Partners in Conservation Spring

Partners in Conservation California Conservation Partners: Letting No Nutrient Opportunity Go To ‘Waste’ $10.3 Million For Dairy Stewardship Through EQIP In 2006 Work approved to proceed four months earlier than usual CA Dairies By The Numbers SPRING 2006 825: #1: 4: Average size of a dairy herd in Calif. in 2004. Calif.’s ranking as the country’s largest milk producer. Number of stomachs cows have to efficiently digest their food. Source: California Dairy Research Foundation Flow Meter Essentials: A Brief Guide On Need-To-Know Facts Submitted by Marsha Campbell Mathews, UCCE Farm Advisor Stanislaus County dairy operators Dairy operators investing in stewardship got a $10.3 million boost As more and moreto keep in mind.are installing flow meters, here are a few pointers in cost-shared assistance this year—and they got it four months earlier than in the past. In April, NRCS State Conservationist Ed Burton announced the statewide distribution of funds through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help producers meet water quality goals and regulatory requirements. “It is always heartening to see how much enthusiasm there is for this voluntary program and to watch these projects unfold on the land,” said Burton, “but this year will be especially exciting due to the accelerated timeframe we’ve committed to.” Burton says the Agency intends to continue with the accelerated timeframe in future years. Soon after arriving from Wyoming last fall, Burton pledged $10 million in a concerted effort to assist dairies and other confined animal producers with water quality needs related to manure management. When the applications were all in, there were 140 applications from dairy operators. NRCS made some funding shifts to accommodate and fund them all for a total of $10.3 million. This represented a bit less than 25 percent of the statewide EQIP funds available. Much of the work being done includes planning and structures to collect, store, compost and separate manure. NRCS is emphasizing working with partners to help producers use manure at agronomic rates to replace costly fertilizers and protect ground and surface water. Because of the accelerated timeframe contracted work can be done in time for this growing season. Some has already begun. Partners In Conservation | Spring 2006 Use the right type of meter: The only type of flow meter that is recommended for dairy nutrient water is an electromagnetic meter which protrudes only minimally into the pipe, if at all. Propeller meters foul almost instantly, and doppler meters can give false readings if located in the vicinity of pumps, elbows or valves. Tube style meters are easiest to install however an insertion style meter may be more appropriate if one meter needs to be shared between locations, the pipe diameter is very large, or if there is a chance the pipe size will change in the future. Install the meter in a straight run of pipe according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also make sure that the meter always sees a pipe that is completely full by installing it in a vertical section of pipe with the flow going upwards, or by elevating a section of pipe downstream of the meter by at least one pipe diameter. Don’t forget the continuous acting air vent ahead of the meter to remove trapped air. A 90 degree V-notch valve is best for throttling back the flow rate to achieve a nutrient application target because it resists clogging and allows precise control at lower flow rates. But before operating a throttling valve, do the math to ensure that the velocity in the pipe remains high enough to keep solids from settling out and plugging the pipe. Additional information on flow meters and meter installation is available at http://groups.ucanr.org/LNM . 1 A Publication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Partners in Conservation Manure: A Valuable & Dynamic Fertilizer It is hard to overstate the value of manure to agricultural systems through history, but now we must face the problems manure can pose to water quality. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to help producers realize the benefits and minimize the water quality impacts of manure. To do this, producers must meet several challenges. Manure is not a consistent and known source of nutrients: If you buy commercial fertilizer you know exactly what you get, every time. The nutrient value of manure can change dramatically from source to source, and over time. It must be tested frequently. Manure is difficult to measure: Typical measuring methods do not apply. Liquid manure clogs traditional meters. Flow rates must be controlled accurately. Trucks that spread dry manure are difficult to weigh, and moisture in manure varies widely. Manure is difficult to apply evenly: When liquid manure is applied with flood irrigation it must be thoroughly mixed, and done with higher efficiency than many systems are designed to achieve. Also, solids in liquid manure tend to settle near the top of the field. Using injection or sprinklers can be an effective, though more difficult, alternative for some. Dry manure can be applied evenly if the spreading truck operators are very conscientious. Manure does not release all of its nutrients when plants need them: