A near record turnout of farmers heard the Regional Water Board explain new groundwater regulations being developed for the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition. Recent meetings held in Madera, Merced and Modesto attracted more than 300 farmers in late June, even some non- coalition members, who heard about a 120 day membership holiday where they could join the coalition without first applying to the Regional Board as is now required. The membership holiday is expected to begin after the Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) are adopted at the Regional Water Board meeting on October 4-5.  Most significant in the expanded regulations are reporting requirements for nitrogen fertilizer applications, with growers in groundwater-vulnerable regions required to have their nitrogen budgets signed off by a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).The latest draft of the new WDR was released on July 3, opening the final 30 day comment period on a regulation that covers both surface and groundwater.  The slide shows from the June ESJWQC meetings are posted at www.esjcoalition.org/generalorder.asp.   Also posted is the new public review draft of the WDR.July 23, 2012 CURES Press Release