New tank sees farm milk again

A Thames dairy farm which was under court orders not to milk cows is back in business following construction of a large effluent storage tank on the property.

In Auckland District Court last week Judge Jeff Smith ordered Tuitahi Farms Limited 'not to commence milking” until a new dairy effluent system is in operation on its Kopu farm.


The effluent storage tank in operation, in compliance with the court order. Inset: Milk vat waste in the Kopu farm drain in September 2013.

The order followed conviction in the court on four environmental offences and a fine of $47,250 for offending which had 'long term and insidious” effects on the environment.

However, the Waikato Regional Council investigations manager Patrick Lynch says the farm has subsequently upgraded its effluent system and has been able to commence milking.

'Though this farmer should have made improvements years ago, we realise that the order initiated by the court put him in a difficult situation,” says Patrick.

'Cows are calving and the dairy shed, where effluent collects, needs to be used at this time of year.

'However, we are very happy to report that council officers inspected the property last week and confirmed a robust effluent management system is now in place and operational.

Patrick says this effluent system now has ability to protect the environment 365 days of the year and the farmer can 'get on with his business lawfully”.

The prosecution follows an inspection of the company's farm by council officers after an aerial monitoring flight in September 2013.


Milk vat waste in the Kopu farm drain in September 2013.

At the time officers discovered a range of unlawful discharges into the environment, including milk vat waste and large volumes of dairy effluent being discharged directly into farm drains.

The drains flow a short distance to the Waihou River, which flows to the Firth of Thames.

The council subsequently initiated a prosecution for offences against the Resource Management Act.

Patrick says the upgraded effluent system is designed by an accredited designer.

'It complies with the Dairy Effluent Code of Practice and meets the challenges of farming in low lying areas.

'They have created above ground storage with sufficient volume to make the most of the effluent and water for irrigation during the dry summer months.”


The effluent storage tank in operation, in compliance with the court order.

For further information about accredited effluent designers, click here.

For more information about the Dairy Effluent Code of Practice, click here.

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