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HomeMy WebLinkAbout440013_Other_20180428College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Department of Animal Science ans.cals.ncsu.edu To: Mr. Tim Fox North Carolina Dept. of Environmental Quality Asheville Regional Office Division of Water Resources — Water Quality Programs 2090 U.S. 70 Highway Swannanoa, NC 28778 From: Dr. Stephanie Ward Dairy Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor Department of Animal Science NC State University Mr. Duane Vanhook District Director Campus Box 7621 123 Polk Hall Raleigh, NC 27695-7621 P: 919.515.2755 F: 919.515.6884 Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District 589 Raccoon Rd Suite 203 Waynesville, NC 28786 Dear Mr. Fox, On September 28, 2017, a visit was made to Ross Dairy and Triple R Dairy in Haywood County, NC. This visit was prompted by a request from the farm owners as well as local NRCS office for input from NC State Extension service relative to engineering and animal waste management issues at both locations. The following Extension personnel were present: Mr. Ethan Henderson (Haywood County Extension Agent); Mr. Mark Rice (Extension Ag Engineer, Animal Waste, BAE, NCSU), Mrs. Shannon Banner (Graduate Research Assistant, BAE) and Dr. Stephanie Ward (Dairy Extension Specialist, ANS, NCSU). Statement of the Issue Both Ross and Triple R Dairy received notices from the Division of Water Quality that testing sites on Jonathan Creek indicated an overgrowth of microbial species, as well as increased volatile solids (VS) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), presumably related to improper drainage of a culvert between the two dairy locations. When contacted, both owners (Steve/Phillip Ross and Ralph/Hank) were aware of the initial report (requested by Mountain True). Both Ross families, as well as the local NRCS director (Mr. Vanhook) agreed that they had worked well together on past issues and that both Ross families were amenable to addressing the current run off problems. However, both farms had requested assistance from the Haywood District NRCS, which had not yet been provided due to staff vacancies. From here forward, the reported violations at each dairy farm will be addressed separately. This letter will focus on the Triple R Dairy. Summary of Findings and Suggestions The primary problem area on this dairy was the poorly graded lot leaving the freestall housing going into the parlor holding pen, combined with leachate from silo storage (problem has since been amended) and an overflowing water system. Once the grade of the lot is addressed, we believe that will alleviate much of the run off problem at this lot site and will redirect the run off into the appropriate collection site. Additionally, a roof extension on the end of the freestall housing will prevent further run off at this location. It is imperative that everyone involved understand that, while these sound like straightforward solutions, all require a significant financial commitment and consideration of animal health and well-being. On this visit, and others unrelated to this issue, it is clear that both families are striving to take great care of their livestock and their family farms. The topography of the land where these farms are situated is problematic and will continue to be as these operations grow to support the demand for good quality milk and to support future generations on the farm. One final suggestion would be that both sets of owners discuss the future of each location and consider working with third party consultants to have a strategic plan for growth. Respectfully submitted, J��Ajll Dr. Stephanie H. Ward Triple R Dairy Visit- Potential Violations/Problem Areas 1. Leachate from silage storage and water trough This area was identified on a previous visit (not by this team) as problematic because of leachate from the concrete silo as well as leaking water pipes. The head to a natural spring is located above the silo structure and feeds the water system for this side of the cow housing. This area is below level of the holding pen as cows wait to enter the parlor. Thus, waste, leachate, and water were all meeting in this common spot and the lot is not properly graded to drain this area to the waste storage pond. In addition to waste management concerns, this area was quiet slippery and also represented potential hazards for cows entering and leaving the parlor. Picture 1. Leachate, parlor/holding pen waste, and water collect in improperly graded open lot. Suggested solution: The owners (Steve and Phillip Ross) had already made amendments to the silo corner on the day of our visit and decreased utilization of that silo as a storage spot for wet feed. This should address the leachate concerns from that silo. The most needed change was to regrade the lot so that the waste water could flow off the lot and into the waste storage pond system. 2. Run off from free stall housing into culvert This area was identified as a run off source during rain events, because cows are able to access this lot and it is not covered. Also, the barn floor slopes in this direction so when it rains, run off from the corner of the lot is not captured. Though not well pictured below, there is not an easy solution to catching that run off. Picture 2. End of freestall/housing barn where run off can be a potential concern during rain events. Suggested Solution: While it is not easy nor economical, and that was recognized by all present, the best option is to tie in a new roof extension. The owners did mention that this alley is used as a turn -around point for their feed tractor and wagon so the alley way could not be narrowed in order to ensure adequate space for equipment maneuvers. The final suggestion was to extend the roof all the way over the concrete block wall and install steel beam support there for the roof extension. This would cover the area from rainfall as well as allow room for the feed wagon to enter, turn, and exit. The option of capturing the runoff from this section of the freestall barn and diverting it to the waste storage pond should also be explored as an option to extending the roof.