Plants must have nutrients in certain amounts and Effluent collection. Photo: NRCS at certain times to meet needed yield goals (and therefore nutrient uptake goals). When a large amount of manure is used to meet a high crop demand period unreleased nutrients will also be released later when plant needs are low. That is when losses can occur. With time and management, producers can meet these challenges: New equipment must be installed and maintained, employees must be trained in the more sophisticated methods, and recordkeeping is greater. But these challenges can be overcome, and NRCS and others can help. The effort is more than repaid in lower fertilizer costs, more efficient waste handling, and knowing, at least for now, that you are in compliance with regulations. Doctorates In Dairy Waste Natural Resources Conservation Service employees get schooled in Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans Sustainable Conservation Conference get California dairy producers to adopt comprehensive nutrient management plans (CNMPs), so they’ll be able to better comply with strict regulations dealing with the organic waste. To make sure the agency’s employees know how to create these plans, a series of workshops were recently held. In addition to 75 NRCS employees, partners attending the event included Western United Dairymen, California Dairy Campaign, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California of Resource NRCS State Conservation Engineer Association Charles Davis examines run-off Conservation Districts, and of California at the Fresno State dairy. Photo: University NRCS Cooperative Extension Service. Partners In Conservation | Spring 2006 2 NRCS is making a big effort to Dairy producers from throughout the San Joaquin Valley learned how to turn cow manure into profit or to use it to reduce costs during a recent dairy manure management workshop at California State University, Fresno. “Manure is a great asset, but you have to manage it,” said Kristin Hughes, dairies project manager at Sustainable Conservation, a non-profit environmental organization based in San Francisco that co-sponsored the event. Participants told dairy operators how they are taking manure, which might otherwise pollute underground and surface waters, and putting it into methane digesters that are used to generate electrical power. “There are 2,200 dairies and 1.5 million milk cows in California,” Hughes says. “The biogas from 10 cows can heat one house.” One way dairy farmers can comply with regulations on disposal of nutrients is to have plants consume it. Tom Barcellos, of T-Bar Dairy in Tipton, talked of how he does triple cropping—getting three crops in a year—from his land. This allows for minimal tillage of his land, thereby burning less fuel and creating less dust. “An advantage of triple cropping is the tons of grain or forage you get per acre,” Barcellos says. “It also means you use more nutrients and lessen the potential for ground-water contamination from percolation through the soil.” A Publication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Partners in Conservation A Boon To Dairies In Stanislaus County When Ed Burton made a visit to the Stanislaus County area last summer, he was impressed—and discouraged—by the long list of dairy farmers who had voluntarily signed up for stewardship technical and financial help. The many other statewide conservation needs vying for funding had meant that a backlog of 21 producers were still “in cue” waiting for assistance. Burton, then still in “acting” status as State Conservationist for NRCS in California, resolved to do something. He managed to redirect EQIP funds at the end of the 2005 fiscal year to work with the waiting dairy farmers. But that meant a huge workload that the local field office couldn’t handle alone. That’s when Sherman Boone and the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District Chairman rallied local partners to help. Boone and the East Stanislaus RCD subcontracted service responsibilities for the 21 EQIP applications to two producer associations and one professional organization to facilitate program participation for their applicant clients. The East Stanislaus RCD subcontracted seven EQIP applications each to Western United Dairymen, the California Dairy Campaign, and Geological Technics Inc. The subcontractors assisted farmers with tasks that included filling out paperwork, meeting program deadlines, conducting needed field calculations and selecting conservation practices that fit the various farming operations while protecting the local resource base. Boone said that all of the projects are moving forward to everyone’s satisfaction. He said, “The dairymen especially are Ed Burton, NRCS State Conservationist in California, is dedicated to helping producers meet water quality goals and regulatory requirements. Photo: NRCS pleased. All of the projects are in the works. Some won’t be done for three years but all of the groups will follow through with their clients until the work is done. From day one, it’s been going very well. Each group brings different skills to the process. I can see down the road, us working on projects to help the dairymen in different ways.” In The Field Assurance Program The ‘ROWD’ Crowd Submitted by the California