ORC Requests Improved Gypsy Week Effort on Otago Roads

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is urging dairy farmers, sharemilkers, and trucking companies to do their bit during the next few weeks to help keep southern roads and waterways effluent-free.
 
Many sharemilkers are shifting their cows around Otago as part of the annual farm changeover, which takes place from now until early June.
 
To minimise the likelihood of waste spilling onto local roads, ORC is reminding everyone involved in transferring stock to make sure their animals are properly prepared before cartage, by standing them overnight.
 
ORC director regional services Jeff Donaldson says farmers also need to be acutely aware of the need to keep stock well away from waterways during the move.
 
“Farmers can do their bit by maintaining bridges and culverts, while truckies are being encouraged to empty their effluent tanks before setting off on a trip, rather than risk leakage on the road, or into rivers and streams.”
 
Mr Donaldson says ORC often receives complaints during Gypsy Week from motorists whose vehicles are covered in muck when following behind trucks whose drivers have not emptied their effluent tanks at a dump station.
 
Animal waste spillage created potential hazards for vehicles and other road users, especially at this time of the year.
 
“Farmers must stand stock overnight before transporting them and truckies should avoid overflow from their effluent storage tanks en route,” Mr Donaldson said.

“There are six stock effluent disposal sites on State Highway One between Pukeuri and Clinton, and another at Raes Junction at the intersection of Highway 8 and Highway 90, which truckies are expected to use so they don’t pollute the roads.”
 
Road users can report stock effluent spills to the ORC Pollution Hotline on 0800 800 033. For more information on stock effluent disposal see www.orc.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media