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continued from page 8 Wastewater discharge is another water quality concern that requires close monitoring. Effluent from cooling towers and boilers is regulated under the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, or similar agencies in other states, but violations do occur and can impact rivers, lakes and streams into which wastewater is discharged.. A by-product of the process, called "stillage," is of concern due to the decomposition process that consumes available oxygen and leads to eutrophication of lakes, rivers and streams. Reducing water use and impacts to water quality Even with the increase in agricultural biofuel production, the likelihood of altering the national water supply over the next 5 to 10 years is relatively low; however, it may impact regional or local areas with aquifers that are already stressed from other demands. Many producers and. agricultural stewards have already begun reducing water use impacts through water reuse and agricultural "best practices." Reuse and recycling methods at ethanol plants have reduced water use from 6 to 7 gallons per gallon of ethanol to 4.7 gallons of water. While it is commonly believed that cellulosic (switchgrass, perennial grasses, corn stover and wood) ethanol will reduce the amount of consumptive water use in irrigation and production, such technology is stills to 10 years away from commercial viability. Irrigation technology can employ water conservation techniques such as subsurface drip, which minimizes evaporation and runoff and also allows more conservative fertilizer and pesticide application. Remote sensing technology processes can provide real- time monitoring of soil moisture to reduce unnecessary irrigation. Together these "precision agricultural" (PA) techniques can reduce water use as well as unintended impacts to the environment, while increasing efficient production and profitability. "No till" systems and other conservative tillage practices have had a positive impact on soil erosion and subsequent improvement in water quality, reducing sediment, pesticides and fertilizers in runoff. Newer technology in ethanol production recycles water and reduces the amount of fresh water used. Careful monitoring of discharge effluent and reuse of stillage for animal feed will have a positive impact on potential water quality issues. In addition, rain water collection and recycling of reclaimed water can reduce the groundwater draw for both corn and future cellulosic feedstock. Encouraging use of technologies to reduce the quantity of ground and surface water needed and to prevent soil erosion and potential contamination of surface and ground water must be a primary consideration. Redirecting subsidies as incentives for agricultural and ethanol producers to substantially improve their processes may be a viable alternative or modification to current subsidy policy. Ethanol will continue to be an important component of our energy policy and will increase with commercial cellulosic technologies. Shedding light on "unintended water quality consequences" in time to prevent and reverse environmental problems will result in benefits for energy as well as our environment. S. ® ~' ~ ~' Information on astronomy, phenology, weather and weather history, gardening, water facts and much more is abundant in these attractive calendars. • Weatherguide calendars make a great gift for all -students, grandparents, teachers, birdwatchers, nature lovers... and everyone else on your list! freshwater @freshwater. org or sign up on-line at www.freshwater.org e „ _ Se~~trrr,Ger ,. FACETS December 2007 ~:; Contact Freshwater Society's Weatherguide Coordinator Toll free:888-471-9773 e-mail: