Environmental Refresher Course 2010 Annual Validus Environmental Refresher Course March 11, 2010 2:00 p.m.

Objectives Discuss changes to the CAFO rule Discuss the updates to the assessment/audit tools Cover Validus Protocols

CAFO Rule Agricultural industry vs. EPA in court over CAFO Ag has withdrawn court challenge and are pursing their objectives through a “settlement” with EPA and has been concluded but details not yet released EPA has announced on 1/12/2010 that it will amend CAFO rule nationally and in Chesapeake Bay Working to publish a rule for comment in 2012. Changes include: More technology in NPDES permits to address pathogens Presumption that large CAFO’s are discharging Full nutrient management regulations for the land application of manure obtained by third parties from CAFO’s

Program Updates

Good Environmental Livestock Production Practices NPPC is currently reviewing the GELPP’s Groups have been contacted regarding the updating of the GELPP’s Livestock groups have identified key members to participate in the review of the GELPP’s

Current Environmental Tool No new changes have been made to either the assessment or audit tool Certified Clients are continuing to have their facilities audited All current tools are posted on the Bits and Pieces site for viewing

Validus Protocol Updates

TSP Environmental Work Environmental contract RTI- NMP’s west of the Mississippi River states SES- NMP’s east of the Mississippi River states Validus planners have been working with RTI to complete NMP updates

Oversight Continual (Annual) Process Timeliness of scheduling Completeness of forms submitted Acceptability of Producer Reports Client feedback through Producer Evaluations Currently being conducted by staff

Bits and Pieces Everyone has access to this module www.emsllc.org Environmental Module All current forms posted on this site Assessment and audit tool and all invoice reports located on this site Do not use old forms that you may have from years gone by

Day Rates Clients requesting an up front fee Working on a day rate to complete work Been successful with the animal welfare audits Will know before conducting work the rate Fee may include expenses- Dependant on the clients request

Accepting Work Clients want work completed within short timelines If ill, hurt, emergency arises, please re-schedule work Call Validus if issues arise Re-work costs clients, time, money Conduct work as if someone is watching you (Because they might be)

Areas for Improvement Be descriptive with audit non-conformance What is the issue and why are they out of conformance? No letters to client after work- Need to maintain 3rd party distance Maintain “No conflict-of-interest” No contact with past clients to seek work Stress training and annual refreshers if asked about training

Safety Remember to wear coveralls, boots, masks, etc. when completing work Make sure to be adherent to your surroundings Be cognizant of animal movement when entering a pen Watch for aggressive behavior i.e bulls, boars, etc in an area that you are inspecting

Timelines Keep Karla posted on timelines for start dates with work Turn around product- Sooner we have the info the sooner we can get you paid 7 day window from time you leave the farm until we need assessment report 48-72 hours for the audit turn around

Helpful suggestions to improve system Changing format and sequence of assessment/audit tool Speed of reporting- email, fax, next day air What suggestions do you have to help us improve?

Final Documentation Send all records to Validus Per contract, do not keep anything on-file Destroy all records once work is completed Confidentiality of the program All Validus programs follow same format

Summary EPA and Livestock continue to battle environmental regulations No recent changes to the GELPP environmental tools Current tools are on the Bits and Pieces website Must meet timelines with final products

Good Luck in 2010 Matt’s Cell phone 641-990-6163 Questions? Good Luck in 2010 Matt’s Cell phone 641-990-6163