Dairy Quality These workshops provided not only background and education on submitting the ROWD, but assisted producers in completing forms and identifying areas to start preparing for additional requirements forthcoming in the permit process. The mission of CDQAP is “compliance through education.” Its ability to act as a liaison between the regulated community and the regulatory bodies as well as its ability to leverage efforts from the program’s many partners is key to its success. With upcoming regulations for dairy producers in both water and air due, the program is working with NRCS, the University of California, the California Department of Agriculture and its many other partners to offer a full spectrum of environmental stewardship assistance to dairy producers, including education, technical and financial support. For more information about CDQAP, contact Dr. Mike Payne at mpayne@ucdavis. edu, Denise Mullinax at Mullinax@cdrf.org or visit www.cdqa.org. Last August, the Region 5 (Central Valley) Dairy farmer Andy Zylstra (above) stands by the pump for his tailwater pond, which conserves water and animal nutrients while protecting water quality by preventing runoff. Pete Verburg uses composted dairy manure in neat windrows (below). Photos: NRCS Water Board distributed certified letters to dairies in its region requesting a Report of Waste Discharge (ROWD) along with a fee – both to be submitted by October. According to Water Board records, 98% of the area’s dairies submitted the ROWD by the deadline – a compliance rate practically unheard of for any reporting program. Why was this request so successful? Cooperation and communication between regulatory personnel, university staff, allied industry representatives and dairy producers. When the call went out, the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) developed a major education and support program to assist producers in completing the ROWD. Working with the Region 5 Board and its numerous partners in an extremely tight timeframe, the CDQAP put together 24 free producer workshops held throughout the region. 3 Partners In Conservation | Spring 2006 A Publication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Partners in Conservation California Dairy Campaign Reflects On Upcoming Regulations & EQIP Submitted by California Dairy Campaign, with NRCS The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by NRCS, has an important role in assisting farmers to comply with new Air and Water Quality regulations affecting California’s animal feeding operations (AFO’s), says Kevin Abernathy, Executive Director for California Dairy Campaign (CDC). He should know. The CDC recently assisted NRCS with a $10-million EQIP initiative to enroll California’s animal feeding operations in EQIP. The CDC also subcontracted to the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District (RCD) to assist seven Stanislaus County dairy farmers with their EQIP contracts. Abernathy said, “NRCS State Conservationist Ed Burton and District Conservationist Mike McElhiney worked hard to get EQIP funds directed to RCD Meetings For Dairy Operators To Be Held It’s not news to anyone that air and water regulations facing California’s dairy industry are on the rise. But if you’re having a hard time keeping up on what the regulations require and where you can turn for help you might want to attend a Resource Conservation District meeting. Six RCDs across the state have stepped up to the challenge to hold such meetings. The first workshop, held in Visalia on May 18th saw over 70 people in attendance. Other workshops will be held by: • Chowchilla RCD • San Joaquin RCD • North West Kern RCD • Gold Ridge RCD • Glenn County RCD For up-to-date information on dates, sites and agenda, see the CARCD Web site at http://www.carcd.org/. Partners In Conservation | Spring 2006 unfunded dairy projects. There are 21 very happy producers thanks to their efforts and CDC worked with seven of them.” Abernathy explained some requirements and regulations of the Air Pollution Control District and of the Water Resources Management Control Board, saying, “According to the Air Pollution Control District, dairy farmers are required to have a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) if they have more than 100 contiguous acres and more than 500 lactating cows. So most dairy facilities are required to be under a CMP through the Air District.” There is a second phase to Air District requirements. If your facility emits more than 12.5 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and/or nitrous oxide (NOx) per year, you are required to have a Permit to Operate (PTO) under the Air District, which carries certain requirements. Abernathy said, “Right now we are getting close to the final stages of the Draft Rule 4570 which will include managementbased mitigation practices that farmers put into the PTO that they submit to the Air District. We are starting to demystify the air regulations and to get some clarity as to what direction we need to go.” Abernathy expressed stronger concerns about the draft version of the water quality regulations. He said, “On the water side, it’s still pretty mystifying. We are in the process of developing the draft rule for the reported waste discharge requirements