Water Quantity & Quality Issues - Vita Plus · Innovation to Headland Stacking MSA PROFESSIONAL...

Vita Plus Dairy Summit 12/14/2016

MSA Professional Services, Inc. 1

MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Water Quantity & Quality Issues:An Engineer’s PerspectiveVITA PLUS DAIRY SUMMITKALAMAZOO, MIDECEMBER 8, 2016

GREG GUNDERSON, PEANDREW SKWOR, PE, CPESC


Overview• What is the state of water and Ag’s role?

• What is the perception of Ag?

• What does this all mean for your farm?

• What are the takeaways?




State of Water Quality






What is the perception of Ag?


What does this all mean for my farm?




Innovation to Headland Stacking


Farmstead PlanningWhat happens when an engineer helps with planning?




2016 Freestall

Future Freestall

Future TransitionBarn

FutureSecond-Stage

Manure Storage


So where is the win for the farm…PROJECT COST DIFFERENCE

Freestall & Transition Barns Negligible, based on when constructed

Sand Settling Lanes $100,000

Duplex, Pumps $20,000

Pressure Pipe/Forcemain -$22,000

Gravity Piping -$15,000

Earthwork/Borrow -$60,000

Composite Manure Storage -$50,000

TOTAL SAVINGS $27,000

Environmental Risk ???




Environmental Risk…

~30% slopeOriginal Area of Improvements


Manure Management = Risk Management

• Yakima Valley Implications – Compliance with NRCS standards may be insufficient.

• Fingerprinting Farms – DNA testing to determine who or what is polluting water.

• Updates to regulations and standards – emphasis on keeping pathogens out of water.

• Environmental Considerations becoming Requirements.

• WI Supreme Court – Manure in a well is considered a pollutant.

• Regulatory Agencies are emphasizing public protection.

• Limestone Karst – Increasing concerns and requiring more robust designs




DESIGN STANDARDS & REGULATIONS


Pumping & Piping Seem to be ProblematicEspecially when something breaks and discharges 375,000 gal of manure . . .




Piping and ConnectionsColors really do mean something…


Value of Planning with an Engineer• Understanding of Contracting, other contracting options

• Resource for Support or an Extra Set of Eyes

• Professional Liability Insurance protection

• Larger tool box

• Understanding current and future regulations

• Assurance you get what was planned for, paid for, and had bid




What are the takeaways?

• Ag needs to lead◦ Plan for the long term◦ Be at the table◦ Be innovative◦ Develop partnerships◦ Stay of ahead of regulations

• Water Management is Risk Management

• The water you are using will be used again

Water Quantity & Quality Issues - Vita Plus · Innovation to Headland Stacking MSA PROFESSIONAL...

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