Pollution Prevention Strategies Muhammad Imran Sharif Tayyiba Sajjad NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Pollution Prevention Strategies Monitoring the Plan, Taking Corrective Action, Maintaining Records NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Monitor, Correct, Document Monthly checklist Manure application checklist and log Annual checklist Monitor your plan, take corrective action and maintain good records. The next section includes three types of checklists, all of which are printed on ready-to-use forms. Monthly Checklist - A one-page form enables the producer to monitor manure generation and storage every 30 days. Manure Application Checklist and Log - Each day that manure is applied equipment should be checked, and a log of the applications should be made. This is an important record for the nutrient management plan and may be helpful in addressing complaints. Annual Checklist - The annual checklist provides a way for the producer to review all the safeguards and strategies for pollution prevention. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module Monthly Checklist Keep track of manure output. Monitor change in manure levels in storage. Check storage for structural integrity and leaks. You’ll find the monthly checklist on page 36 of the trainer’s manual (page 24 of the participant’s handbook). Make it a point at the beginning of each month to check two critical control points - manure generation and manure storage. You should know how much manure is generated on your farm. You can calculate it by keeping track of the number of loads hauled in a period of time, or you can estimate it using Tables 2 and 3. Once you have the estimate, you can easily predict the monthly output. Monitor the manure storage each month for changes in the manure level. Match those changes to the expected manure output. If the increase in manure level is less than what you expect, then you might have a leak. If the output is more than you expect, you're probably wasting water. Walk around the structure to be certain there are no cracks, damaged areas or obvious leaks. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Manure Application Checklist & Log Check recycle/irrigation systems. Check manure spreading equipment. Apply manure according to plan. You’ll find the manure application checklist on page 37 of the trainer’s manual (page 25 of the participant’s handbook). Each time manure is applied, be certain that the equipment is working correctly and that the application is in accordance with your nutrient management plan. Recycle systems and irrigation equipment is often used on a daily basis. Check the fittings, clamps and pumps each day. Before loading the manure spreading equipment, be sure that the valves and fittings are functioning correctly. When manure is applied you should be following a nutrient management plan. Make sure that adequate set backs are maintained from high risk areas like streams or sources of water. Log the date each field receives manure. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Manure Application Checklist & Log Important notations: Date and time Field ID Source and quality Application rate and number of loads Wind direction Several things that should be recorded each time manure is applied. Although the list seems excessive, by keeping a clipboard by the manure storage, you can easily record these items as the spreader is loading. Write down the date and time. The field should be identified. Manure from a grow-finish house will be more concentrated than manure from a farrowing house. Also, if manure isn't agitated, the quality will vary from the top to the bottom. The gallons/acre can vary by field. The number of loads (or gallons) applied to each field should be recorded. Wind direction will determine the path of the odors. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module Annual Checklist & Log Manure storage okay Manure spreading equipment/transport equipment okay. Manure application according to plan Well tests documented Records kept for manure application and soil and manure analysis. You’ll find the annual checklist on page 39 of the trainer’s manual (page 27 of the participant’s handbook). A once-a-year walk through provides a good chance to review your strategies and to be sure that the plans are followed. Check the manure structure. Be certain that maintenance schedules are followed. Document what you do. The forms provided by this program make it easy to do that. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Pollution Prevention Strategies Emergency Action Plan NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

The Emergency Action Plan Step-by-step process: Recognize and assess problem. Notify authorities. Enlist help. Take corrective action. Make a stand. The emergency action plan provides a step-by-step process to address a manure handling emergency such as a large discharge. The normal steps include the following points. Recognition and assessment of the problem. Decide if you'll need more help. Consider notifying environmental authorities, or emergency personnel. If the discharge has reached waterways or adjacent property, it’s likely that environmental authorities will be contacted by someone - it's best if the first call comes from you. Enlist help. The help may be from neighboring farms or cooperating producers. Take corrective action and document what happened. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

The Emergency Action Plan How to develop the plan - Part I What types of emergencies are possible? Consider drainage patterns from your farm. Manager on duty can often correct minor problems. For major emergency, use a response team leader. Developing an emergency action plan is not difficult. Think about the types of emergencies that might occur on your farm. For example, in-ground, concrete manure storages could overflow; but an above-ground earthen storage could potentially break releasing massive amounts of manure. Where would manure go from your farm? If it will travel a long distance before entering a stream or neighboring property, then you're response time is less critical than if the stream were next to the storage. For minor problems, the manager on duty can usually direct the response. But for major emergencies, it's usually better to have a response team leader. This person can handle the phone calls while the manager deals with the emergency. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

