Surface and ground waters
The NSW dairy industry relies upon good quality water for domestic and livestock consumption, irrigation of pasture and fodder crops, and operational purposes such as washdown and cooling. It is in the best interest of all dairy farm businesses and the communities in which they operate to protect the long-term viability and sustainability of this valuable resource.
Dairy producers have a legal responsibility to contain all dairy manure within their farm boundaries. Managing all manure streams (effluent (liquids), slurry, solids and bedding materials) and dairy complex storm water runoff so they are suitably
contained, managed and reused, reduces environmental risks to surface and groundwater, and delivers water and nutrient use efficiencies to the farm operation.
Appropriate management of risks to surface and groundwaters prevents:
- organic matter, contaminants, sediments and nutrients entering these systems
- deterioration of water quality (chemicals, heavy metals, nutrient overloading)
- risks to human health
- risks to stock health and welfare
- contamination of soils (chemicals, heavy metals, nutrient overloading)
- impacts to aquatic life and dependent and connected ecosystems
- degradation of terrestrial riparian life and ecosystems.
Manure and stock feed leachate are potential point sources requiring appropriate management, including:
- design and construction of a manure management system that is fit for purpose
- appropriate containment of calculated manure and stockfeed volumes
- appropriate determination of manure reuse areas and management of application to land as a nutrient source for agronomic purposes
- facilities that are designed and managed to minimise runoff or leaching.