Leader’s Letter

Groundwater Monitoring Affects Everyone

By Chris Hagedorn

Environmental issues are once again at the top of the agenda, whether it is water, dust or nutrient management as they relate to manure application. I would like to visit with you about groundwater monitoring and the Step 7 Investigations.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) has indicated that groundwater-monitoring samples at some feedyards are in violation of Title 118 – “Ground Water Quality Standards.” Most of us thought we just had to worry about Title 130 – “The Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Livestock Waste Control.” Are they telling us that we fall under Title 118 also? The answer is yes, we have to abide by both Title 118 and Title 130. The next question is, when did this go into effect? Title 118 has been in effect for quite some time and, just like Title 130, it has been revised and amended over the years; however, in the last seven or eight years, NDEQ has increased their regulatory attention relative to groundwater management at CAFOs.

As a result of these alleged violations, NDEQ notified 11 yards that they need to prepare and execute a Step 7 Investigation Plan. A Step 7 Investigation Plan in simple terms is a description of the methods to initiate and analyze a three-dimensional soil sampling to determine the extent of the problem. This method is often used in a situation where underground fuel storage has leaked and needs to be cleaned up. When it comes to our application, no one has ever used a Step 7 Investigation. Even NDEQ was not certain how to perform such a large task. Nebraska Cattlemen leadership and staff were successful in persuading NDEQ to conduct cooperative research in order to prepare a better method to evaluate two issues: 1) the scope of the problem; and 2) procedures for future situations.

Today, the only tool available to prove our innocence or be the first to know of a problem is very costly and cumbersome. It would be similar to identifying those wannabe NASCAR drivers on I-80 with a sundial and a yardstick. We are currently evaluating three different technologies to determine their cost-benefit and feasibility. However, we are not standing alone. NC has put together a cooperative group of investigators that includes USDA Agricultural Research Service, NDEQ, private consultants and the Nebraska cattle industry. This research is time consuming and expensive, maybe as much as $250,000 for just the industry’s part. Other organizations are making in-kind contributions in order to keep the analytical and supportive costs down.

In late March, Chuck Folken and I sent out a letter asking for help in funding this research project. We sent it primarily to Feedlot Council and Farmer/Stockman Council members. Since then the membership has pointed out that this issue affects the whole beef industry, not just the feeding sector. We are brothers in arms and at some point what affects one sector will cause harm or good to another. Today, we have funded $52,000 of the project and I thank those who have contributed. While this is excellent, we are far from our goal. Of the $52,000 we have raised, almost 10 percent has been donated by non-Nebraska Cattlemen members.

If you are still convinced that this is not your fight, consider this question: Are you in the position, either financially or legally, to defend your claim that you have not contributed today or in the future to possible groundwater contamination? The tool, a Step 7 Investigation, used today to evaluate your claim could cost in the neighborhood of $70,000-$90,000 per pond location.

This proactive tactic implemented by NC will ensure that the discovery process and procedures for evaluation will be guided with the beef industry’s interest at heart. The alternative is unthinkable – being directed by government agencies in the manner they see fit.

As an industry member, we are asking non-feeder producers to donate 10 cents per head and feeders to donate 10 cents per head capacity. Here are a couple of examples:

1) If your feedlot has a one-time capacity of 15,000 head, we are asking for $1,500.

2) If you have 500 cows and run 100 yearlings, we are asking for $60.

3) If you no longer have any livestock or are in an allied business, we are asking for what you feel is your fair share on behalf of future cattlemen.

If you are not a Nebraska Cattlemen member or have a neighbor who isn’t, it’s time to join. It’s when issues like this crop up that your association stands up and takes on the battle to benefit you the producer. At the end of the day we may not agree, but out of that great debate come great decisions that we can stand up and let our voice be heard.

Make your check payable to Nebraska Cattlemen and write “GWM Investigation Project” on the memo line.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Nebraska Cattlemen office at (402) 475-2333 and they will get you in touch with Chuck Folken, Duane Gangwish or me.

Your help is greatly appreciated.  Y Chris Hagedorn, Cozad, is NC Feedlot Council chairman.