Legislative Council Wednesday 23 June, 2021

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

QUESTION:

With regard to breaches of environmental regulations predominantly related to management of effluent at the Van Dairy VDL farms owned by Moonlake:

What actions have the EPA undertaken to assess the breaches?

ANSWER:

The EPA has conducted onsite investigations into Van Diary Limited farming operations to determine compliance with nine Environmental Protection Notices issued by the Circular Head Council. Investigations have also been conducted to assess the presence of any evidence, which supports ongoing environmental harm.

QUESTION:
What actions have been taken by owners Moonlake to directly address the breaches?

ANSWER:
Van Diary Limited has responded positively to the EPA and Circular Head Council investigation and auditing processes and is working constructively towards compliance with the issued Environmental Protection Notices.

QUESTION:
How have these actions been monitored?

ANSWER:
The EPA investigation is being conducted as part of a wider interagency response, including the Circular Head Council, Tasmanian Dairy Industry Authority, Biosecurity Tasmania and Water Operations Branch. The investigations and auditing processes include continued onsite monitoring of farming activities undertaken by Van Diary Limited.

QUESTION:
Is the water above and below effluent outflow into the Welcome River now being monitored?

ANSWER:
Yes. DPIPWE is utilising the resources of the EPA to undertake a monitoring program of the Welcome River.

QUESTION:
What is the result of this monitoring if conducted?

ANSWER:
Monitoring of the Welcome River is in its preliminary phase and remains an important focus for DPIPWE. Testing results will indicate what, if any pollutants are present in the Welcome River.

QUESTION:
If monitoring hasn’t been conducted above and below areas of effluent overflow, why hasn’t it been done?

ANSWER:
Not applicable.

QUESTION:
What, if any penalties have been imposed on Moonlake for breaches?

ANSWER:
Penalties have not been issued and Van Dairy Limited is continuing to work constructively towards meeting compliance with issued Environmental Protection Notices and management of broader environmental issues.