Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What should a livestock effluent management system do?
The system must

What methods of effluent disposal may be considered?

What parameters should be considered in planning?
Soil type, topography, ground water levels, local water courses, climate, the whole farm plan, environmental risk management planning, available labour and financial resources, availability of water, area available for distribution, current and planned future herd size, intensity of operations, disease status within the herd, future increases in supplementary feeding, shed or cow flow modifications, possibility of flood washing, feed pads, winter feeding, volume of effluent currently produced, proximity to the milk room, neighbours, siting of calf paddocks in relation to areas where effluent water will be applied, irrigation layout and re-use dams, and relevant legislation and regulations relating to effluent management.

What are the OHS hazards associated with effluent management systems?

What are the recycling and volume reduction options available?
Use of yard flood washing systems using recycled water, reduction of wash systems, storage and usage of stormwater from roofs and yard areas.

What factors should an evaluation of a livestock effluent management systems consider?
Cost effectiveness, ease of use, efficiency in overall design and operation, effective conservation of livestock effluent into a useable form, environmental impacts, achieving maximum benefit from the recycled livestock effluent, and meeting the legal requirements and environmental responsibilities.

What should a livestock effluent management system do?
The system must

What methods of effluent disposal may be considered?

What parameters should be considered in planning?
Soil type, topography, ground water levels, local water courses, climate, the whole farm plan, environmental risk management planning, available labour and financial resources, availability of water, area available for distribution, current and planned future herd size, intensity of operations, disease status within the herd, future increases in supplementary feeding, shed or cow flow modifications, possibility of flood washing, feed pads, winter feeding, volume of effluent currently produced, proximity to the milk room, neighbours, siting of calf paddocks in relation to areas where effluent water will be applied, irrigation layout and re-use dams, and relevant legislation and regulations relating to effluent management.

What are the OHS hazards associated with effluent management systems?

What are the recycling and volume reduction options available?
Use of yard flood washing systems using recycled water, reduction of wash systems, storage and usage of stormwater from roofs and yard areas.

What factors should an evaluation of a livestock effluent management systems consider?
Cost effectiveness, ease of use, efficiency in overall design and operation, effective conservation of livestock effluent into a useable form, environmental impacts, achieving maximum benefit from the recycled livestock effluent, and meeting the legal requirements and environmental responsibilities.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in designing and planning of livestock effluent systems requires evidence that an individual is aware of how these systems are planned and designed, as well as an awareness of the issues impacting on the design and operation of these systems. This will include demonstration of an understanding of both the environmental and OHS issues involved. The skills and knowledge required to design and plan livestock effluent management systems must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different effluent systems, production systems, environmental factors and enterprise guidelines.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

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, regulations and codes of practice.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

identify all factors affecting the design of a livestock effluent system
evaluate the effectiveness of a range of livestock effluent management systems
conduct a cost benefit analysis of a livestock effluent management system
calculate the amount of effluent produced, storage required and water required by a effluent management system
research the latest innovations in livestock effluent management
liaise and effectively negotiate with livestock effluent management specialists.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

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, regulations and codes of practice.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

identify all factors affecting the design of a livestock effluent system
evaluate the effectiveness of a range of livestock effluent management systems
conduct a cost benefit analysis of a livestock effluent management system
calculate the amount of effluent produced, storage required and water required by a effluent management system
research the latest innovations in livestock effluent management
liaise and effectively negotiate with livestock effluent management specialists.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
System options and management systems will need to be communicated with management, staff, industry specialists, factory field staff, contractors, and neighbours involved. (3)

Communicating ideas and information
System options and management systems will need to be communicated with management, staff, industry specialists, factory field staff, contractors, and neighbours involved. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Environmental data, property and production data will be collected and collated in both electronic and paper forms. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Environmental data, property and production data will be collected and collated in both electronic and paper forms. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Activities such as data collection, drafting of plans, obtaining of quotes, and the monitoring of contracts will be planned and organised in consultation with the property manager and relevant industry specialists. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Activities such as data collection, drafting of plans, obtaining of quotes, and the monitoring of contracts will be planned and organised in consultation with the property manager and relevant industry specialists. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Both the planning of management systems, the implementation of construction, and day-to-day operation of effluent systems requires a team approach. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Both the planning of management systems, the implementation of construction, and day-to-day operation of effluent systems requires a team approach. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
The calculation of volumes, sizes, flows, and the final specification of the management plan require the application of these techniques. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
The calculation of volumes, sizes, flows, and the final specification of the management plan require the application of these techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills are required in responding effectively to a range of circumstances including adverse soil, property or water conditions, as well as addressing issues of blockage or malfunction of effluent systems. (3)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills are required in responding effectively to a range of circumstances including adverse soil, property or water conditions, as well as addressing issues of blockage or malfunction of effluent systems. (3)

Using technology
A range of communication, measurement and recording equipment may be involved in the development of livestock effluent management systems. (2)

Using technology
A range of communication, measurement and recording equipment may be involved in the development of livestock effluent management systems. (2)