June 9, 2008

Editor's Note: This edition contains updated information from the Update sent out on Friday, June 6

 

Welcome to Weekly Update, a publication of Western United Environmental Services (WUES). Our goal is to provide you with the latest information about the WDR’s from the Water Board and how our organization can help you with your environmental challenges.  All previous publications of the Weekly Update can be found in the News section on our website at www.wuenvironmental.com.

Proposed Interim Facility Modification 

One of the components of the July 1 WDR update is the Proposed Interim Facility Modifications (PIFM) as Necessary to Balance Nitrogen and/or Proposed Interim Facility Modifications as Necessary to Improve Storage Capacity.  If your PDFA showed that your Whole Farm Nitrogen Balance is greater than 1.65 or that your existing retention pond(s) have less total storage capacity than is required for your herd size, you will have to file a PIFM with your July update.  The necessary forms can be downloaded from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board website at http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/centralvalley/water_issues/dairies/interim_mods_form.pdf. 

The PIFM form allows you to list the corrective measures you intend to undertake by July 1, 2009, to move you toward compliance.  This reporting is for short term projects which can reasonably be completed within a year.  These will usually be changes to management practices, such as reduce parlor water use or increase exports of manure.  Long term projects such as infrastructure improvements will be reported separately.  You will be required to file follow-up documents to show the completion of the proposed corrective measures, and an explanation and time-line for any corrections not completed by the deadline, so only list projects you are confident that you can complete within one year. You may prepare this document yourself, or your WUES Technician can prepare it for you.  If you do have to file a PIFM you will also have to file an update to your PDFA to reflect the changes being proposed.

 

Southern Region Dairy Energy Management Workshop

 

Dairy Energy Management Workshop June 19 in Bakersfield – PG&E will host a Dairy Energy Management workshop on June 19th from 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at University Cooperative Extension, Kern County Farm & Home Advisors, 1031 S. Mt. Vernon Ave, Bakersfield.  The workshop will provide an overview of dairy energy management options, including energy efficiency technologies and incentives, emerging technologies, demand response opportunities, water & air quality, self generation, and reviewing the various biogas options for the dairy farmer.  This workshop is designed for dairy owners and operators and dairy designers and vendors, who are interested in developing and promoting integrated energy management strategies for dairies.  To RSVP, please register at http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/edusafety/training/pec/classes/  or by calling 661-321-4404.  May 20, 2008 PG&E Notice