that all facilities will fall under. It is pretty onerous, to say the least. It will hit every dairy in the state.” Abernathy pointed out three examples of producers who are using EQIP conservation with assistance of NRCS, the RCD and the CDC. Dairy farmer Andy Zylstra has installed two animal nutrient lagoons and one tailwater pond that conserves water, nutrients and lowers fertilizer costs by keeping all irrigated nutrient water on 4 Dairy farmer Andy Zylstra of Stanislaus County (left) discusses No Till farming with California Dairy Campaign Executive Director Kevin Abernathy. Photo: NRCS Ducks swim near aerators in one of Andy Zylstra’s Dairy Lagoons in Stanislaus County. Cost-sharing was provided by EQIP. Photo: NRCS his property. Zylstra also employs no-till farming on his dairy. Organic dairy farmer John Boere has installed an animal nutrient lagoon and livestock watering system on his operation through EQIP. Boere has also put up numerous Barn Owl houses on his property. Pete Verburg utilized EQIP funds to build a three-stage animal nutrient lagoon that treats nutrient water after solids have been separated for composting. Verburg prizes his animal nutrients as a valuable fertilizer that improves soil quality, increases yields and reduces commercial fertilizer costs on his almond orchard and cropland. Abernathy said, “Our dairy farmers are on the cutting edge of conservation technology. These are people who really walk their talk and they are some of the greatest environmentalists in the country.” A Publication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Partners in Conservation Conservation Tillage Gaining Ground For Dairy Feed Production In The Central Valley Submitted by Sustainable Conservation In 2004, the USDA awarded Sustainable Conservation, in partnership with Jeff Mitchell of U.C. Cooperative Extension, a Conservation Innovation Grant to promote the adoption of conservation tillage (CT) techniques for dairy feed production in the Central Valley. From a conservation perspective, CT reduces diesel fuel consumption and particulate matter emissions associated with soil cultivation. A dozen dairy producers participated in the grant for the 2005 growing season and produced robust yields at the same time they reduced production costs by an average of 50 percent. In addition to saving money, many of the participating dairies used the time saved by avoiding cultivation to grow three crops per year instead of two. At Zylstra Dairy in Turlock, Calif., Andy Zylstra planted two corn crops and one oats, and harvested 50 tons per acre on 76 acres, about 3,800 tons total. “That’s about 30 percent more than our typical yield.” Zylstra is also President of the California Dairy Campaign, a producer organization. “The more feed you get off the land, whether it be from corn, oats or sorghumsudan, the more nitrogen you can take up and the more feed you have for your cows,” said Zylstra. Sustainable Conservation estimates that Zylstra’s extra corn crop increased nitrogen uptake by 125 pounds per acre, or 9,500 pounds farm-wide. “The potential for increased yields by combining CT and triple cropping has tremendous implications for the dairy industry as farmers are being asked to implement nutrient management plans that limit land application of manure nutrients to agronomic rates”, said Kristen Hughes, an Agricultural Engineer with Sustainable Conservation. John Knutson of J&B Dairy in Modesto, Calif. reported, “I can’t believe how much nitrogen the additional crops of sorghum-sudan removed on my farm. If you have a nitrogen problem, this method should take care of it.” Knutson harvested four cuttings of sorghum-sudan and one cutting of triticale. While these results are promising, Ladi Asgill, an Agricultural Economist with Sustainable Conservation, cautions that virtually everyone that has successfully adopted CT started on a small plot of land first. “That way, you can see what works best in terms of costs and returns.” To learn more about triple cropping, conservation tillage and Sustainable Conservation’s 2006 program, contact your local NRCS field office or Ladi Asgill in Sustainable Conservation’s Modesto office, 209.576.7729. About Sustainable Conservation To learn more about Sustainable Conservation’s recent accomplishments and activities, visit www.suscon.org. With the multiplicity of rules, regulations, and permit requirements for CAFs, under different emission categories, and with local air district’s regulations being enforced on different time schedules, it is most important to ensure the any CAF that the NRCS is assisting is in contact with their local air district. Any new construction of a CAF or a modification, even as minor as an engine change, may need a permit or change in an existing permit. Many permit applications will take the air district a significant amount of time to review and process. So, very early in the planning process a CAF operator should be in contact with the local air district. NRCS planning assistance with a CAF should include considerations of both air and water resource management planning criteria as well as recognition of regulations and permit requirements under the different regulating agencies. This cross resource planning is a very important service that NRCS planners