2013-10-03

 

Landfarming found to make sandy, coastal farmland ten times better for dairying

Petroleum Exploration and Production Association CEO, David Robinson welcomed the independent report commissioned by the Taranaki Regional Council outlining the significant benefits of landfarming in the Taranaki region.

 Taranaki Regional Council commissioned agKnowledge Ltd to determine whether landfarms were “fit for purpose”, for pastoral farming and in particular dairying.

The report looks into soil fertility, heavy metal and barium concentrates and petrochemical residues in the soil at three landfarming sites in Taranaki region.

“Rehabilitated land farming is a highly regulated activity with operators required to comply with recognised environmental standards and guidelines right throughout the process. Regular scientific testing shows the practice is environmentally safe, having no effects on livestock or milk supply that occupy the land”, PEPANZ CEO David Robinson said.

 “The Taranaki Regional Council has monitored this practice for years and have processes, guidelines and rigorous testing regimes in place every step of the way.

 “This independent report not only proves that this practice is safe – it shows the real benefits landfarming has on costal and sandy farmland. The report goes as far as saying that re-contoured sand dunes, after the inclusion of the drilling wastes and with the addition of appropriate fertilisers and water (irrigation) is capable of producing high quality clover-based pastures and increasing the value of the land from about $3-4000/ha to $30-40,000/ha.

 “The Dairy industry and the Oil and Gas industry make a huge contribution to the local Taranaki economy.

 “Together we provide jobs, sponsorship of local organisations and financial stability to the region.

 “This report shows that any propaganda opposing landfarming suggesting that it is unsafe is just that – propaganda,” David Robinson said.