Episode 47: Regulating Nitrogen
“The Irrigated Lands Program is the only regulation in the US that sets targets and limits for nitrogen discharges. It is a pretty long time scale until we get to the low numbers, the idea is to bring the nitrogen discharges from irrigated agriculture into balance.”
A conversation with Claire Bjork (Central Coast Regional Water Board) about groundwater nitrogen policy, water quality compliance, and the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. Released April 7, 2023
guests on the show
Claire Bjork
Claire Bjork studied Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning at UC Davis and was an Undergraduate Podcast Producer for Water Talk during its second season. Upon graduating in 2021, Claire took a position with the University of California Cooperative Extension office in Modoc County, where she spent a year working on projects related to SGMA implementation and rangeland management. During this time, Claire developed a practical understanding of intersectionality in water decision-making across varying geographic and temporal scales.
Originally from Santa Barbara, Claire moved to San Luis Obispo in 2022 and now works as an Environmental Scientist with the Regional Water Board’s Irrigated Lands Program. In her current position, she enjoys collaborating with growers and other community members to protect water quality.
Learn more about the Central Coast Regional Water Board's Irrigated Lands Program here and connect with Claire Bjork here.