April 2, 2010

Welcome to Weekly Update, a publication of Western United Environmental Services (WUES), designed to bring you valuable information and helpful tips for compliance with the Waste Discharge Requirements of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. We strive to provide your dairy with quality service, while at the same time saving you money as you face the challenges of compliance. Each week you will find features on compliance issues, regulatory changes or common questions, as well as workshop notices. If you have missed any of our past issues, they can be found on our website at www.wuenvironmental.com.

Grant program successfully aids Central Valley dairy water quality

A grant program that assisted Central Valley dairy producers in implementing water quality improvement projects was a success, say organizers, with 23 dairies participating in a wide range of best management practices that address water quality concerns. Western United Resource Development (WURD) in 2007 was awarded a $999,997 grant by the State Water Resources Control Board to implement a Water Quality Improvement Project for Central Valley dairies. The program provided cost-share funding for on-farm projects that improved infrastructure and management of dairy facilities to achieve or to more effectively maintain compliance with water quality regulations. Funded projects included tailwater return systems; field distribution systems that allowed irrigation water mixed with liquid manure to be applied to cropland at proper rates and timing; backflow prevention systems that prevent nutrients or pathogens in manure from affecting a water source; solid manure separators that allow for optimal handling of each fraction of the manure; concrete pads to store feed products or manure and convey the leachate or runoff to a liquid storage area; and water efficiency projects focused, for example, on water use in the milk parlor. WUD environmental specialist Paul Sousa oversaw the project and said its success could provide a model for similar future water quality efforts. “The enormous need that was demonstrated by this project proves that dairies are eager to comply with water quality regulations and protect the environment,” said Sousa. “But they need some assistance to overcome the cost barriers associated with these types of projects.” The collaborative nature of the project was noted by Sousa. He explained that general program guidance and application priorities were provided by a Technical Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from Sustainable Conservation, CDFA, State Water Resources Control Board, UC Davis, USDA NRCS, CDQAP, Alliance of Western Milk Producers, and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. The project was funded by Proposition 50. WURD continues to search for additional funding sources for environmental projects. Western United Dairymen recently applied for and was awarded funding under the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) and Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) from NRCS. The agency is currently accepting applications for funding under CCPI. Development of dairy waste management plans can be funded under CCPI cost-sharing. Funding also will be available soon under AWEP. This program has been used successfully in the past by California dairy producers for water quality projects. The NRCS programs most familiar to dairy producers are Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  March 26, 2010

CAFO rule public workshop set for April 5

There will be a public workshop to discuss and receive comments on draft amendments to SJVAPCD Rule 4570 (Confined Animal Facilities) on Monday April 5 at 1 p.m. at the Valley air board office 1990 E. Getysburg Ave., Fresno. The workshop will also be webcast.  Documents related to the workshop can be downloaded from the District’s website by clicking here. The proposed amendments to Rule 4570 will seek to obtain as much reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from confined animal facilities as is “expeditiously practicable, technologically feasible, and economically reasonable, as determined by the District’s Governing Board,” according to a staff report. March 30, 2010 Air Board Notice

CEC announces low-interest loans for biomethane production

The California Energy Commission has approved an agreement with the California Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency that will soon make more that $30 million available to eligible California manufacturing businesses. The Clean Energy Business Financing Program (CEBFP) is open to California businesses that want to expand, diversify, or retool existing facilities to manufacture eligible energy efficiency or renewable energy products, components, systems, and technologies. Facilities that produce biomethane gas from biomass suitable for pipeline injection are also eligible. Loans to qualifying applicants will be a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000. Successful applicants will meet program requirements, as well as lending qualifications. Projects must demonstrate program success, leverage other project funds, and show profitability. Go to www.energy.ca.gov/recovery/cleanenergy.html  for information and CEBFP applications, which will be available on April 7, 2010.

Ground-water permits in California?

The state Legislative Analyst's Office last week suggested California should require permits for people who pump water out of the ground -- noting this is one of the few Western states without such a requirement.  To download the report, please click here. It's a touchy subject, especially in the San Joaquin Valley farm belt. Growers and many land owners know that government regulation often adds costs to their businesses. The analyst's office, which has been advising state lawmakers for 65 years, says California needs to better coordinate its water system as the state grows. <more> March 29, 2010 Fresno Bee

Decals available for those with exempt on-road diesel engines

Western United Dairymen members who have filed for an exemption from the new state air board regulation reducing emissions from existing on-road diesel vehicles can receive a decal that labels their vehicle as exempt. The rule requires that within 30 days of the March 31 deadline for applying for an exemption, fleet owners must permanently affix or paint an “AG” identification label on each low-mileage, limited-mileage and specialty agricultural vehicle in the fleet.  The labels must be located in clear view on the left and right door of the vehicle.  Compliant decals will be available in the near future from your local WUD field representative. March 26, 2010

CALENDAR OF MONTHLY MONITORING ACTIVITIES

April 2010

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