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` n <br /> 1l1 <br /> CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD <br /> CENTRAL VALLEY REGION <br /> 1 Fact Sheet No.4 For Dairies <br /> I <br /> j `' `�" Nutnertt'aid Irrig�tcon Water.Managetrte�t Plans ? ` <br /> 4 <br /> Question: What is a Nutrient and Irrigation Water Management Plan (NIWMP)? <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 bow 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 /> Question: Why is a NIWMP prepared? <br /> 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 improper <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 /> - <br /> purchases can be reduced and excess manure can be sold or used elsewhere).. <br /> Question; When should a NIWMP be prepared? <br />� r � <br /> Answer: A NIWMP is required for confined animal feeding operations in the Central Valley Region of California <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 Board 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 /> animal,feeding operations because it will help to optimize crop yields and protect the environment. <br /> Question: Who prepares the NIWMP? <br /> Answer: A NIWMP can be prepared by any person who understands crop nutrient and water requirements,has <br /> information on the properties of animal wastes,and has the essential site-specific information for the facility for <br /> } y which the NIWMP is being prepared. The site-specific information that is needed includes information on the <br /> waste management practices and the farming operations and generally must be obtained from the person(s)who <br /> manage the confined animal feeding operation and the cropland. <br /> 1 <br /> Question: What format is used for the NIWMP? <br /> 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 /> a~ identifying essential information,providing generally accepted values, and presenting a logical format to follow. <br /> However,until the guidance document is available,there is no"standard" format to follow. Therefore,anyone <br /> required to prepare a NIWMP must develop their own format for a NIWMP. The following information is <br /> t 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 /> a <br /> I <br />