Waste Water Tracking
Wisconsin DNR ReportingProject Overview
Wisconsin cheese manufacturers generate wastewater as a byproduct of the cheese making process. This wastewater is rich in nutrients and makes a good fertilizer for local farmers. Manufacturers that discharge wastewater to the environment are required to report the levels of nitrates and chlorides in the wastewater to the Department of Natural Resources(DNR).
Challenge
Companies face fines if they exceed the limits established by the Wisconsin DNR, and the task of calculating chemical output totals is tedious and time-consuming. The farmers need to know how much of each chemical is being spread on their fields so they know if they need to supplement field fertilization, and the Wisconsin DNR needs to know because there are defined limits per acre that need to be followed.
Solution
The trucking company that hauls the wastewater and applies it to the fields decided to take a lead role by coordinating the tracking process for the cheese companies they haul for. Since they are directly involved with both the manufacturer and the farmer it made sense for them to add this as a service for their customers.
StrategyBytes, LLC created a software program, aptly named Wastewater Tracker, that allowed the hauling company to track their customers, organize the farmers and fields that they use to spread the wastewater, and track which loads where spread on which fields. Wastewater Tracker automatically calculates chlorides, nitrates, phosphorus, and potassium totals applied on farm fields throughout the year, and then transcribes the data into the DNR report format. Our client was able to track total chemical usage applied by field, and could alert the customer when their output was approaching the DNR limits.
The Results
The wastewater tracking software saves the manufacturer a lot of time and effort because the hauler can provide them with the DNR report directly. It also provides the farmer with accurate fertilizer information so they can better manage the fertilizer needs of each of their fields, helping prevent over fertilization and run off. The software guarantees that the total chemical application to a field is accurate, and it also warns when a limit on a field is getting close, so it helps prevent over application, which results in fines from the DNR.