This unit applies to intensive production unit managers or related specialists who design effluent disposal systems.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine the feasibility of an effluent management system

1.1. Planning parameters that affect the design of effluent management system are identified.

1.2. Statutory, local government and environment authority requirements for effluent disposal are identified.

1.3. The environmental implications of livestock effluent disposal are identified.

1.4. Effluent recycling options are evaluated in accordance with the whole farm plan.

1.5. Processing options are analysed on the basis of their merits and suitability for the environment.

1.6. Information is obtained from effluent management specialists on all relevant aspects of effluent management.

1.7. An effluent management system is selected on the basis of a cost benefit analysis.

2. Design an effluent management system

2.1. The volume of livestock effluent is calculated according to established guidelines.

2.2. The volume of water flowing into the effluent management system is calculated.

2.3. Storage requirements are calculated.

2.4. Professional assistance is obtained, appropriate to the complexity of the task and the financial risk involved.

2.5. Plan and layout include provision of access, availability and the incorporation of technological innovations.

2.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, safe systems established, and OHS risk assessment records maintained.

2.7. The effluent management system design reflects the requirements of the business plan, production plan and the whole farm plan.

Required skills

identify all factors affecting the design of a livestock effluent system

evaluate the effectiveness of a range of livestock effluent management systems

research the latest innovations in livestock effluent management

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

the role of differing components of a livestock effluent management system

the options available and the relative advantages and disadvantages of differing effluent management systems

different methods of managing large quantities and reducing the quantity of effluent water in effluent management

financial considerations including the availability of low interest loans and incentives for expenditure on facilities to treat and retain livestock effluent

relevant legislation and regulations relating to effluent management

relevant OHS legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

meet the requirements of statutory, local government and environment authorities for effluent disposal

identify factors affecting the design of effluent systems

conduct a cost benefit analysis of a livestock effluent management system

design an effluent system that meets environmental standards and enterprise requirements

evaluate the effectiveness of a range of livestock effluent management systems.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Effluent disposal systems may include:

ponding and spreading on paddocks to improve pasture growth

recycling water for yard wash-down

generation of methane gas for water heating

applying to crops and trees as a soil conditioner

composting

worm farming.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.