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Agricultural Waste Management Systems - Level 2 (NRCS-NEDC-000116)
Course Overview
Please read this entire page before
proceeding to
enroll.
This course provides training on planning and designing
agricultural waste management systems with an emphasis on systems for
livestock and poultry operations. It provides guidance in developing an
agricultural waste management system that manages the waste from its
production through its utilization. The "Agricultural Waste
Management Field Handbook" serves as the textbook and reference.
The course has 22 modules beginning with an overview, a discussion of laws
and regulations, and NRCS policy for providing assistance in waste
management. One module discusses planning considerations in terms of the
NRCS 9-step planning process. Another module discusses the effect of waste
on water, air, and animal resources followed by geology and ground water
considerations. Other modules discuss waste management components and
combining them into a system; design of waste management facilities such
as ponds and lagoons; waste utilization and nutrient budgeting. The last
modules discuss equipment, operation and maintenance, computer software,
and sampling and monitoring.
Delivery of the training is self-paced computer based training (CBT),
packaged as a CD (Compact Disk) and a workbook. The CBT approach uses
computer and multimedia technology to create a complete multi-sensory
learning program. The CBT reinforces the learning experience by asking
review questions periodically. If the participant cannot answer the review
question correctly, the opportunity is given to review the
material so a correct answer can be developed. Workbook activities
reinforce the training.
States should monitor those individuals taking the course and arrange for
a field trip to reinforce the training once completed.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the training, the participant will be
able to:
-
Relate an understanding of the laws, regulations,
policy, and water quality policy applicable to planning and designing
agricultural waste management systems.
-
Define an agricultural waste management system.
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Explain the total system approach to agricultural
waste management.
-
Explain the relationship of agricultural waste
management systems to other farm systems.
-
Explain planning of an agricultural waste management
system utilizing the nine steps of planning.
-
List the planning considerations for an agricultural
waste management system.
-
List the functions of an agricultural waste management
system
-
List the typical components used for each function of
an agricultural waste management system
-
Explain the geology and ground water considerations
that are essential to siting and managing an agricultural waste
management system.
Prerequisites
Completion of the following will satisfy the prerequisites for the
Level 2 course:
-
Agricultural Waste Management
Systems-A Primer
- A working knowledge of terms and processes relating to poultry and
livestock operations. This working knowledge may be met by one or more
of the following:
- On-farm livestock and/or poultry background and experience
- On-the-job experience involving livestock and/or poultry
operations
- Completion of college level introductory coursework in livestock
and/or poultry husbandry.
- Completion of a correspondence course in livestock or poultry
husbandry offered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service or through a state university.
- In addition, participants should have completed the NEDC
Introduction to Water Quality training course.
- Highly recommended is the Nutrient
and Pest Management Considerations in Conservation Planning for
those individuals with particular interest or responsibility in the
nutrient management aspects of agricultural waste management.
Targeted Audience
Any Federal, State or district employee, tribal
representative, and others who are or will be providing livestock and
poultry producers with assistance in waste management may take this
course.
Duration
It will take 2
- 3 weeks to receive the instructional materials. The training program
requires approximately 32 hours of concentrated study to complete. It is
recommended that participants study in a place that avoids work
distractions.
Module Descriptions
-
Module 1a - This module covers the laws and
regulations pertaining to air pollution, water pollution and
environmental protection. It also provides an introduction to the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) policies on environmental protection,
water quality criteria, water quality standards and animal waste
impact on water uses.
-
Module 1b - Addresses resource considerations
important in the planning of an agricultural waste management system (AWMS)
in relationship to a resource management system (RMS). It also
discusses the relationship between an AWMS and a RMS. It covers the
NRCS "nine-step" planning process as it relates to planning
an AWMS and explains the six functions of an AWMS.
-
Module 1c - Addresses the difference between a
pollutant and a contaminant. It covers how agricultural waste affects
both surface and ground waters. It discusses the impact agricultural
waste has on air quality and animal resources.
-
Module 2 - Looks at the composition of different
agricultural wastes. Waste products described in this module are of an
organic nature and are agricultural in origin.
