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KELLY HODEL / STUFF
A dairy farmer collapsed on the dock and cried in the arms of her husband after a judge fined them $ 45,000 for spilling illegally untreated dairy effluent in a Taranaki creek.
John and Alison Vernon -Lectare Denbigh Rd Dairy Farm in Midhurst, admitted a charge each of spilling contaminants into the water, a violation of the Resource Management Act.
The offense, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison or a fine of $ 300,000, was discovered after two agents of the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) undertook an annual inspection of the system. 39, effluent from the farm on September 11, 2017.
Officers found untreated daily effluent flowing into an unnamed tributary of Rum Keg Creek, The Environmental Court in New Plymouth has heard tuesday
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[19659006Thespillcamefromapipethathadbeendisconnectedfromamobileirrigatorafterwoodchipshadcloggedtheeffluentpump
At the time of the recidivism, about 100 cows were being milked on the farm and the TRC estimated that about 1,800 liters of effluent and wash water were produced each day.
According to a summary of the facts, the agents found significant discoloration at the point of discharge into the tributary, with discolouration and odor extending over 400 meters downstream.
The tributary, from where the agents took samples of water, flowed about 2.2 kilometers.
On September 13, the Vernons received a notice of reduction requiring them to "undertake work to ensure compliance with the resource consent."
A re-inspection on September 18 revealed that they had been shaped.
Patrick Mooney, defense counsel stated that the Vernons, who have a history of non-compliance, needed to improve their effluent system to allow for greater retention capacity, especially in period of extreme rainy weather, but could not afford to do it.
Karenza de Silva, on behalf of the TRC, argued that the recidivism was deliberate
Justice Brian Dwyer, of the environment, stated that the contravention was "foreseeable and inevitable".
He fined $ 60,000, but granted rebates for quick pledges, resulting in a combined fine of $ 45,000
Alison Vernon crumpled while Dwyer delivered his verdict.
A husband and two couples of company directors were fined $ 54,000 after admitting two charges of spilling contaminants into the water.
Kevin and Diane Goble did not live at Block 8 Farm, on Block 8 Rd in Waverley, but had hired a website since 2016.
The court heard that an annual inspection by a TRC officer on August 10, 2017 revealed that dairy effluents were flowing on a 40 m slope in an unnamed tributary of Moumahaki Creek
. "dark and colored"
The tributary was significantly affected over its entire length of 2.2 km with water samples showing that life of the macroinvertebrates had been affected.
Dwyer considered the offense as "obvious and carefree" and placed it in
He fined $ 80,000, but granted discounts for an "excellent" past and pleas of prompt guilt, which resulted in a $ 54,000 fine
. Resource Management Fred McLay said that it was disappointing that a small minority of farmers did not meet the required standards.
"The court sent a clear message that those who do not take their environmental responsibilities seriously will be penalized," he added. said.
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