Updated guidelines provide clarity when monitoring liquid manure storages

Under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), the owner or operator of a liquid manure storage facility may be required to install a leakage detection system. This system will use either groundwater monitoring wells or leachate collection systems to monitor for leaks or seepage.

“When required, leakage detection systems using groundwater monitoring wells must have at least one monitoring well upgradient and 2 monitoring wells downgradient,” says Vince Murray, AOPA engineer and co-chair of the Technical Advisory Group. “Leachate collection systems are typically associated with above-ground tanks with concrete floors and include wicks or drains that channel leachate to a point where it can be monitored or sampled. The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) determines how often monitoring and sampling occur.”

The Technical Advisory Group, made up of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, NRCB and agricultural industry representatives, has published 2 updated technical guidelines to clarify AOPA requirements for owners and operators. These guidelines focus on sample collection and the necessary parameters for monitoring to ensure accurate information is available to the operator and the NRCB when assessing liner performance.

The Leak Detection Sampling Technical Guideline explains how to collect samples correctly and consistently from groundwater monitoring wells or leachate collection systems. Procedures for groundwater monitoring include measuring groundwater elevations and purging wells before sampling. For leachate collection systems, there is guidance for monitoring and sampling leachate. Finally, the guideline covers how to prepare samples for specific analyses.

To ensure accurate assessment of the facility's performance, the Leak Detection Monitoring Parameters Technical Guideline outlines key monitoring parameters, including nutrients and other substances commonly found in manure. Samples must be sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. To assist with reporting, the guideline includes a checklist to ensure all required information is submitted. The NRCB can provide a digital reporting template upon request.