1st accredited effluent design companies: industry milestone

27 February 2012

First ‘accredited’ effluent design companies, an industry milestone

IrrigationNZ is proud to announce the first round of companies who have passed through the industry’s new farm dairy effluent system design accreditation programme.

Four companies share the recognition of being the first to achieve accredited designer status. They are AgFirst, Opus International Consultants, WaterForce and Hi-Tech Enviro solutions.

The accreditation scheme was developed with investment from DairyNZ with industry partners IrrigationNZ and the New Zealand Milking and Pumping Trades Association (NZMPTA) to give farmers confidence in the quality of design advice they receive from providers of effluent system services. IrrigationNZ manage the scheme.

IrrigationNZ Chief Executive Andrew Curtis says the process is particularly thorough and the four accredited companies presented very good designs and processes for assessment.

“The standard accredited companies have to meet is high and is set out in the FDE Design Standards and Code of Practice. They put their work to a panel of experts for assessment of their competency and we are confident they will provide a high level of service to their clients.”

“There is also a heavy emphasis on displaying that they have skills around areas like effluent characterisation and block allocation, soil and climate considerations, understanding regulations and legislation, hydraulic design, pond storage requirements and nutrient management. They also have to show they can integrate this information into a farm system and provide a high standard of service.”

NZMPTA’s Maria Scott says the organisation backs the scheme because their members want to demonstrate to their clients they can design systems that optimise the nutrients in effluent and can meet regulatory requirements.

“We want to congratulate the first round of companies that have achieved accreditation status. It should give their clients confidence in their skills.”

“It’s also important to note that accredited companies also sign an agreement stating all their designs, from the date of accreditation, will be consistent with the Farm Dairy Effluent Design Code of Practice and Standards.”

DairyNZ project manager for effluent services Dr Theresa Wilson encourages farmers to check the accreditation website (www.effluentaccreditation.co.nz) before contracting an effluent system designer for an up–to-date list of accredited suppliers.

“This list is expected to grow as companies pass through the review process. If you’re looking at upgrading your system, do it once and do it right by using an accredited design company.”

About DairyNZ
DairyNZ is the industry good organisation representing New Zealand’s dairy farmers. We are funded by a levy on milksolids and our purpose is to secure and enhance the profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of New Zealand dairy farming. We deliver value to farmers through leadership, influencing, investing, partnering with other organisations and through our own strategic capability. Our work includes research and development to create practical on-farm tools, leading on-farm adoption of best practice farming, promoting careers in dairying and advocating for farmers with central and regional government. For more information, visit www.dairynz.co.nz

ENDS

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