August 21, 2009

Welcome to Weekly Update, a publication of Western United Environmental Services (WUES). We realize you look to us as a reliable source of information on the Waste Discharge Requirements from the Regional Water Board. We strive to provide your dairy with quality service, while at the same time saving you money as you face the challenges in complying with the WDRs. Previous editions of the Update can be found at www.wuenvironmental.com.

Central Valley dairies asked to provide additional WDR data

A majority of Central Valley dairies will be receiving letters this week from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board asking them to supply data that is missing from the recent Waste Discharge Reports filed July 1.  Information related to such items as wastewater agreements, retrofitting plans and manure is being sought from selected dairies. The information request is routine and a response is requested by Sept. 15. WUD members who have questions can contact their WUD field representative, WUES service technician, Paul Martin at (707) 763-8874 or Paul Sousa at (209) 527-6453.

August 28 deadline for Central Valley dairy water quality program

The deadline for applications is August 28 for the Central Valley Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), according to Western United Dairymen and the California Natural Resources Conservation Service. The cost-share program is open for all Central Valley dairy producers.  This program is tailored to help dairy producers comply with the Dairy Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) and to enhance ground and surface water quality and water conservation.

The program has been tremendously successful so far, with the NRCS offices in Stanislaus and Tulare counties reporting over 100 signups to date in each county.  The large demand for funding should serve as a signal to dairy producers to get their applications in as soon as possible, points out Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist. The program is generally similar to the previously announced $1.2 million CCPI funding.  Funding priorities are comparable to the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) program with Waste Management Plan assistance as the highest priority.  The funding awarded is intended to:  first, complete assistance for preparing Waste Management Plans for those producers unable to acquire CCPI funding and, second, to be available for infrastructure improvements.

Environmental stewardship classes in Modesto and Tulare

 Environmental stewardship classes focused on air and water quality issues and regulations will be held in Modesto and Tulare beginning September 1. The courses are offered by the California Dairy Quality Assurance program (CDQAP) and will be held over a three-week period. Producers who hope to pursue certification in the Environmental Stewardship Program must complete two hours of air quality classes and six hours of water quality classes prior to the third-party evaluation needed for certification. The instructors will be Dr. Frank Mitloehner and Dr. Deanne Meyer.
The Modesto workshops will be held at the Stanislaus County Ag Center. The air quality workshop will be on September 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The water quality courses will be September 15 and September 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for both days.

The Tulare workshops will be held at the Tulare County Ag Center. The air quality session will be September 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The water quality courses are scheduled for September 17 and September 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for both days.

Further information is available from CDQAP at (866) 662-3727 or by contacting the WUD field representative for your area.

Ag Secretary Vilsack to hold Modesto listening session August 26

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Modesto Wednesday Aug. 26 for a luncheon listening session at the Stanislaus County Ag Center. The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the Harvest Hall. Although lunch seating is already filled to capacity, an overflow room has been reserved. RSVP’s are requested to Cardoza’s Modesto office at (209) 527-1914 or email lisa.mantarro@mail.house.gov.  The lunch will cost $17.50 per person. “I have met numerous times with the Secretary over the past several months to discuss the many challenges facing Valley agriculture, as well as its important role in the U.S. economy,” said Cardoza.  “This is a tremendous opportunity for our agriculture community to meet with the Secretary to further discuss our unique issues.”  Cardoza, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, has been instrumental in efforts to assist California dairy producers during the current economic crisis. Ray Souza, WUD President, commented, “We look forward to the opportunity to meet with Secretary Vilsack and thank him for his efforts on behalf of California dairy producers. His efforts to implement the Dairy Export Incentive Program and to temporarily raise the dairy price support program prices for three months have been critical in assisting producers. There is much more that needs to be done. This meeting is a great opportunity for dairy producers to let Secretary Vilsack how they are being impacted by this economic crisis.”

CALENDAR OF MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITIES

AUGUST

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

·         Phone (209) 238-3818

·         Fax (209) 238-3808

·         Email: info@wuenvironmental.com

·         www.wuenvironmental.com