
Yakima Dairies Take Steps to Reduce Nitrate Contamination in Groundwater
By Dan DeBaunShare
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a landmark agreement with four dairies in the Yakima Valley, WA in efforts to minimize leaching of nitrates into groundwater in the area and to reduce nitrate contamination of local water wells used to supply drinking water.
“This is good news, especially for those working locally to protect Yakima Valley groundwater,'” explains EPA Regional Administrator Dennis McLerran. “By working constructively with us in this local situation, the dairies have committed to protect drinking water and we have committed to collaborate on practices that keep people safe and farms in business.”
According to the terms stipulated in the agreements, the dairies agree to:
1. Provide residents that live within a radius of 1 mile whose water supply has nitrate levels above 10 ppm – the standard set by the EPA for drinking water – with an alternate supply of safe drinking water.
2. Implement measures to combat leaching by properly managing animal waste and controlling the use of commercial fertilizers used to enhance grazing for dairy cows.
3. Conduct regular soil and groundwater sampling at their facilities to monitor nitrogen levels and ensure that nitrogen is being adequately controlled.
4 Dairies Targeted From Study
The agreement has the support from both the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Department of Ecology.
“Nutrient management issues are critical for the community, the environment and the dairy industry,” said WSDA Director, Dan Newhouse. “We look forward to working with the EPA, the dairy industry and other affected parties as we strengthen our efforts in crafting long term solutions to the challenges we face.”
The agreements specifically focus on four dairies that were participants in an EPA study released in September 2012: George DeRuyter & Son, LLC; Cow Palace, LLC; Liberty Dairy, LLC; D&A Dairy, LLC; H&S Bosma Dairy (part of Liberty Dairy); George & Margaret, LLC (part of both D&A and George DeRuyter & Sons Dairy).
Yakima's Commitment to Groundwater Health
These efforts support the commitment of the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area (GWMA), a recently formed initiative to reduce the threat of nitrogen contamination to groundwater from sewage systems, dairy farms and other forms of agriculture.
“The Department of Ecology applauds the Agreed order/Consent decree between the EPA and the dairies in the Lower Yakima Valley to implement practices to prevent groundwater contamination from their operations, and to ensure that citizens aren't drinking contaminated water,” said Washington State Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon.
“Elevated nitrate levels are a well-documented problem found in many drinking-water wells in the Lower Valley. We're encouraged that these dairies have agreed to move forward with important best management practices. We hope other farm operations will examine their practices as well.”
Bellon acknowledges that there is still more work that needs to be done to prevent nitrate contamination of groundwater supplies.
“We know there are other protections that can be put in place and other sources of nitrate contamination to discover and address. We need to be sure drinking water wellheads are protected, underground septic systems aren't leaking and reduce impacts from chemical fertilizer applications.”
She also applauded the role played by Yakima County to initiate collaborative strategies through the efforts of the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area advisory committee to reduce nitrate contamination and ensure local residents have access to the safe drinking water that they deserve.
Citizen's Urged to Protect and Get Involved
Citizens are also advised to take action to protect their drinking water supply by having drinking water wells regularly tested for nitrate levels, and by implementing measures to limit runoff of animal waste and fertilizers from their own land, homes, and business operations.
According to Bellon, “The Yakima Valley is an important watershed supporting nearly a half million residents, a $2 billion farming and crop processing industry as well as important fisheries. Clean water – both in rivers and streams and in underground aquifers – is key to the health of the region's environment and economy.”
Only by concerted efforts of all concerned – through the implementation of both voluntary initiatives and regulatory enforcement – can success be achieved.
“These agreements are an important step,” said EPA’s McLerran. “We expect to continue our work with state and local partners and the GWMA process to build on this collaborative effort to better understand and control other sources of nitrates in a meaningful manner.”
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Dan DeBaun
Dan DeBaun is the owner and operator of Big Berkey Water Filters. Prior to Berkey, Dan was an asset manager for a major telecommunications company. He graduated from Rutgers with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering, followed by an MBA in finance from Rutgers as well. Dan enjoys biohacking, exercising, meditation, beach life, and spending time with family and friends.
~ The Owner of Big Berkey Water Filters