Enivronment Southland has changed the rules around disposing of waste into landfills and offal pits, and those regulating the management of contaminated land.
The regional council has recently released its decisions on an update to the regional water plan, known as plan change 14.
The changes update requirements relating to the disposal of waste and materials into landfills and farm offal holes. New rules have been set up to manage discharges that could enter surface water or groundwater.
Discharges from sites contaminated from previous activities, such as former petrol stations or waste disposal sites, will also be managed under new provisions.
Deputy chairman Nicol Horrell said Environment Southland had worked closely with the community to develop a practical approach that would provide protection for drinking water supplies and aquatic ecosystems.
''We have ended up with a result that hopefully will achieve the best outcomes for the community,'' Mr Horrell said.
''If you are a farmer or deal with the disposal of waste or clean fill, then these new provisions may affect you.''
The decisions will remain subject to appeal to the Environment Court for a period of 30 working days.
The proposed changes can be found on Environment Southland's website at: www.es.govt.nz/publications/plans/regional-water-plan.