can provide for the CAF industry. Airing the Issues: Air Quality & Confined Animal Facilities Dairies and other Confined Animal Facilities (CAFs) in California are facing greater impacts as air quality agencies tighten rules and regulations dealing with animal emissions to the atmosphere. In September 2003, SB-700 amended air pollution control requirements in the California Health and Safety Code to include requirements for agricultural sources. While the bill established statewide air quality guidance and requirements, it left it up to individual local air districts to determine how to implement the bill. Under SB-700 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was mandated to determine the definition of a “Large CAF”. For dairies, the large CAF definition was established at 1000 lactating cows, which is the level at which local air districts will Partners In Conservation | Spring 2006 require dairies to obtain various permits. Poultry, feedlots and other CAFs will have their own permit-triggering level. Currently, several air districts are developing rules to require dairies to obtain permits such as: Authority to Construct (new or modifying existing dairies); and Permit to Operate (PTO) establishing permissible emission levels from the CAF. Deviations from the PTO would require approval from the local air district. Various air districts have passed rules and regulations that require preparation of documents called “New Source Review” by large CAFs. Other rules enacted for the purpose of reducing very fine particulate matter (PM-10 and PM-2.5) emissions into the air require the development of Conservation Management Plans for CAFs. 5 A Publication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Partners in Conservation Glimpsing The Regulatory Future Draft water quality regulations affecting dairies in the Central Valley Staff from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has released an “administrative draft” of proposed new regulations impacting dairies in the Central Valley. The draft was released to organizations and agencies that will play a role in implementing the requirements when finalized. As drafted dairy producers will be required to prepare a Waste Management Plan (WMP) and a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). The WMP will include evaluations of manure storage capabilities, storm water run-on and runoff control, and flood protection. The plan would also include an operation and maintenance component as well as descriptions of the producer’s proposals to address problems identified in the evaluations. The NMP will include soil, plant and manure sampling and testing, a farm wide nutrient balance, a field risk assessment, a nutrient budget, and record keeping. Within the NMP the Board staff proposes to limit the amount of nutrients that can be applied to crops. As drafted, dairy producers will have six months to six years to prepare and implement their WMPs and NMPs depending on the size of the dairy. In addition to specific prohibitions and general specifications, the draft proposes rigorous monitoring requirements for effective nutrient management, and possibly to sample and test irrigation and storm water runoff, as well as groundwater. The WMP, as proposed is very similar to the facilities part of NRCS’s CNMP. The development of an NMP, or Effluent drain. Photo: NRCS something similar, would be the next step in implementing the nutrient management part of a CNMP. NRCS, CDQAP, CDFA, and other organizations that have an interest in implementation will provide comments and suggestions on the draft. After considering administrative draft comments a public draft will be released early this summer. Board staff hope to present the final regulations to the Board this coming fall for adoption. For more information, contact Dan Johnson, NRCS State Water Management Specialist, at 530.792.5625. is the leveraging of compliance funds available from USDA’s NRCS and other sources. The CDQAP program continues to be an educational resource for the industry as well as a support system for producer efforts demonstrating their commitment to stewardship activities, environmental compliance and growth of the state’s industry. For more information about CDQAP contact Dr. Michael Payne at mpayne@ucdavis.edu or visit www.cdqa. org. The Department of Food and Agriculture, along with other CDQAP partners, including NRCS is working to better coordinate delivery of assistance to dairy producers to meet these environmental challenges. Please contact either Eddie Hard at ehard@cdfa.ca.gov (water quality) or Matt Summers at msummers@cdfa. ca.gov (air quality and biogas) for further information. Stewardship & Education Group Gains Broad Support Submitted by California Department of Food & Agriculture With nearly a decade of service, the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is a voluntary collaborative partnership among academia, the dairy industry, and local, state, and federal government agencies. The primary goal of this cooperative endeavor is to assist dairy producers in understanding and complying with laws and regulations governing the dairy industry and promoting environmental stewardship. In the late 1990s, an industry-wide survey of producers indicated that environmental