-
Module 3 - Discusses geologic and ground water
quality considerations as they relate to agricultural waste management
systems. Both geologic environmental and geologic structural
performance elements are covered.
-
Module 4 - Describes landscape elements and how
those elements influence the location of an agricultural waste
management systems (AWMS) on a farmstead. In addition, the planning
process for siting an AWMS is covered.
-
Module 5 - Discusses agricultural waste
management in terms of a total system.
-
Module 6 - Provides an overview of specific
components that are designed to accomplish the six
functions—production, collection, storage, treatment, transfer and
utilization—that may be included in an agricultural waste management
system. Additionally, a seventh set of components, ancillary
components, that do not fit well into one of the other component
categories is introduced.
-
Module 6a - Provides a more detailed look at
production function components and corollary management practices.
Additionally, a detailed example is presented on sizing roof gutters
and downspouts.
-
Module 6b - Provides a more detailed look at
collection function components and how these components affect the
design of an agricultural waste management system.
-
Module 6c - Provides a more detailed look at
storage function components and how these components affect the design
of an agricultural waste management system.
-
Module 6d - Provides a more detailed look at
treatment function components and how these components affect the
design of an agricultural waste management system.
-
Module 6e - Provides a more detailed look at
transfer function components and how these components affect the
design of an agricultural waste management system.
-
Module 6f - Addresses the question, "Is a
liner needed?" for an earthen waste impoundment and, if one is
required, discusses options available and items to be considered to
provide the liner.
-
Module 6g - Provides a more detailed look at
utilization function components and how these components affect the
design of an agricultural waste management system.
-
Module 6h - Provides a more detailed look at
ancillary components and how these components affect the design of an
agricultural waste management system.
-
Module 7 - Covers the purpose, benefits and steps
for developing the nutrient component of the Resource Management
System plan as pertaining to the land application of agricultural
waste.
-
Module 8 - Provides a detailed look at typical
equipment associated with an agricultural waste management system and
describes its appropriate area of application.
-
Module 9 - Discusses operation, maintenance and
safety as they relate to the functions of an agricultural waste
management system and as input to an AWMS plan. Additionally, the
format of an AWMS plan for a typical AWMS is covered.
-
Module 10 - Provides information on the use of
computer software in the planning and design of an agricultural waste
management system.
-
Module 11 - Provides information on the use of
sampling and monitoring as an integral part of the conservation
planning process inherent in the planning and design of an
agricultural waste management system.
NEDC Contact
Tony Lovell
Enrollment
Enrollment instructions are provided below. Be sure to select the
appropriate link to ensure successful enrollment.
USDA Employees
Proceed to the
Aglearn to login using your USDA eAuthentication ID and password.
This is the same as your WebTCAS ID and password. Select Catalog, Select Natural Resources Conservation Service under Subject Area Menu,
Choose the course name by select the button Launch content or Add to Learning Plan to register and complete
the course.
District Employees with Aglearn account
Proceed to the
Aglearn to login using your USDA eAuthentication ID and password. This is the same logon ID and password used for the TechReg TSP application or profile. Select Catalog, Select Natural Resources Conservation Service under Subject Area Menu,
Choose the course name by select the button Launch content or Add to Learning Plan to register and complete
the course.
If you do not have an account. Specific instructions on securing a USDA user account and
password are located at
getting
started. For further assistance contact the USDA state office in your state for assistance in obtaining an eAuthentication ID and password and AgLearn account.
Technical Service Providers
Proceed to the
Aglearn to login using your USDA eAuthentication ID and password. This is the same logon ID and password used for the TechReg TSP application or profile. Select Catalog, Select Natural Resources Conservation Service under Subject Area Menu,
Choose the course name by select the button Launch content or Add to Learning Plan to register and complete
the course.
If you are anticipating becoming a Technical Service Provider please
review the entire process at TechReg. Please familiarize yourself with this process if you have not already
done so. Specific instructions on securing a USDA user account and
password are located at
getting
started.
Other USDA Customers
For those not in the above categories contact the USDA state office in your state for assistance in obtaining an eAuthentication ID and password and AgLearn account.
To obtain this contact information for your state you can go to the
Aglearn website click on contact us. Scroll down to
NRCS and click on the link that says
state contacts.
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