Tech solution to effluent problems

PRESS RELEASE
From: Attitude Switchboards
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Technology available to offer solution to effluent problems

A simple to use technological advance developed by a Southland firm is the answer to dairy farmers’ effluent problems and a savior for the environment.

Invercargill company Attitude Switchboards has developed the Gator Buddy, a failsafe automated irrigation controller.

Attitude managing director Phil Finnie said the company had been promoting the product to local authorities and farmers, but recent news about farmers’ effluent discharges and the ensuing environmental problems were of concern.

“The news that Fonterra will be withholding milk payouts and that local authorities are taking a harder line with farm-generated pollution is no surprise to us. We have the solution for both parties to both meet council requirements and save time, money and hassle for farmers.”

“There’s absolutely no reason why farmers should be having effluent discharge problems if they have a Gator Buddy installed on their equipment. We can set the system to run automatically and to spread effluent at the correct levels set out in their resource consents,” Mr Finnie said.

“It’s completely failsafe, with features including text alerts if the system shuts down, pond diversion to automatically divert effluent if the irrigator has stopped. It means farmers don’t have to monitor their irrigator and saves them time and money.”

Mr. Finnie said the company was also able to test and advise on whether irrigators were meeting the resource consent standards.

“This equipment fits to 95% of existing irrigation systems and can be set up quickly. It gives farmers peace of mind to know they are not going to have issues over effluent discharge,” he said.

“For those who have good effluent management, this product can save them time and money. For those without effluent management systems, the Gator Buddy can save them a large fine and convictions.”

ENDS

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