issues were significant enough to impact all dairies. A similar survey was completed in 2005 that identified environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance as the two priority issues facing Partners In Conservation | Spring 2006 the producer—specifically, water and air quality. Developing a clear strategy for communication was one of the first steps among many to establishing an effective program addressing these issues and more. In addition to creating a clearly communicated education program, the CDQAP offers certification for dairy producers aimed at both water and air compliance. The certification program has been very effective in providing resources to producers, including a roadside sign program for certified dairymen and a reduction in waste water permitting fees for certified dairies. CDQAP educational modules continue to evolve as necessary. For the CDQAP, communication is continually enhanced among partners as 6 A Publication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Partners in Conservation Ray “Eqip” Souza Speaks About Modern Challenges To California’s Dairy Industry Submitted by Western United Dairymen, with NRCS projects grind to a halt. It is extremely Participants in CDQAP take six hours of training in three classes. After that training, farmers are given a handbook to conduct self-analysis of their operations and can apply for an environmental certification after a third-party inspector evaluates their farms. Souza said, “That really raised the awareness of producers. The training program showed farmers what they needed to do and helped them prioritize. I think that process led to the big demand for EQIP funding.” Sherman Boone, Chairman of the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District, praised Western United Dairymen’s work in promoting the recent $10 million EQIP initiative. Boone said, “Western United was very, very instrumental in helping this statewide. They have field men up and down the state that helped us reach our goal of allocating $10 million of EQIP funds to AFOs. I can’t say enough good about their help in accomplishing our joint mission with NRCS. Their people were out talking to the dairymen. They sent their newsletter out and they went ahead and supplied mailing lists to the other groups that were promoting it.” “The dairy industry is facing the combined effects of urban expansion, increasing environmental regulations, growing compliance costs and low milk prices,” says Ray “EQIP” Souza. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is an essential tool that helps dairy farmers deal with those complex problems. Souza is a dairyman and Vice President of the Western United Dairymen (WUD). The WUD is California’s oldest dairy producer association and has served the community since 1935. Souza, who got his “EQIP” nickname by being a major promoter of the program among dairy farmers, says that EQIP has made it possible for many farmers to install conservation practices that they otherwise could not afford. Souza said, “When you get into a cycle of low cash returns on milk production like we have now, environmental important that we have EQIP.” Souza said that during World War II, “California had 20,000 dairy farmers. Today, we have less than 2,000. The rules for agriculture are going to be made more and more by the people living in the city limits of Modesto, not the folks living in the rural areas.” To make wise decisions, urban people need to understand our industry and to have some insight into what we do and how and why we do it, he says. Souza said, “As an industry, the WUD began to recognize that the world was changing and that business as usual just wasn’t going to happen.” The WUD responded by raising the awareness of environmental stewardship among dairy farmers by helping to create the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP). Souza called WUD’s work with the CDQAP one of the accomplishments that he is most proud. CNMPs On A Roll In California While there were many parts to invent, borrow, refine and assemble, the CNMP train is beginning to roll in California. Since our first training session in 2003 we have gained a greater appreciation for simplification and contracting. With the encouragement and persuasion of State Conservationist Ed Burton, we are progressing in training NRCS staff and accelerating our assistance to producers. This is our third year of working through contractors and we will soon have 71 dairy producers working on various stages of developing and implementing their CNMPs. With the help of our contractors we have learned how to develop these plans more efficiently and in a way that is easier for dairy producers to understand. Now, as part of Ed Burton’s initiative to accelerate financial and technical assistance Partners In Conservation | Spring 2006 to confined livestock producers, NRCS plans to develop an additional 70 CNMPs this year. While the bulk of the dairies assisted are located in the San Joaquin Valley, several will have CNMPs in the Sacramento Valley, the North Coast and in Southern California. As expected, dairy producers can be initially cool to the idea of having someone come on their property to discuss manure management problems. They usually start warming up to the process