Winter 2004
Make up tests required for confinement site manure applicators
by Karen Grimes, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Nearly half of the confinement site manure applicators whose certificates will expire in 2004 missed one or more of three required training sessions during their three-year certification.
Confinement site applicators choose between passing one test or taking three annual training sessions when they apply for a manure applicator’s certificate. For those who choose training, if they miss one or more training sessions and want to renew their certificate they must first pass a remedial or make-up test to satisfy the requirements under state law.
The Department of Natural Resources has notified approximately 257 confinement site applicators who missed a training session during the last three years that they will need to pass the make-up test before renewing their certificate. After passing the make-up test, applicators can decide to take three years of training or pass another test when they renew their certification.
Most applicators pass the test the first time that they take it. A passing score is 35 correct out of the 50 true/false and multiple-choice questions.
To prepare
for the test, applicators should be familiar with state laws on land
application of manure. Study guides are available on the Iowa Manure
Management Action Group’s Web site
at extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/
mac.html. More information on land application
rules is available, too, on the DNR Web
site at
www.state.ia.us/epd/wastewtr/feedlot/sepdstb4.pdf and at
http://www.state.ia.us/epd/wastewtr/feedlot/files/hqwr2.pdf.
Manure applicators attend training workshop at the Iowa State University
Northwest
Iowa Research Farm
DNR regional field offices will offer tests in January and February. If you were notified that you need to pass a make-up test, please pre-register for one of the following dates with the appropriate DNR field office. You must bring a photo identification card. You should bring a pencil and calculator. and arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow for registration.
Confinement site applicators can continue to apply manure during the January and February grace period if they were certified in 2004, but make-up tests and the training or testing for the coming three-year certification should be completed by March 1, 2005. After March 1, commercial and confinement site applicators must pay a late fee of $12.50 before renewing their certificates. They cannot apply manure until they are certified.
