The Regional Water Quality Control Board has the obligation to be sure direct discharges to surface waters do not occur. This agency is receiving more staff support in lieu of recent public attention. Interesting to note, the dairy enforcement program was moved nearly one year ago from the agricultural section to the regulatory enforcement section. It is the only industry in the regulatory section that is not required to pay an annual fee. Fees are a bad word.
T here are two types of permits related to manure management.
Dairies are one of many businesses that are required to obtain a stormwater permit. Facilities with more than 700 milking and dry cows that might have a discharge should obtain a permit. Facilities with more than 200 milking and dry cows that has a permanent or intermittent stream run through the property should have a permit. The permit is required. The permit allows the operator to legally discharge stormwater during a 25 year 24 hour storm.