The Emergency Action Plan How to develop the plan - Part II Consider the people who could offer assistance. What type of equipment will you need? Get access agreements to enter neighboring properties. Write the plan down and put it by the phone. Think about the people will be able to help you and what equipment you'll need. The people that help may be neighboring farmers, or near-by swine producers. What equipment will be needed? For flat areas, hand shovels may suffice. In other situations, a tractor and a plow or a bulldozer may be needed. You should get permission ahead of time to enter neighboring property to contain a discharge. A sample agreement is found on page 49 of the trainer’s manual (page 33 of the participant’s handbook) . Once your plan is developed, keep it by the phone. A sample plan is found on page 51 of the trainer’s manual (page 35 of the participant’s handbook). NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Verification - Your Strategies Are Working Implement a monthly and annual checklist. Implement a manure checklist and log. Conduct a third-party evaluation. Verification refers to the records and documentation that your strategies are working. The monthly and annual checklist forms in this booklet can be used immediately on your farm. The manure checklist and log are good ways of documenting where and when you apply manure, and that its application conforms to a nutrient management plan. A ready-to-use log is also provided. The third-party evaluation is a good way for another set of eyes to review your manure handling system and management practices. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Pollution Prevention Strategies Third Party Evaluation NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Third Party Evaluation Purposes: Evaluation from someone outside the operation. Compare your practices to industry standards. Opportunity to certify operation. Good educational setting. The third party evaluation serves several purposes. You receive an objective evaluation from someone who is not part of your business. The evaluator can compare your practices to that of industry standards. You can get your operation certified. This is an important step in improving our image, especially since the certification criteria are uniform nationwide. The evaluation process is a good educational setting for both the producer and the evaluator. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Preparing for the Evaluation Have these records available: Water usage and rainfall Records of equipment maintenance and inspection Nutrient management plan, crop records, manure application logs Lab tests of wells, soil, manure Emergency action plan An important part of the evaluation is to provide the documentation that you have an organized strategy. Water usage and rainfall impacts manure generation. Equipment maintenance and inspection help to prevent leaks and breakdowns. Use of a nutrient management plan and application logs helps you match nutrient application to crop needs. Use of lab tests adds precision to your plan and proof that it works. An emergency action plan helps you respond to an emergency quickly, effectively. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Conducting the Evaluation How you address: Manure generation Manure storage Manure transportation Manure application There are a total of 40 factors - some are questions, others are observations. The evaluation factors help the inspector review how you manage the critical control points of your manure handling system NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Each Evaluation Factor Supporting comment Range of answers and appropriate scores When the evaluator asks a question or makes an observation, there is a supporting comment to explain the relevance of the question or observation. There is also a list of typical answers and scores for each answer. If the producer gives an answer that isn't listed, the evaluator makes a judgment on the score. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module A Typical Question Do you have a current nutrient management plan? (10 points) Supporting comment - A nutrient management plan specifies the application rate per acre based on type of crops and anticipated yields. Range of answers with scores in ( ): (0) No plan (3) Unwritten plan, but reasonable approach (5) Written plan, not followed completely (10) Written plan implemented and updated Here is a typical question: Do you have a current nutrient management plan? The supporting comment on the evaluation form reads: A nutrient management plan specifies the application rate per acre based on the type of crops and anticipated yields. The range of answers read: - No plan (0 points) - Unwritten plan that appears reasonable based on manure volume and acreage available (3 points) - Written plan, but little evidence that it's followed completely (5 points) - Written plan implemented and updated (10 points) NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Certification Process 340 points possible 272 suggested for certification Scores for each question are recorded on a carbon data sheet. Producer and evaluator keep a copy. If point minimum is met, state organization may consider mailing certificate to producer. There are 340 possible points in the evaluation. Scoring at least 272 points is suggested for certification. The evaluator records all of the scores on a triple carbon data sheet. One copy stays with the producer, one with the evaluator, and one is mailed to NPPC. State organization may consider mailing a certificate to the producer. Sample is on page 70 of the trainer’s manual. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

Pollution Prevention Strategies Program Summary NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module Summary Why this program will work for you: Helps you organize your strategy. Supplies ready-to-use forms. Will help our industry step up to a new level of implementation. Provides a valid certification process. The Pollution Prevention Strategies outlined in this module can work for every producer. It helps you organize your approach. There are forms ready to use. It will help our industry step up to a new level. We already have a good awareness of the importance of sound manure handling practices. This program helps you implement a system. The certification process is based on uniform standards that will be similar for all evaluators and all locations. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module

The Bottom Line - Develop Your Strategies Once a month - monitor generation & storage. When you apply manure - write it down. Once a year - review and update. To meet the goals of this program, it might take some work to develop a nutrient management plan and an emergency action plan. But once in place, the monitoring and record keeping can be done on 3 short forms. Once a month, you'll need to monitor the manure generation and the integrity of the storage. This helps identify leaks. When you apply manure - write down the particulars. This can be done while the spreader is loading. Once a year, conduct a walk-around and review your strategies. Update as needed. That's it. A few minutes a month. It will make your business better. It will strengthen public relations. And it provides documentation if and when you're challenged in court. NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module NPPC Pollution Prevention Strategies Module