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

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

3. 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Ag has withdrawn court challenge and are pursing their objectives through a “settlement” with EPA and has been concluded but details not yet released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 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

4. Program Updates

5. 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

6. 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

7. Validus Protocol Updates

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

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