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Weekly Update

September 5, 2008

Weekly Update is a publication written by the staff at Western United Environmental Services (WUES) to show you how our organization can assist you with your environmental challenges. Each week you will receive valuable information and helpful tips from the team at WUES. Our purpose is to help you comply with the Waste Discharge Requirements from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. If you missed any of our publications, you can find them in the “News” section of our website at www.wuenvironmental.com.

 

Corn Sampling: How and Why

 

Several questions have been raised recently regarding crop samples. Does corn have to be sampled? How often? What is being tested for? How should the sampling be done? What is the sample data used for? We will be referencing the General Order, the Regional Water Board FAQ hosted by CDQAP and supporting documents to answer these questions.

Does corn have to be sampled? How often? What is being tested for? These questions are treated together, since the answers are so closely connected. Each harvest from each land application area must have plant tissue samples taken. While in the field record and report EITHER the total weight (tons) OR the total volume (cubic yards) of material removed. For crops such as cotton or almonds, where the harvested material comes in several different forms, each type of harvested material must be sampled individually. Laboratory analysis is also required. If you are reporting total weight removed, the lab must report percentage wet weight of the sample; if reporting volume, the lab must report the density of the sample. Total nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus will be reported on a dry weight basis. Refer to Tab 1.4 in your CDQAP Binder. Also, the FAQ for February 22 addresses the question of what cropland is covered by the order.

How should the sampling be done? While this is not a difficult process, the procedure for obtaining accurate samples is rather lengthy. It is available in your CDQAP Binder in Tab 5.5, or may be obtained from the CDQA Website at http://www.cdqa.org/wdr/binder.htm. This document covers the procedures for collecting, storing and handling forage samples. If you have any questions about the procedures listed, you may contact either your WUES technician or the laboratory which will be preparing your analysis.

What will the sample data be used for? The total quantity of nutrients removed from each field can be compared to the total quantity of nutrients applied to each field, to determine the ratio. This is reported as the nitrogen balance, primarily, and provides a snap-shot statistic for overall compliance. In general, a nitrogen balance of 1.65 or less is considered desirable.

 

New environmental stewardship report tells the stories of California dairy families - California dairy families are leading the nation in environmental stewardship. That simple message is at the core of “Leading the Way to Sustainability,” a new report prepared by CARES in cooperation with the California Milk Advisory Board and California Dairy Research Foundation. Hot off the presses, the report began distribution this week and will be delivered to community leaders across the state, from local elected officials and news reporters to educators and government agencies. In stories, pictures and colorful graphics, readers receive an “up-close-and-personal” view of California dairy families. That view includes a family history going back generations, a look at the dedication and hard work that has made dairy farmers successful, and their hopes for an economically and environmentally sustainable future. “We’re a lot more environmentally aware these days,” says George Borba Jr. of Bakersfield, one of the dairy farmers interviewed for the report. “We have a lot more knowledge, more tools and we’re using them. And we’re learning all the time.” All California dairy producers will receive a copy of the report by mail. CARES coalition members will be working hard to continue telling the story of California dairy families’ efforts to promote environmental stewardship and any efforts to assist us in telling this story are welcome. Additional copies of the free report for community outreach efforts can be requested by calling (916) 441-3318 or writing to dairycares@aol.com.  Sept. 3, 2008 CARES Press Release

 

CALENDAR OF MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITIES

SEPTEMBER

1st of the month

 Photograph Free Board in Ponds

Each month

 Visual inspection (production and waste storage areas; ponds)

Process wastewater application

 Visual inspections, volume, date

Solid Manure applications

 Volume/density OR weight/moisture

Manure Exports

 Measure volume/density OR weight/moisture (require lab analysis)

Harvest

 Yield, lab analysis

Irrigation event

 Volume, source, date

Tail water discharge

 Date, time, volume, duration, location, destination, field measurements

 & lab analysis if within 60 days of manure application.

To receive more information on WUES, please contact your WUES Environmental Technician or WUES Office: