Farmers urged to check systems in the wake of pollution incidents

Environment Southland is advising farmers to be aware of the ground conditions and to check their systems before irrigating after four reports of effluent discharging into waterways in less than a week.

Compliance manager Donna Ferguson said staff were investigating incidents at Drummond, Kapuka and Wallacetown reported last week, and yesterday received a fourth report near Wyndham.

“While recognising there has been some recent heavy rainfall and localised flooding across the province, this is really disappointing. Several appear to have been the result of effluent application to saturated soils or irrigation over subsurface drains. All four incidents reported to date remain under active investigation,” she said.

“This is a timely reminder to check soil moistures before irrigating, know where your subsurface drains are and be aware of the conditions of your consent.”

Anyone with concerns about a waterway that shows signs of contamination, like a distinct change in colour or odour, should report it through Environment Southland’s 24-hour pollution phone line at the time they see it.

The pollution phone line is 0800 76 88 45 and is monitored 24-7.

ENDS

Note: these are active investigations and no further information can be provided.