2001-08-23_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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BWSR Meeting Minutes May 23, 2001 Page Four Agency Reports Sharon Clark, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), reported that Ron Harnack met with MDA Commissioner Gene Hugoson and Sharon regarding legislative issues. Sharon attended President Bush's energy gathering fast week. Sharon thanked Ron Harnack for BWSR staff raising the safety of staff going from farm to farm with the threat of foot and mouth disease. Sharon reported that Commissioner Hugoson. will attend a trade mission with NASDA in Mexico. Sharon reported that the Conservation Security Act has just been reintroduced, information came out yesterday to reward farm plans. Sharon distributed various informational brochures regarding MDA activities. Ron Harnack will distribute Farm Bill introductions to board members. Dan Wilson, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), reported that legislative issues have kept MDA staff busy. MDA succeeded in getting fee increases approved and are awaiting final action.. Dan reported that 600 water sampling kits were supplied. to counties with flooding problems. Dan distributed "Safe Drinking Water for the Next Generation" a summary of drinking water protection activities for board members' information. Wayne Edgerton, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), was saddened to report the beating and death of a DNR employee at Blue Mountain State Park. The park will be closed until further notice to facilitate the investigation. Wayne stated that DNR is in Legislative limbo; the concon issue is dead this session. Wayne reported that due to the threat of foot and mouth disease, DNR has put an executive order in place regarding biosecurity for employees for use in feedlot facilities. The Big Woods State Park tours have been cancelled this year due to the threat of the foot and mouth disease. Jim Anderson, Minnesota Extension Service (MES) distributed information on the Minnesota Institute, Soil Management Series. Jim reported that feedlot meetings will be held in Marshall and Mankato; looking at current feedlot rules, nutrient management plans, in conjunction with PCA, MDA, DNR., and the U of M. Follow-up series are scheduled for this fall. Rod Massey, Pollution .Control Agency (PCA), reported that feedlot general permit (NPDES) has been approved by EPA. The application deadline is June 1St Application extensions must also be submitted by June 1St, to meet the deadline of September 1st. Rod thanked DNR for working closely with PCA on the sugar beet issue in southern Minnesota, that resulted in floating and rotted sugar beets reaching drainage areas due to high water levels from the heavy rains. Rod reported that mediation is underway with MDH, MDA and PCA regarding feedlot issues. Rod commented on a drainage project in Pope County with potential adverse effect to the Minnesota River and believes that the agencies can be more proactive in these types of projects to address water quality and quantity. Ron Harnack stated that the county