Who is impacted? Although most of the information and instructions are directed at the Central Valley Regional Board (whom will modify its Dairy Order), “specific components of the regulatory framework” are made precedential, meaning other Regional Boards will need to modify their Dairy Orders to include new directives.
What will change? The draft document focuses on nitrogen management to reduce the adverse impact of nitrate to underlying groundwater. The framework establishes key concepts in land application of manure, waste retention ponds, and provisions for providing alternative water supplies. The attention to nitrogen management will lead to additional reporting requirements likely statewide. As drafted, those who participate in nitrate management zones will comply with the alternative water supply component through their management zone’s plan and others who impact groundwater will need to find a pathway to compliance on alternative water supply.
What comes next? The public review and comment process has begun. The State Water Resources Control Board hosted a workshop October 30 to review the remand. Numerous dairy industry groups, consultants, and University of California Cooperative Extension Advisors and Specialists are working on technical comments. The Environmental Justice groups are expected to comment as well. The State Water Resources Control Board staff will review comments and modify the document where appropriate. A modified document will again be made available to the public for additional comment. This iterative version will be reviewed again or go before the Board for adoption. Once adopted by the State, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board will roll up their sleeves and work on modifications of the Dairy General Order. This process will take time and require public review. When the Central Valley Dairy Order is adopted, then the other Regional Water Quality Control Boards will begin their process.
What can you do? It is likely that the precedential components of the remand will impact your facility. Paying attention to manure nitrogen in ponds and piles will help you in the long run. If there are meetings near you to discuss the remand, be sure to attend and provide constructive input.
What will industry leaders do? The dairy industry and University of California Cooperative Extension have invested time and effort in developing tools to assist producers in identifying and understanding surplus nitrogen in solid and liquid manures. You’ll want to work with your nutrient management consultant when this is available. The sooner you understand where your manure nitrogen balance stands with respect to surplus, the sooner you can begin to identify your options. In facilities that have no surplus, it’s important to document manure is applied appropriately to land, based on crop needs. Keep alert for information in the coming months and years to see how this impacts management at your facility
Be the first to comment