Grant program successfully aids Central Valley dairy water quality

April 2, 2010
Contact: Michael Marsh, CEO (209) 527-6453

April 2, 2010 - - 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 more effectively maintain compliance with water quality regulations.
 
Funded projects included tail water return systems; field distribution systems that allowed irrigation water that is 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 impacting 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’s 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 type of projects.”
 
The collaborative nature of the project was noted with 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.
 
This project was funded by Prop. 50. WURD is continually searching for other 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 NRCS 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 the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (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). 


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More than 60 dairies apply for WURD water quality grants

Contact: Michael Marsh, CEO (209) 527-6453

Modesto, CA - - More than 60 dairies filed applications by the November 26 deadline for grant funds to assist in implementing water quality improvement projects, according to Western United Resource Development Inc. “There was a tremendous interest in this program as producers are looking at ways to deal with water quality issues,” said Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist who oversees the program. “The program will assist dairies in becoming certified by the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, as well as implement projects that improve water quality.” WURD is administering nearly $800,000 provided through the Prop 50 Agricultural Water Quality Grant Program. Applications will be reviewed and ranked by a 10-person technical advisory committee. Successful grant applicants will be notified in the near future.

Dairy water quality grants available for Central Valley producers

Contact: Michael Marsh, CEO (209) 527-6453

Applications are now available for Central Valley dairy producers interested in receiving grant funds that will assist them in implementing water quality improvement projects. The source of the funds is the Proposition 50 Agricultural Water Quality Grant Program. The Water Quality Improvement Project is administered by Western United Resource Development, Inc.