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Attachment C C-12 Reissued Waste Discharge Requirements General Order R5-2013-0122 Existing Milk Cow Dairies contribute to excessive algae growth in receiving waters and potassium can build up in crops to the point of limiting their use as animal feed. Application of these nutrients at agronomic levels, along with reasonable erosion control and runoff control measures, will normally prevent such problems. Nutrients are being evaluated in several Central Valley surface waters. Where these studies show that nutrients are adversely impacting beneficial uses, the Regional Water Board will work with parties in the watershed, including dairies, to reduce discharges of phosphorus, nitrogen and possibly other constituents. C. Nutrient Application Timing 1. Process wastewater application is not the same as irrigation. Process wastewater application scheduling should be based on the nutrient needs of the crop, the daily water use of the crop, the water holding capacity of the soil, and the lower limit of soil moisture for each crop and soil. 2. Wastewater shall not be applied when soils are saturated. During the rainy season rainfall can exceed crop water demand. However, the application of wastewater is allowable if tests show that there is an agronomic need and current conditions indicate that threat of nitrate leaching is minimal. 3. The timing of nutrient application must correspond as closely as possible with plant nutrient uptake characteristics, while considering cropping system limitations, weather and climatic conditions, and land application area accessibility. 4. Nutrient applications for spring-seeded crops shall be timed to avoid surface runoff and leaching by winter rainfall. 5. Except for orchards and vineyards, nutrients shall not be applied during periods when a crop is dormant. D. Nutrient Application Methods 1. The Discharger shall apply nutrient materials uniformly to application areas or as prescribed by precision agricultural techniques.