New plan changes affect silage storage

Environment Southland has been working with silage contractors and a working group of farmers to update the existing permitted activity rule for managing the environmental effects of storing silage. A proposed plan change was publicly notified on 17 July 2010 with submissions closing on 13 August 2010.

The plan change proposes to keep silage making a permitted activity with no consent required in most cases. The key differences between the old rule and proposed new rules are:

There is no longer a requirement to stack silage on a concrete liner;

• Setbacks from surface water are now 50 metres;
• There is now protection for naturally occurring wetlands;
• Medium risk sites require a concrete liner with full effluent capture to reflect the increased risk. Medium risk sites include wet areas, areas between 20 and 50 metres of water, and contaminated land;
• A rigorous consenting process applies to high risk sites (e.g. silage stored within 0 and 20 metres of water).

These changes increase protection for surface water, as leachate from silage can kill aquatic plants and animals, and promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria.

Another plan change on farm dairy effluent has also been notified and aims to put in place a new framework for effluent management based on soil type/slope and will streamline the consent process for low risk activities. A summary of this plan change has been sent to all dairy farmers in Environment Southland’s dairy newsletter EnviromooS.

To make a submission on any part of the plan changes (positive or negative), go to www.es.govt.nz/plans/water/regional-water-plan. You can download a copy of both plan changes and submission forms, or call Environment Southland and ask to be sent an information pack on the plan changes.

Any person or organisation may make a submission. Submissions must be received by Environment Southland no later than 5.00 pm, Friday 13th August.