Volume One 15. Resource Quality (Water, Air, Soil) Excavation of loess soil on slopes is also controlled under the policy. Such excavation can create preferential flow paths and concentrate runoff and drainage. If not well managed that runoff and drainage has the potential to cause tunnel gully erosion. Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. [R] 15.M.38 Regional rules Apply regional rules to land disturbance activities for soil conservation outcomes. Standards will define the reasonable limits, including the nature and scale of land disturbance activities, to avoid adverse effects on the soil resource and adjacent waterbodies. This will include the use of setbacks to create a buffer between land disturbance activities and waterbodies. Where the standards are exceeded, resource consent will be required before the land disturbance can be undertaken. Where appropriate, use regional rules to enable pest management activity for soil conservation outcomes. Apply regional rules to manage the risk of tunnel gully erosion by requiring a discharge permit for the discharge of liquid contaminants onto or into loess soil. [R] 15.M.39 Liaison To work with established rural industry groups to develop and implement sustainable land management programmes. The initial focus will be on viticulture, pastoral farming (especially dairy and beef farming), arable farming and forestry, but may extend to other rural activities if the need arises. Encouraging group members to practice nutrient budgeting (with the exception of the forestry industry) will be a priority. Farm management plans may assist rural property owners to identify appropriate responses to soil erosion issues on their land. The Council may help to develop such plans if requested. Liaise with the Department of Conservation regarding any soil erosion issues on Crown land managed for conservation purposes. [R] 15.M.40 Information Provide information to landowners and resource users to promote recognition of soil quality issues, encourage the adoption of practices and techniques for avoiding unnecessary damage to soil structure and maintain soil nutrients at appropriate levels. Information could be prioritised so that information is provided to those landowners and resource users on the most vulnerable soils. The Council will promote the use of the Visual Soil Assessment tool to enable resource users to monitor soil quality on their own properties. [R] 15.M.41 Advocate Communicate to the manufacturers and suppliers of fertilisers the role they have in strengthening education and providing information on nutrient budgeting, with a view to minimising the likelihood and potential effects of excessive fertiliser application on soil and water quality. 15 – 41