The Otago Regional Council (ORC) wants to remind farmers and stock truck drivers of good practice when moving stock for the start of winter on what’s known in the community as “Gypsy Day”.

The mass movement of stock and equipment between farming properties can lead to effluent on roads, which is a safety hazard and has the potential to pollute our waterways.

ORC General Manager Regulatory, Peter Winder, said there were a few simple ways to minimise effluent spillage.

“To reduce the risk of effluent sloshing out onto roads, stock owners are encouraged to stand stock before trucking them.

“We also encourage truck drivers to make use of the network of stock truck effluent disposal sites across Otago. There are now eight of these sites in the region, with the SH85 site at Brassknocker Road recently becoming operational,” said Mr Winder.

Those transporting stock along the roads also need to keep them out of roadside drains to avoid sediment and effluent entering waterways.

For more information, contact the ORC Rural Liaison Team on 0800 474 082.