Summer 2008 Newsletter

Discharge Regulations Update
Operations that have a discharge occur need to remember that it has to be called into the NDEQ within 24 hours of the happening. Also, the regulation has been changed and effective January 1, 2008 the deadline to submit any discharge in writing is now 5 days from the actual discharge. The form to fill out and submit to the DEQ can be found on the main page of our website (www.settje.com).

Automatic Pond Reader
Another creative tool that has been introduced to our customers is an automatic pond reader device. This device is in the final stages of testing. It will allow pond levels to be directly sent to the compliance program that is already established and in place through the Internet. The automatic pond reader is a device that was created to sit at the bottom of a pond and record the depth at any given time. This pond depth will then be transmitted via the Internet to the SCS (Settje Compliance Service) website for record keeping. Having an automatic pond reader will assist to make your record keeping even more routine.

Feedlot Tour at Reigle’s
On June 16, 2008, a feedlot tour was held at Reigle Farms near Madison, NE. It is owned by John Reigle and manages approximately 9,000 head of cattle. Dean Settje and Shad Dahlgren attended this tour on behalf of SASE. They were able to introduce the automatic pond reader to a new audience and explain how it works. In addition they discussed the web-based compliance program that we offer customers.

Customer Appreciation Party at Mike Wilke’s
SASE hosted a customer appreciation on June 18, 2008 at Mike Wilke’s hunting lodge near Stanton, NE. The afternoon began with a sporting clay shoot off on an outstanding 10 station course. Following the clay shoot, customers socialized with SASE staff. Supper was provided by SASE and everyone enjoyed taking a little time to get away from farming and livestock raising.

Dewatering Ponds & Taking Samples
Many of you will be looking at dewatering your ponds coming up in the next few weeks. As a reminder, you should take samples of your ponds/lagoons before dewatering actually begins. This will ensure that you are able to accurately calculate the amount of pond water that can go onto the field where you are applying it to. This is essential because it makes certain that you don’t apply excess Nitrogen or Phosphorus to any piece of land according to DEQ standards.

Record Keeping-Pond Levels/Dewatering
Pond levels and dewatering may very well be the most important records you keep for your operation. You are required to take a reading 5 times a month and after every rainfall event. We suggest once a week and each time it rains to ensure you have met the minimum readings. Also, make sure that your dewatering log and pond level readings match up. When you are dewatering your pond(s) double-check pond levels so that everything is in order with your record keeping.

Web site
The SASE web site is constantly being updated with new technology. The main component that is taking off is our web-based compliance program that we can provide for our customers. It is an organizational tool that brings together all the records that the DEQ requires them to have on hand in the case of an inspection. Customers can fill in their own records or have SASE staff enter them into the program. The compliance service aims to make record keeping easy and efficient for the customer and technology friendly.

If you are interested in signing up your operation for the web-based compliance program, contact our office today at (402) 783-2100.