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Sotoyome RCD Newsletter
Summer/Fall 2009
Helping to Keep Agriculture Viable
in the Laguna de Santa Rosa
In the fall of 2008, Western United Dairymen (WUD), North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) staff, the Gold Ridge and Sotoyome RCDs, and local dairy operators met to discuss future regulatory requirements that may be imposed on agricultural landowners in the
Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed.
As most people know, the federal Clean Water Act requires EPA and the local Regional Water Boards to develop plans with goals and pollution control targets for improving water quality in watersheds where minimum water quality standards are not met. This is accomplished by establishing limits known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for each pollutant exceeding the standards. TMDLs set levels for pollutants that allow water bodies to achieve their beneficial uses.
During this fall 2008 meeting, NCRWQCB staff explained the pollutants of concern for the Laguna were both nutrients (phosphorous and nitrogen) and sediment. Regional Water Board staff also described the monitoring program that will be used in order to ascertain how these "limits" for the pollutants will be reached. Obviously, of primary concern for the dairy operators was "Are the dairies going to be blamed for all the pollution in the Laguna?" The short answer to the question is: No, but they will still need to prevent runoff from manure and other sources of nutrients into the waterways of the Laguna. While the dairies are one potential source of nutrients going into the watershed, the NCRWQCB recognizes that the primary impacts are probably coming from urban runoff.
As a follow-up to this meeting, WUD and the RCDs met at the NCRWQCB office in April 2009 to discuss what monitoring has been done to evaluate sources of pollutants and what funding may be available in the near future to help operators comply with the regulation. According to NCRWQCB staff, a random sampling of potential sources at public access locations (bridge and road crossings) was done through the 2008/09 winter season. While findings of the monitoring effort have not been thoroughly assessed, the preliminary results indicate that urban runoff is the most likely primary contributor of nutrient pollution. However, all sources of potential nutrient pollution will be looked at and evaluated for reductions. It is also not known whether or not grant funding will be available this year to assist dairy operators to implement BMPs to prevent any potential nutrient runoff. Currently the state of California is experiencing a budget crisis of epic proportions. Grant funding from the State is tenuous at best. However, both RCDs in the Laguna will overturn every funding rock available in order to assist landowners with important conservation work.
Dairies have been a part of the Sonoma County landscape for over 100 years. Sonoma County was one of the first locations in the state to have domesticated cattle to produce cheese and butter, mainly to sell to San Francisco's crowd. The lush rolling hills and climate of Sonoma County has made it one of the best places to produce milk in the State. Today's dairies look a little different but are still a big part of Sonoma County's appeal. For dairies to stay viable in Sonoma County and specifically the Laguna de Santa Rosa, they will need to overcome obstacles, such as the increase of environmental regulation. They must become cost effective and efficient to compete with others within the State. To do this these dairies will need outside sources of funding and expertise to accomplish needed projects. Our dairymen want Sonoma County to remain the home of the real "California Happy Cow" and be a part of their lifestyle for many more generations. For more information on future efforts in the Laguna please contact
Kara Heckert at 569-1448 ext. 104.
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