After extensive consultation with the farming sector including with Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has instituted a low burden process for managing on farm use of manures.
Under the Determinations process, farmers will not have to fill out forms just to use manure as fertilizer, so long as it meets set specifications and poses no risk to the environment.
According to the Determination, manure and effluent is faecal matter generated by livestock:
any mixture of livestock faecal matter and biodegradable animal bedding such as:
straw
sawdust
effluent:
livestock faecal matter in liquid form and
wastewater from collection or treatment systems that are ancillary to livestock management.
Manures in excess of 20m3 per month may be received and deposited to land in line with the specification in the determination. For smaller volumes, farmers are deemed authorised to receive and deposit up to 20m3 per month of manure without any further regulatory requirements.
Farmers do not need EPA permission to supply or accept and use manures if they meet the specifications in the determination, unless they are engaged in industries such as recycling or processing.
