AgEBB-MU CAFNR Extension

About DSAS

The Design Storm Alert System (DSAS) provides an efficient system to track precipitation accumulations across Missouri.

DSAS was initially designed with CAFO managers in mind. A goal of DSAS is to assist farmers in dealing with unexpected wet weather and better manage their operations, all while complying with the protocols set forth by MDNR.

Missouri weather has become wetter over the past several decades; and prediction data indicate extreme precipitation events are expected to increase. By being aware of current, localized precipitation levels relative to the design storm, managers can better prepare for unprecedented, and potentially costly, situations. For example:

• Above-average precipitation water inflows could go unnoticed until it is too late to respond using normal land application management practices. Enough time to land apply effluent may no longer exist without requesting special permission from MDNR to land apply the effluent so storage does not overflow.
• Overflow of waste management systems into Missouri Waters of the State could result in heavy fines, lowered reputations, and/or operations potentially being shut down.

In the future we hope to extend DSAS to help manage other conservation management practices.

Beneficiaries of this system include the Missouri Climate Center; Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR); the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); farm consultants and industry representatives; and farmers.