Dairy and the Environment
Marlborough has a relatively small dairy industry in comparison to other areas. However, this industry could still have a negative impact on water quality if environmental issues are not appropriately managed.
To promote good dairy effluent management, Marlborough District Council carries out an annual Dairy Effluent Survey Report on all farms in Marlborough.
- Dairy and Stream Crossing Survey Snapshot 2016/2017 (PDF, 1.8MB)
- Dairy and Stream Crossing Survey Snapshot 2017/2018 (PDF, 2.4MB)
- Dairy and Stream Crossing Survey Snapshot 2018/2019 (PDF, 3.1MB)
- Dairy and Stream Crossing Survey Snapshot 2019/2020 (PDF, 4.2MB)
- Dairy and Stream Crossing Survey Snapshot 2020/2021 (PDF, 2.7MB)
- Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Survey 2009/2010 Summary Report (PDF, 761.4KB)
- Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Survey 2010/2011 Summary Report (PDF, 577.9KB)
- Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Survey 2011/2012 Summary Report (PDF, 736.1KB)
- Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Survey 2016/2017 (PDF, 2.2MB)
- Dairyshed Effluent and Stream Crossing Surveys Report 2008/2009 (PDF, 1.3MB)
- Dairyshed Effluent Stream Crossing Survey 2012/2013 (PDF, 749.4KB)
- Dairyshed Effluent Stream Crossing Survey 2013/2014 (PDF, 1.6MB)
- Dairyshed Effluent Stream Crossing Survey 2014/2015 (PDF, 1.6MB)
- Dairyshed Effluent Stream Crossing Survey 2015/2016 (PDF, 1.6MB)
- Dairyshed Effluent Survey Report 2006/2007 (PDF, 1.8MB)
- Dairyshed Effluent Survey Report 2007/2008 (PDF, 1.7MB)
- Marlborough Stream Crossings Report May 2007 (PDF, 766.9KB)
Dairy effluent discharge
In the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan resource consent is required to discharge dairy effluent.
In the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Volume 2 (ref Dairy Effluent Disposal Chapter 36.1.7.3) the discharge is permitted.
Go to Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan
Constructing of bridges and culverts
Another issue in the dairy industry is the impact of dairy herds walking through waterways. Marlborough farmers have responded to this issue by eliminating some stream crossing sites by construction of bridges and culverts.
Often the construction of these structures requires a resource consent. To keep the resource consent process as simple as possible, Council has prepared easy-to-use resource consent guidelines. The guidelines vary depending on the area in which you are located. Below are guidelines for areas under the jurisdiction of the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan and the proposed Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan.
To make an application for a resource consent you will need to complete one of the below guidelines as well as a standard resource consent application form.
