Storm Water Discharge Monitoring Stressed by CDQAP

The CDQAP staff reminds dairy producers of the importance of sampling and reporting off-site discharges to surface water of storm water and tail water during the current heavy rain storms. Note that ongoing rains likely meet the definition of a "peak storm event" in the General Order Waste Discharge Requirements for Existing Milk Cow Dairies (Order #R5-2007-0035). We remind those producers involved in complying with the Order that sampling during a storm during the next month or so at the very least is required. The Order states (MRP-4 & -5): "The Discharge shall monitor discharges of manure and/or process wastewater, storm water, and tailwater from the production area and land application area as specified in Table 3 below." The table goes on, "Storm Water Discharges to Surface Water from the Production Area (shall be monitored) daily during each discharge to surface water" and "Storm Water Discharges to Surface Water from Each Land Application Area (shall be monitored) during peak storm season (typically February) each year from one third of the land applications areas."