Course gives lowdown on effluent ponds

A course available nationwide is giving contractors and designers of farm dairy effluent ponds a chance to expand their skills and stay up to date on industry developments.

DairyNZ, in conjunction with InfraTrain and Water and Environment Training Academy consultants, established the farm dairy effluent pond design and construction course last year. The course, developed by industry professionals led by Opus International Consultants, is being held in Hamilton, Taupo, Oamaru, Palmerston North and Christchurch.

Companies can still register at nzweta.org.nz. Representatives from more than 70 companies have already completed the course.

DairyNZ sustainability team leader Theresa Wilson says dairy farmers benefit from having highly skilled people building their ponds and is urging companies to sign up.

"Companies are really stepping up to the plate by attending these courses. These are specifically designed to help them meet the standards for the design and construction of ponds outlined in the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand practice note 21.

"The entire process of constructing an effluent pond is covered by this pond design and construction course, from planning through to testing and commissioning.

"Everyone in the construction process has an important part to play and will benefit from familiarising themselves with the standards."

Hugh Ratsey, from Opus, says the companies are put through their paces during the course.

"Dairy farmers can be confident that those who have completed this course have the knowledge to provide an effluent pond built to industry good practice," Ratsey says.

"The course includes a series of workshops with emphasis on practical learning."

InfraTrain chief executive Philip Aldridge is looking forward to more companies taking the three-day course.

Effluent management has been a priority for the dairy industry over the past few years. The course includes information on new developments, regulations and research.

For more info or to register see www.infratrain.co.nz/Dairy - Effluent.htm; nzweta.org.nz