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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Nutrition, Growth and Physiology » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #275032
Title: Waste water compliance: staying on the offense

Author
item EIGENBERG, ROGER
item Woodbury, Bryan

Submitted to: Nebraska Cattleman Magazine
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2011
Publication Date: 8/1/2011
Citation: Eigenberg, R.A., Woodbury, B.L. 2011. Waste water compliance: staying on the offense. Nebraska Cattleman Magazine 67(6):52-53.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cattlemen and regulators are interested in safe and effective environmental stewardship of beef production. Recent interest has focused on better management of runoff storage. Typically, storage ponds hold feedlot surface runoff until it can be applied to crops. While stored, the nutrient laden water has the potential to enter groundwater systems. Traditional monitoring systems utilized wells installed near storage facilities. However, interpretation of monitoring well data often leads to ambiguous and confusing conclusions because of the complexity of groundwater flow. A novel approach using resistivity arrays has been proposed to address this issue. United States Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) scientists have developed a resistivity array system that has been demonstrated to be sensitive to small subsurface changes when coupled with time series geophysical data analysis. In addition, the proposed system will be automated for continuous monitoring, modular design for incorporation of other automated systems, and user-friendly to allow for effective management of the runoff storage system. Validation of the concept is detailed in a Non-Funded Cooperative Agreements between USMARC and the Nebraska Cattlemen as well as between USMARC and AgraTek.