Effluent System Design
Installing or upgrading a dairy farm effluent system is a big investment, so get some professional advice and do your own research to inform your decision making.
Step-by-step design
Step 1: Basics
To develop an effective dairy effluent system, consider the following: soil type, distance to waterways, how to integrate into existing infrastructure, and the strategies for fertiliser application and irrigation.
Step 2: Consultants
The design of an effluent system is complex and the cost of getting it wrong are significant. That is why it is a good idea to consult service providers who are suitably trained in the field.
Step 3: Site-specific plan
For new dairy farm businesses or major effluent system upgrades, it is recommended to have a site-specific Effluent Management Plan that outlines all aspects of the dairy effluent system. This includes capture, containment, treatment and reuse, potential risks to the environment and/or neighbours, and mitigation measures. In the design process, it is also important to factor in future intensions for the farm, such as a change in cow numbers, additional feedpads or expansion plans.
Step 4: Service providers
Talk with an Agriculture Victoria service provider, all of which are nationally recognised in Design Livestock Effluent Systems and competent in:
- Industry guidelines and design tools.
- Soils and climatic considerations.
- Auditing wastewater generation.
- Appropriate pond storage volumes.
- Estimation of nutrient reuse areas for distribution systems.
