7 Del. Admin. Code § 7103-8.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

Section 7103-8.0 - Advisory and Technical Assistance

The assistance of one or more of the following technical groups will be helpful in any consideration of land treatment systems:

8.1 Cooperative Extension Agent

8.1.1 The extension office in each county of the state can serve as an early contact for discussions and information on land treatment systems. A call to this office will provide specific local information and access to state specialists on the extension staff at the University of Delaware. The extension staff periodically receives training on agricultural waste management and land treatment of wastes from specialists at the University of Delaware so that they may provide first-hand assistance. An early contact with the county extension office will provide a mechanism for gaining immediate assistance at the county level and obtaining in-depth help from state specialists in appropriate discipline areas such as engineering, soil science, crop science, economics, and community and resource development. Assistance for taking soil samples can be obtained from several county agricultural agencies including the county extension office. A copy of the soil test results is routinely sent to the county extension office to assist in understanding and implementing test recommendations.

8.1.2 The Cooperative Extension Service has a long history of helping individuals at the county level with program activities in agriculture, home economics, community and rural development, and youth work. Cooperative relationships have been developed with other agricultural service agencies and with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The cooperative program to set the criteria and recommendations for livestock waste management systems which satisfy regulatory criteria, enhance environmental quality, and result in more efficient agricultural production serves as a model for assistance available for land treatment of wastes through the county extension office.

8.2 Soil Conservation Service

8.2.1 The Soil Conservation Service can help provide site evaluation assistance for land treatment of waste products including soil and other landscape limitations. SCS can provide detailed on-site planning, design, installation, operation, and maintenance assistance for agricultural waste management system.

8.2.2 SCS can also provide financial assistance for installing agricultural waste management facilities through long-term contracting with landusers. This financial assistance is available only within certain designated project areas where water quality degradation or other natural resource concern requires special emphasis. Assistance is provided through the watershed protection provisions of Public Law 83-566.

8.2.3 SCS technical assistance is provided through Soil Conservation Districts. Requests for this and other kinds of technical assistance should be directed to the district board of supervisors. Those with continuing need for assistance will find it worthwhile to enroll as a cooperator. A district has been established to serve each county of the State. The district office is usually located in conjunction with the SCS office in the county seat.

8.3 Consulting Engineers

8.3.1 There is a wide range of consulting engineers with experience in the design of waste treatment facilities. A listing of individual professional engineers and engineering firms can be obtained from the Delaware Association of Professional Engineers, 2005 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19803 or the Consulting Engineer's Council of Delaware, 1300 North Market Street, Suite 501, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. A number of disciplines are required in the design of land application systems and a consultant with a variety of specialized skills should be solicited.

8.4 Soil Scientists and Agronomists

8.4.1 Rosters of registered or certified soil scientists and agronomists can be obtained from the American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy Crops and Soils (ARCPACS), American Society of Agronomy, 677 South Segoe Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53371. Another source of information would be the University of Delaware, College of Agricultural Sciences Department of Plant Science, Newark, Delaware 19703.

8.5 Land Treatment Specialists

8.5.1 Several firms in Delaware have specialized in the evaluation and design of land treatment systems. Their staffs generally include engineers, soil scientists, agronomists, and other specialists who work almost exclusively on such systems. Firms which provide material testing, soils testing, and agronomic evaluations may be well suited to evaluate land treatment systems. Contact the Department for a current list of such firms.

8.6 Delaware Geological Survey

8.6.1 The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) conducts systematic investigation of the geology of Delaware; exploration and research pertaining to the water, mineral and other earth resources of the State; preparation of reports and maps presenting its findings; and, provision of actual geologic and hydrologic information and advice to the citizens of Delaware. The DGS may be contacted at the University of Delaware, 101 Penny Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, telephone number (302) 451-2833.

8.7 Other Appropriate Technical Experts

8.7.1 Other experts with experience in land treatment may also prove to be valuable. An experienced wastewater treatment plant operator who has direct "hands-on" knowledge of land treatment system operation should be consulted to understand the daily requirements and operating costs associated with such operations. Such an individual can advise the system owner on the proper training and abilities which will be required for a full-time operator once the system is constructed. Local farmers may be consulted with respect to management plan development. Their knowledge of crop planting, harvesting, and soil protection can prove to be invaluable as a first start in the evaluation of system design. Equipment manufacturers often offer training courses or literature which are available to the public. These manufacturers may be contacted if information is needed on specific or general equipment design or use.

7 Del. Admin. Code § 7103-8.0