Solid Waste Management, Water Quality and Land Use Planning

Concerns with the environment are among the highest  priorities of the residents of the Prairie Rose RC&D area.  Since the area is predominantly agriculturally oriented, the potential for impacting the groundwater supply through chemical runoff and animal waste is very real.  Additional recurring issues are sewage treatment and water quality.  Add to that the need for solid waste management, and it becomes readily apparent that this is a very important issue for the citizens of the area.

Two different districts are set up to develop solid waste management plans for each county in the Prairie Rose RC&D area.  Landfill space is very limited.  But a, tremendous opportunity exists for utilization of natural resources for safe solid waste disposal and recycling.  This will help maintain a high quality water supply, decrease the volume of landfill space required, create jobs in the area of recycling, and educate people about the effects of illegal roadside dumping on soil and water quality.

Sewage treatment is a concern in rural areas.  Most soils in the Prairie Rose areas are not suitable for septic tanks.  This increases expenses, or requires sewage lagoons for new housing.  These lagoons are normally not viable options because of safety, health, and esthetics.  There is a need for centrally located sewage treatment facilities within each community or rural area.

Wetlands serve an important function in the recharge and filtration of water resources.  Frequently they are drained and brought into row crop production.  There is a very real need to develop an educational program to inform the public about the important role that wetlands have in improving water quality and how they maintain ecological balance.

Public awareness and training is also needed in the area of chemical contamination of groundwater, proper use of chemicals and nutrients, and addressing water quality in developing areas.  integrated crop management is needed in both agricultural and urban areas to promote the wise use of chemicals and fertilizers.

Another need in the area is the composting of organic materials for the natural resource base.  Estimates show that 20 percent of all landfill space is taken up by yard waste.  A composting program that would address the need created by banning yard waste in landfills is needed for our area.

Virtually all land use decisions involving health care, construction, production of food and fiber, etc., involve soils information.  Digitizing existing published soil surveys for each county would help people utilize and conserve the area's natural resources.

RC&D Goal:

Safe solid waste disposal facilities and methods will be in place, a recycling program will established, and the area's water supply will be high quality.

 

Strategies:  Help each county implement the state mandated Solid Waste Management Plan.  Inventory natural resource information it identify sites for safe waste disposal facilities.  Develop a hazardous waste disposal plan for annual collection of household and farm hazardous waste.  Design and conduct workshops about pesticide container disposal.  Develop a comprehensive recycling plan for each county. Identify funding sources to start up and promote recycling programs.  Establish a clearinghouse for public information on disposal sites, procedures and educational programs about recycling in the area.  Develop a composting program for organic materials.  Develop and conduct a series of workshops about sealing abandoned wells to protect groundwater. Design a contractor workshop that addresses construction erosion and sedimentation.  Help soil and water conservation districts address soil erosion and water quality issue.  Develop, and distribute throughout the area, brochures and educational materials that identify recycling programs, government regulations, training available, etc.  Seek funding to establish pilot recycling programs, one for traditional items, and one for organic waste.  Develop and implement an educational program about water quality issues and the use or installation of water quality and conservation practices.  Initiate funding for improved agricultural waste water management systems.

Latest Revision: Wednesday September 23, 2009 09:56:10 AM