November 6, 2009
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.
Waste Management Plan workshops get underway
A series of workshops designed to help Central Valley dairy producers prepare and submit engineered Waste Management Plans (WMP) is underway and runs until Dec. 2. The workshops are sponsored by the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) well in advance of the July 2010 submittal deadline. In addition to submitting their annual Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) reports, dairy operators will also be required to prepare and submit engineered Waste Management Plans. “Because WMPs require professional assistance and significant time and cost to prepare, it makes good sense to get an early start,” notes Paul Martin, WUD’s director of environmental services. Among the key topics to be covered during the workshops:
· Deliverables due for the next deadline, including what needs to be started now and other items needing to be finished before July 1, 2010.
· Important updates on groundwater monitoring requirements, on-farm inspections and implementing/modifying Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs).
· Critical information on avoiding the most common types of Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) violations.
· Tips on working with outside consultants and your employees to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
In addition, the workshops will include the latest news and information on the next annual report form and mortality management option research. All workshops are open to dairy owner/operators, their employees, consultants and other dairy professionals. The workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required.
Fall 2009 workshop schedule
Tulare County Merced County
Thursday, December 3, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tulare County Ag Center Auditorium, UC Cooperative Extension classroom,
4437 S. Laspina, Tulare 2145 W. Wardrobe Avenue, Merced
Stanislaus County San Joaquin County
Wednesday, December 2, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stanislaus County Agricultural Center, Harvest Robert J. Cabral Ag Center Conference Room,
Hall, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto 2101 E. Earhart Avenue, Stockton
Glenn County Fresno County
Monday, November 9, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Glenn County Farm Bureau Board Meeting Room, Riverdale Memorial Hall, 3085 W. Mount Whitney
831 5th Street, Orland (across from High School, Riverdale)
Dairy risk management seminars set for Dec. 15-16
As the sun rose over Sacramento Wednesday morning, Democrats and Republicans came together to reach a major deal on water, including sweeping changes in water policy and an $11 billion bond that must be approved by voters. The package includes new rules for water conservation -- with most localities being asked to reduce water use by 20 percent over the next 10 years -- and a new system of governance for the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta. Passage of the package was eased by the $11 billion bond, which will be on the November 2010 ballot. The bond contains billions in earmarks for projects up and down the state, including the state conservancies which are dependent on voter-approved funding. The bond contains more than $1.7 billion in water quality and watershed protection funding – all of which is earmarked for specific agencies and groups. The bond includes $100 million for the Lake Tahoe Conservancy, $100 million for Salton Sea preservation and $250 million for a dam removal project near Lake Shasta. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is in line to receive $75 million to “protect the Los Angeles River watershed,” and another $25 million for Santa Monica Bay watershed projects. In Speaker Karen Bass’s backyard, the Baldwin Hills Conservancy is set to receive $20 million if the bond is approved. There’s also $125 million earmarked for the California Department of Forestry for forest restoration and “to provide for climate change adaptation.” In short, the bond’s got a little something for everyone. <more> Nov. 5, 2009 Capitol Weekly
CALENDAR OF MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITIES
OCTOBER
|
1st of the month |
Photograph Free Board in Ponds |
|
Weekly |
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:
Phone (209) 238-3818
Fax (209) 238-3808
Email: info@wuenvironmental.com