EPA says Pa. farmers should try to prevent contamination

EPA says Pa. farmers should try to prevent contamination

July 22

Farmers in Pennsylvania should take steps to prevent groundwater contamination and to prevent manure from their farm animals from entering streams, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said.

The EPA is joining with the Lancaster County Conservation District to protect the Muddy Run River, which runs into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

In a previous round of evaluations, the government estimates 85% of the area farms were not complying with the state requirements for runoff and groundwater protection, resulting in contamination of streams and groundwater.

Farmers can receive assistance from the Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and private consultants to develop plans needed to meet water quality protection goals. These practices may include cover crops, proper manure storage, stream fencing, riparian forested buffers, gutters, and restricting winter application of manure.

"Some farms may already meet or exceed baseline requirements, yet lack the proper documentation," said Don McNutt, district administrator of the Lancaster County Conservation District. "Other farms may need to implement additional best management practices to meet baseline compliance."

For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/chesapeakebay.html.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Amanda Smith-Teutsch at 330-865-6166 or asmith-teutsch@crain.com

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