Environmental stewardship classes set for Modesto, Tulare

Feb. 19, 2010 - - The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is once again offering free classes in air quality management, one of the components needed for environmental stewardship certification. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, will teach the classes, which cover air quality-related environmental issues, regulatory requirements, and management practices for dairy producers. Producers wishing to pursue certification in the Environmental Stewardship Program must complete two hours of air quality classes (if operating in an air basin with air quality regulations for dairies) and six hours of water quality education prior to the third-party evaluation. The classes will be offered March 16 in Modesto and March 18 in Tulare.
The classes provide practical, clear, and timely information relating to environmental regulations. Those attending will gain a better understanding of their regulatory requirements and how to comply with them, thereby reducing the risk of facing unnecessary enforcement actions, fines, and other penalties. Classroom education is also the first step toward environmental certification of a dairy. Benefits of certification include discounts on some regulatory fees, eligibility for certain types of grants, and potentially, meeting business requirements. The certification process offers a comprehensive review by a third party of all environmental regulatory requirements and compliance activities for California dairy producers. The state water resources control board offers a 50 percent reduction on annual water quality permit fees to certified dairies. Depending on the size of a dairy, this can result in a savings of $210 to $2,800 per year. Producers with additional questions can call CDQAP staff toll-free at (866) 662-3727.