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Main > Regional Themes > Animal Manure & Waste Management
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Overview
Concerns exist about the leaching, runoff, and discharge of nutrients and pathogens from livestock effluent into groundwater and surface waters. This problem is created by the expansion of many livestock and dairy production operations that increase the number of animals while utilizing the same land base, in order to stay economically competitive. In Hawaii and the Pacific Island territories, the limited land area has created special concerns in the management and disposal of livestock effluent. Intense rainfall and tropical storms, along with the short path of pollutants to the receiving waters, affect the water quality of the region. The contamination poses a concern for the sensitive coastal and coral reef environments. Throughout the region, adoption of the best animal waste management practices can reduce the introduction of pollutants from farms into the water supplies, helping to improve water quality. Piggery effluent represents a significant source of nutrient runoff, fecal contamination, and/or zoonotic disease throughout the Pacific islands. Pacific islands in the Regional Water Program that are affected by piggeries include the Northern Marianas Islands, American Samoa, Micronesia, and Palau.
Objectives
Groundwater and surface waters (including streams, estuaries, coastal, and coral reef environments) are better protected from contamination by animal wastes Producers have a greater knowledge of nutrient cycles, environmental concerns, and the potential for zoonotic disease Livestock production economics are improved by implementation of whole farm nutrient management strategies Livestock producers are considered good stewards of the environment
Progress
The regional project supported development of two alternative waste management systems in the Pacific islands; a modified dry litter waste management system (DLWMS) and a portable pen. Workshops were conducted in the Northern Marianas, Guam, Micronesia, and Palau reaching over 150 farmer and agency participants. USEPA Region IX and Pacific Island Extension agents are optimistic regarding the dry-litter/composting approach and are actively pursuing voluntary adoption of the BMPs. Research conducted at the University of Nevada indicates that Leptospira appear to be best adapted to warm environments and neutral to slightly alkaline environments and can survive in fresh water or moist soil for months. This regionally supported research has identified ranges of temperature and pH conditions lethal to common variants of Leptospira. The information is critical for managing the pathogen, and has been requested by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Pacific Basin office for developing a composting standard to reduce the risk of off-site transport of spirochetes from infected pigs.
Hightlight
	An Alternative Waste Management System to Swine Operations for Water Pollution Control Programs in the American Pacific - Northern Marianas College, University of Hawaii, and University of Guam Extension cooperators conduct a series of workshops that introduce local pig farmers to two affordable and environmentally appropriate waste management systems for swine; the dry litter system, and the portable pen system. Read More >
Projects

Demonstrating Best Management Practices on Piggeries in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Award/Source:	$10,000 / CSREES Southwest States & Pacific Islands Water Quality Program
Investigator(s):	Lawerence Duponcheel, Northern Marianas College Extension, Carl Evensen, University of Hawaii
Abstract:	PDF
Land Application of Livestock Manure in Hawaii and the American Pacific
Award/Source:	$390,000 (24 MOs) /
Investigator(s):	Carl I. Evensen, University of Hawaii
Abstract:	PDF
Leptospirosis and Compost Treatment
Award/Source:	CSREES Southwest States & Pacific Islands Water Quality Program
Investigator(s):	Mark Walker and John Parker (graduate student),University of Nevada, Reno; Lawerence Duponcheel, Northern Marianas College; Brian Rippy (as an interested party) – civil engineer with the American Samoa Soil and Water Conservation District
Abstract:	PDF

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