Farm environment plans are due to be developed this summer for landowners on the Waimea Plains. Farm environment plans for landowners on the Waimea Plains are earmarked for development this summer – a move it’s hoped will help tackle elevated levels of nitrate in the groundwater on the outskirts of Richmond near Nelson. A council survey in 2016 found the concentrations in some areas did not meet the drinking water standards. “Following this HortNZ will be developing farm environment plans for the farmers in the Waimea Plains this summer,” the report says. Meanwhile, new agency Taumata Arowai would provide further focus on regulating New Zealand's drinking water supply, including setting drinking water standards, Verrall’s spokesperson said.

Source: Stuff September 14, 2021 23:45 UTC