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i <br /> CALIFORNIA RE'GIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL.BOARD <br /> x CENTRAL VALLEY REGION <br /> Fact Sheet No. 4 For Dairies <br /> k <br /> F Nutrient.and Irrigation Water Management Plans <br /> F� <br /> Question: What is a Nutrient and Irrigation Water Management Plan (1VIWAIP)? <br /> Answer: A NIWMP is a written description of the procedures used to select and apply crop nutrients (manure and <br /> commercial fertilizers)and water to cropland,including pasture, The NIWMP includes a description of the process <br /> used to determine how much manure and commercial fertilizer is needed by the crops and a description of when <br /> and how nutrients and irrigation water(including wastewater)are applied. Although a NIWMP can be used in any <br /> farming operation,the following information specifically applies to dairies where manure and wastewater are <br /> applied to cropland. <br /> f <br /> Question: Why is a NIWMP prepared? ' <br /> x Answer: A NIWMP is used to ensure that crops receive an optimum amount of nutrients and water. If in- <br /> sufficient nutrients are applied, crop yields will be reduced. If excessive nutrients are applied, or if unproper <br /> irrigation practices are utilized, adverse environmental impacts can result from nutrients entering surface-or <br /> groundwater. In addition,over fertilization can reduce crop yields and is a waste of valuable resources (fertilizer <br /> purchases can be reduced and excess manure can be sold or used elsewhere). <br /> r] Question: When should a NIWMP be prepared? <br /> Answer: A NIWMP is required for confined animal feeding operations in the.Central Valley Region of California <br /> F,' <br /> if the facility has general waste discharge requirements issued by.the Regional Water Quality Control Board <br /> (Board). A NIWMP may also be required by the Boa:d as part of a Cleanup and Abatement Order or other <br /> enforcement action or by a county regulatory agency. However, a NIWMP is recommended for all confined <br /> anima]-feeding operations because it will help to Optimize crop yields and p:-otect the environment. <br /> Question: Who prepares the MWMP? <br />�- Answer; A NIWMP can be prepared by any person who understands cro <br /> information on the properties of animal wastes, p nutrient and water requirements, has <br /> and has the essential site-specific infonnation for the facility for <br /> } which the NIWMP is being prepared. The site-specific information that is needed includes information on <br /> the <br /> waste management practices and the fanning operations and generally must be obtained from the person(s)who <br /> manage the confined animal feeding operation and the cropland. <br /> Question: What format is used for the NIWMP? <br /> r# Answer: The Dairy Farm Advisors at the University of California Extension Service are developing a guidance <br /> document for preparation of a NIWMP. The guidance document should help anyone preparing a NIWMP by <br /> identifying essential information,providing generally accepted values, and presenting a logical fonnat to follow. <br /> However, until the guidance document is available, there is no"standard"format to follow. Therefore, anyone <br /> WMP <br /> required to prepare a NImust develop their own format for a N1WMP. The following information is <br /> provided by staff in the Board's Sacramento office to assist dairy operator's who must prepare a NIWMP before <br /> the Extension Service's guidance document becomes available. <br /> t <br />