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Tube project nets results |
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Friday, 30 November 2007 |
By B.J. BETHEL
Assistant Managing Editor
CELINA — The Grand Lake Wabash Watershed Alliance received positive results from a geotextile tube project in Maria Stein.
The tubes, which officials installed on farms in the Maria Stein area two months ago, are currently drying out.
“Results have looked good but don’t know if its financially feasible yet,” GLWWA coordinator Laura Walker said.
Three tubes were filled at a hog farm while two tubes were filled at a dairy farm. The tubes collect surplus manure that seeps away into the groundwater. Once the manure dries out it could be easily lifted for transport.
Teresa Dircksen, of the Mercer Soil and Water Conservation District, said the budget for the project went well.
“The budget is looking good,” Dircksen said. “We were able to sell back some of the hoses and pumps we used for half price.”
The GLWWA is currently awaiting an analysis of the data collected from the project, but early reports show lower nutrients being released.
The Farm Bill that is currently up for debate in the U.S. Senate was discussed at the meeting. The watershed, which falls into the Lake Erie priority area, could receive funds in the spending bill.
“Until something is passed I’m not going to get excited,” Walker said.
The group’s watershed action plan is conditionally endorsed. The GLWWA hopes to send the plan into be reviewed by the end of December for a full endorsement.
Thirteen locals received certification to become qualified data collectors for the Environmental Protection Agency. The collectors would acquire data from the local watershed area.
Extra money for the 2007 Agricultural Incentive Program has been freed up after a local waterway was concluded to be unsuitable for best management practices. The money will go to farmers looking that are currently on a waiting list for money on the program. Funds for the program were acquired by State Senator Keith Faber in the state budget for the next two years. A total of $100,000 for 2007 and $100,000 for 2008 has been allotted for use by the GLWWA for use in the watershed.
A water pollution control fund could be used to help locals get money for replacing septic systems or the purchase of no-till equipment for farms. If the nomination is accepted, funds will be available Jan. 1. This may open the door for other grand funds later in the future.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 03 December 2007 )
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