Milkhouse Wastewater Pilot Program
 MDAR and MassDEP have agreed to develop a pilot program to collect data
to demonstrate the efficacy of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) designed vegetated treatment areas
(also known as wastewater treatment strips) in managing milkhouse wastewater
(MHW). Non-sanitary wastewater, such as MHW, is considered to be "industrial
waste" by MassDEP regulations. Since MHW fits into this designation,
any discharge of MHW to the ground violates MassDEP regulations to protect
groundwater.
Milkhouse wastewater includes wastewater that is generated through the
processing of dairy products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt
that are customarily disposed of by Dairy Operations. For the purposes
of the agreement between MDAR and MassDEP, it does not include bottling
operations.
A standard conservation practice for managing milkhouse wastewater is to
use a vegetated wastewater treatment area. A vegetated treatment area is
a component of an agricultural waste management system consisting of a
strip of vegetation for the treatment of runoff. The vegetation consists of specific
vegetation adapted to local soils and climate that is used to improve water
quality by reducing nutrient loads, pathogens, and other contaminants
associated with manure, wastewater, and runoff from livestock areas. The intent
of this pilot program is to collect data that can provide MassDEP with a high
level of confidence that the application of the vegetated strip is an
appropriate treatment method.
The pilot program will evaluate the effluent characteristics of MHW and the efficacy of vegetated treatment areas that are installed and maintained in accordance with the NRCS Conservation Practice Standard. Two farms ("Pilot Farms") will be selected for a monitoring study as part of the pilot program. Other farms (Grantee Farms") that install vegetated treatment areas to manage milkhouse wastewater will be required to participate in the pilot program.
To participate in the program, farms must execute a written agreement with
MDAR to install and maintain the vegetated treatment areas in accordance
with all requirements and standards set forth in NRCS Code 635. The pilot
program will last for three years. At the end of the pilot, the results
of the monitoring program will be evaluated in order to determine the extent
to which discharge to vegetated treatment areas complies with existing
regulatory requirements. As part of the agreement, MassDEP will extend
enforcement forbearance to pilot program participants for the term of the
agreement.
Farms that wish to be included in this pilot program will receive enhanced eligibility for the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP). AEEP provides funding to agricultural operations in Massachusetts for the mitigation and/or prevention of impacts on natural resources. Any farm that is working with a federal or state agency to install a vegetated treatment areas interested in participating in the Pilot Program must complete the Milkhouse Wastewater Pilot Program Application. The application requires the farmer to install and manage the vegetated treatment area in accordance with the terms of the pilot program.
Farmers interested in discussing potential participation in the Pilot Program
should contact MDAR directly: Gerard Kennedy at 617-626-1773 or gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us
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