Observation and Shut-off Station Requirements for Nutrient Storage

Part 2: A Follow-up to Last Month's Article

Methods for monitoring water in the observation/shut-off station can include visual and odour inspection, as well as water sample testing. Manure odour, coloured water, bubbling or foaming are all indications of possible contamination from manure. Water samples should be tested for bacteria and nitrates to determine whether manure is present in the sample.

Caution must be exercised when a manure storage is being emptied. If a spill occurs on the ground surface near the tank, manure may penetrate to the foundation drainage system and be detected in the observation/shut-off station. Although this may be an isolated event that does not represent leakage of the manure tank, fouled water must be shut off and prevented from discharging to the drainage system.

It is the responsibility of the owner of the manure storage to monitor the water quality in an observation/shut-off station. Suggested monitoring times are:

• during periods of manure agitation and storage pump out
• when water tables are high and soil is saturated during spring and fall.

The manufacturers/suppliers listed below are possible sources for corrugated steel or plastic pipe materials to construct observation shut-off stations, or for purchasing complete fabricated units. Some stations may have standard sizes and lengths of standpipe with an inlet and outlet at the base, and some may fabricate the complete unit on a custom basis. Contact the manufacturer/supplier for costs.

An observation and shutoff station is used to provide access to the discharge from a perimeter drain. Possible contaminated flow can be observed and blocked. Steps can then be taken to address the situation.

The references are in alphabetical order and were taken from OMAFRA publication #832 Agricultural Erosion Control Structures updated 02/2008.

To obtain a copy of this manual, contact Service Ontario Publications at www.publications.serviceontario.ca/

ARMTEC
370 Speedvale Ave., Suite 2, Guelph, ON N1H 7M7
1-800-265-9391

BIG "O" DRAIN TILE Co. Ltd.
P.O. Box 970, Exeter, ON N0M 1S0 519-235-0870 www.bigodrain.ca

CANADA CULVERT & METAL PRODUCTS
150 Centennial Road, Orangeville, ON L9W 3Z8 1-888-282-9334 www.fsiculvert.com

CORRUGATED PIPE COMPANY Ltd.
362 Lorne Ave., Stratford, ON N5A 6S4 519-271-5553

IDEAL DRAIN TILE Ltd.
P.O. Box 25, Cedar Springs, Blenheim, ON N0P 1E0 www.idealpipe.ca