Dairy farmers can now have their effluent system assessed by an independent, certified assessor.
The Dairy Effluent Warrant of Fitness programme was launched on Tuesday at the Waikato Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek.
DairyNZ sustainability team leader Theresa Wilson says there was a need to develop a consistent method for assessing an effluent system to ensure it is fit for purpose for the farm.
Dr Wilson says the assessment will point out areas of risk and suggest practical actions a farmer can take to ensure their system is capable of being compliant 365 days a year.
The three to four hour assessment covers the farm's effluent consents and permitted rules, the storage capacity, nutrient loadings, soil risk, irrigator performance, off-pasture infrastructure and general health and safety requirements.
