Oct. 4, 2007
For immediate release
1. Even crop producers need to be certified to apply manure
2. National tour to promote energy efficiency stops in Des Moines to educate Iowans on CFLs
3. DNR enforcement actions
EVEN CROP PRODUCERS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED TO APPLY MANURE
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Prier at (712) 262-4177.
DES MOINES – Check your manure applicator’s certificate and make sure it’s current, recommends the DNR.
“While wet conditions have delayed harvest in parts of the state, commercial and private manure applicators should not delay getting certified,” said Jeff Prier, coordinator of the DNR’s manure applicator certification program.
Crop producers who are applying manure from a neighbor’s operation will also need to be certified if the manure came from a confinement with more than 500 animal units or 1,250 finishing hogs, he added.
Applicators can attend a video training session at their ISU county Extension office or pass a test at their regional DNR field office to become certified. In both cases, they need to call ahead and make an appointment.
“Allow two hours for confinement site training and three hours for commercial applicator training,” said Prier.
He added that the fee structures and length of the certificate are also different.
“Confinement site or private applicators are certified for three years, but must take annual training or they will have to pass a make-up test before they can get another certificate,” Prier said.
Commercial applicator certificates are good for one year, and expire on March 1 every year.
Training is free, but a certification fee and an annual education fee are charged for those applicators who want to be certified. Late fees are also charged for those who let their certificate lapse and want to renew after March 1.
“While some applicators indicate they don’t enjoy the training, others frankly admit that it’s helped them protect water quality, including coping with an emergency situation such as a spill,” Prier said.
High fertilizer costs have made manure an attractive alternative for crop nutrients, but crop producers who don’t ordinarily handle manure should be aware that there are some requirements.
In addition to becoming certified, almost all applicators must follow a manure management plan and some basic rules for land application.
Crop producers need to keep records on how much nutrient they’ve applied from both manure and commercial sources, and make sure they don’t exceed the crop’s needs.
For more information about certification and land application requirements, contact your local DNR field office or see the DNR Web site at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/appcert.html. Information about certification training is also available at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html.
Writer: Karen Grimes
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NATIONAL TOUR TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY STOPS IN DES MOINES TO EDUCATE IOWANS ON CFLS
MEDIA CONTACT: Linda King at (515) 281-4876.
DES MOINES – The Energy Star Change-a-Light Bus Tour will roll into Des Moines at 11 a.m. October 10. The bus will be located in Western Gateway Park until 5 p.m.
The DNR will be present to help promote proper and responsible disposal of compact fluorescents.
Also, an outdoor education center will be set up with interactive displays to convey the importance of our lighting choices and the connection between our personal energy use and our climate.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy are sponsoring the tour to raise awareness of the benefits of energy efficient lighting choices.
To learn more about recycling CFLs go to www.iowadnr.gov/waste/cfl.html.
Writer: Kati Bainter
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DNR ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessie Brown at (515) 281-5131.
DES MOINES — The DNR took the following enforcement actions in August and September 2007, unless otherwise noted. The following are only briefs; please contact Jessie Brown of the DNR for more information at (515) 281-5131.
Enforcement actions, including copies of the original orders and contact information, are available on the DNR’s Web site at www.iowadnr.gov/legal/eactions.html. The Web listing offers orders first taken in 2007 (amendments to orders issued prior to 2007 are not listed).
Consent Orders
A consent order is issued as an alternative to issuing an administrative order. A consent order indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a legally enforceable agreement with the other party.
Kossuth County
§ James Fehr, of West Bend, agreed in a consent order to pay a $500 penalty and to timely submit future manure management plans (MMPs), fees and MMP updates. The consent order is in regard to failure to submit a complete Iowa Phosphorus Index MMP for a site in Kossuth County. The MMP has been submitted to the DNR.
Wapello County
§ Loren and Rhonda Van Zante, of Eddyville, agreed in a consent order to comply with minimum manure control requirements, submit reports monthly to the DNR, and to pay a $5,000 penalty. The consent order is in regard to a manure release from an animal feeding operation in Wapello County.
§ In a separate consent order, Loren and Rhonda Van Zante agreed to cease all illegal discharges to waters of the State and to contact an engineer to develop a plan of action to make improvements to the site that meet design standards. The Van Zantes also agreed to pay a $6,000 penalty. The consent order is in regard to a manure release from an animal feeding operation located at a different site in Wapello County.
Consent Amendments
A consent amendment is issued in settlement of a previous administrative order or to amend a pre-existing consent order. A consent amendment indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a legally enforceable agreement with the other party.
Mahaska County
§ Michael Veenstra and Alan Veenstra, both of Oskaloosa, agreed in a consent amendment to pay a $2,500 penalty. This amends a 2004 administrative order regarding solid waste and animal feeding operation violations.
Sioux County
§ The City of Alton agreed in a consent amendment to pay a $2,500 penalty and comply with all flood plain construction permit requirements. This amends a 2004 administrative order regarding flood plain violations.
Writer: Jessie Brown
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