Weekly Update

May 15, 2009

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.

San Joaquin Valley diesel engine permit application deadline nears

Owners of stationary agricultural diesel engines in the San Joaquin Valley that do not meet air pollution emission control standards must submit applications to bring their engines into compliance by July 1, 2009. Non-certified (Tier O) engines greater than 50 brake horsepower must be replaced with Tier 3 engines by Jan.1, 2010. The rule by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District known as Rule 4702 was adopted in 2006 and covers both spark-ignited and diesel engines.  Dairy owners must submit either an Authority to Constrict (ATC) permit application for permitted dairies or a Permit-Exempt Equipment Registration (PEER) application for non-permitted dairies by July 1 or October 1 respectively.  Further information about the permit application process is available by contacting your Western United Dairymen field representatives.

Dairy producers learned this week that the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has $20.9 million in funds available to help farmers and ranchers reduce air quality emissions from off-road mobile or stationary agricultural sources.  Applications are being taken until June 26, 2009.  Dave White, Chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, made the announcement while attending the national Agricultural Air Quality Task Force meeting in Fresno. The funds will share the costs of practices that have been shown to reduce ozone precursors oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)] and particulate matter, both coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) emissions from agricultural sources. Applications will be ranked and funded based on the amount of emission reductions achieved in the proposed plan.

Funded practices include engine replacement and engine retrofit devices (fuel management, catalysts, etc.)  to reduce emissions from currently functional engines to allow the engines to continue to operate with lower emissions. Stationary, portable and heavy-duty off-road mobile systems will be included. Other covered air quality practices will include conservation tillage, dust control on farm roads, precision pest control, and manure injection.  For the complete list of practices and for information on payment calculations, see www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/2009/index.html or visit a local NRCS office.

Producers reminded to be vigilant about dairy visitors

Following earlier reports of a Fresno area dairy that was contacted by a suspicious person wanting to tour the facility, comes a report that a Turlock dairy owner had an unwanted visitor taking photos of the dairy. The person was asked to leave the property and did so, only to return later to take more pictures.  On-farm video surveillance equipment captured the individual trespassing on the farm. This incident has been reported to the authorities.

Dairy producers are reminded of this advice offered by the California Farm Bureau Federation, ACTION (Agricultural Crime Technology Information & Operations Network, administered by the Office of the Tulare County District Attorney), and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

* First and foremost, "No Trespassing" signs should be placed at intervals not less than 3 to the mile along all exterior boundaries and at all roads and trails entering the farm.  These signs build a stronger case for dairy farmers and allow trespassers to be prosecuted under CA Penal Code Section 602.8.  "No Trespassing" signs, in English and Spanish, are available to Farm Bureau members from CFBF.  Signs in English cost $1.35 each.  Signs in Spanish cost $1.62 each.  To order, call 1-800-698-FARM or email helpdesk@cfbf.com. These signs are also available from Western United field representatives. 

* According the Tulare County Sheriff's office your first course of action should you spot someone trespassing on your farm is to call the local authorities.  Under no circumstances, should you approach the individual or threaten them in any manner. Do not attempt to detain them or take their camera. This is appropriate advice in any county.

* If they are taking pictures of you, take pictures of them.  Record the license plate number of the vehicle they are driving.  Get an accurate description of the vehicle's make, model, color and other distinguishing characteristics.  Get an accurate description of the individual such as gender, height, weight, hair color, etc.

Dairy Industry Meetings posted to WUD website – WUD sponsored three dairy industry meetings in February and March to look at the many challenges facing the industry. To listen to audio of those meetings, go to www.westernuniteddairymen.com and click on the Dairy Industry Meetings link.

Dairy energy management workshop May 27 in Escalon – PG&E will host a Dairy Energy Management workshop on May 27 from 8 am to 1 pm at Escalon Sportsmen's Club, 25195 E. River Road, Escalon.  The workshop will provide an overview of dairy  energy management options, including energy efficiency technologies and incentives, emerging technologies,  demand response opportunities, water and air-quality and self generation, including various dairy 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 www.pge.com/energyclasses  or by calling 209-576-6670.  April 28, 2009 PG&E Press Release

CALENDAR OF MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITIES

MAY

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