also: www.ecan.govt.nz/nrrp

ENDS

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