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When most people think about pollution, they think of exhaust fumes from automobiles, and smoke billowing from factory pipes. They don't think of dairy farms as major polluters. Yet, according to the State of California Water Quality Control Board, dairies are one of agriculture's most significant sources of water pollution. In fact, dairy waste threatens the quality of drinking water for up to 20 million Californians. The pollution created by dairies comes primarily from manure-tons and tons of manure. Statewide, dairy cows create more than 55 billion pounds of manure per year. Even when applied as fertilizer, this excess waste runs off into California's waterways, eventually contaminating aquatic habitats and public water sources. A major source of reactive organic gases, dairy manure also contributes to air pollution. Sustainable Conservation's Dairies Project, a collaborative partnership of dairies, government agencies, and environmentalists, works to find cost-effective solutions to managing dairy waste. Electricity Generated from Cow Manure To help reduce the harmful impact of dairy manure on the environment, the Dairies Project has promoted such innovative technologies and practices as:
Since the inception of the Dairies
Project in 2000, dozens of dairies have implemented these practices
on their farms, and more than 1000 dairy farmers have completed
an environmental stewardship course. Now, we hope to expand this
progress throughout the state. |
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