when they are assured that is a voluntary process and they decide what issues they address and how and when they address them. Now, we’re beginning to hear more producers say that this is something they need to do anyway. This need could be borne out by recent draft regulations by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Producers 7 may soon be required to develop plans. Implementing CNMPs is the immediate next challenge and will include producers’ decisions on facility improvements as well as deciding how and when manure will be applied to each field. It could take several years to see full implementation. NRCS is committed to continuing to coordinate the many roles necessary to the success of this undertaking: planning, evaluating, design, construction, nutrient management and technical assistance. With universities, RCDs, industry associations, and private industry we will work to provide the full slate of services producers will need to protect the environment and meet regulations. For more information, contact Dan Johnson, NRCS State Water Management Specialist, at 530.792.5625. A Publication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Partners in Conservation Southern California Digester Provides “An Excellent Way To Manage Waste” Milking 2,000 Holsteins twice a day is not easy. Complying with state and federal air and water quality guidelines while trying to generate a profit is nearly impossible, but this is exactly what Eddie Imsand started doing when he installed an anaerobic digester on his El Mirage dairy in the High Desert of Southern California. “We want to be proactive. We want to show our concern for the environment so the public and government officials can see that it can be done,” said Imsand. With these goals in mind, Imsand set out to build an anaerobic digester like the one he first heard about in the late 1970s, while working his father’s dairy in San Bernardino. “It’s an excellent way to manage waste,” said Duane Turner, Imsand’s right Natural Resources Conservation Service California State Office 430 G Street, #4164 Davis, CA 95616 530.792.5600 Contact Information: Lincoln “Ed” Burton State Conservationist 530.792.5600 Deputy State Conservationist 530.792.5609 Newsletter Editor: Public Affairs Director 530.792.5644 Design/Layout: Jim Cairns Public Affairs Specialist Carlos Suarez Anita Brown www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov More Information: hand man. “And it helps us protect air and water quality, reduce air emissions, and produce energy at the same time.” Instead of spreading manure in its natural form directly over agricultural fields, the manure is processed in an enclosed system. The end products are energy, pathogenic-free humus, and nutrients that are more readily available for plant use. Nearly all of Imsand’s energy needs for his 159-acre dairy are satisfied by processing the manure from his cows. On average, 20,000 gallons of manure are collected each day, and dumped into the dairy digester, which basically acts as an extension of the cow’s digestive system. The digester heats up the manure, capturing methane, which fuels a turbine that generates electricity. Keeping this methane from being released to the atmosphere is a big help for air quality. The digester has produced nearly one million kilowatts of energy since coming online in July 2004. During this adjustment period, it has averaged 117 kilowatts a day, but is capable of generating 145 kilowatts. “Creating energy is a side benefit. It is the environmental benefits that really make this project a success,” said Rick Aguayo, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. As the manure is processed, gray water is channeled into a clay-lined holding pond, which prevents groundwater contamination. This water is then mixed with fresh water to irrigate Imsand’s alfalfa fields adjacent to the dairy. To ensure the appropriate mixture of nutrient rich water is applied, soils are monitored and adjustments to the mixture are made as necessary. The dried humus is also used to fertilize the fields, completing a holistic system of waste management. Enough energy is generated during winter months to supply 100 percent of demand on the dairy, and 80 percent during summer months. Imsand hopes to add another turbine to increase his output • “Helping People Help the Land” Meadowbrook Dairy anaerobic digester under construction. Photo: NRCS After completion, a thick, non-pourous cover traps the biogas and is pumped in the turbines. Photo: NRCS Recycled/clean water mixing system that is used to irrigate adjacent alfalfa fields. Photo: NRCS and eventually have the ability to sell his energy to Southern California Edison. The dairy digester at Meadowbrook was designed and built by RCM Digesters with much help from Eddie Imsand and his crew. The project was partially funded by a grant from the California Energy Commission and a cost-share agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). For more information on this project, please contact NRCS District Conservation Rick Aguayo at 760.843.6882, ex. 106. For information about RCM Digestors, go to http://rcmdigesters.com/. • An Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer NRCS is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture