By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law mandates the protection of water quality by prohibiting the discharge of pollutants like sediment into surface or groundwater, with limited exceptions approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
To uphold this law, the state's Erosion and Sediment Control regulations for agriculture (Ag E&S) require farmers to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion on both cropland and Animal Heavy Use Areas (AHUAs), also known as Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs).
If these combined activities cover 5,000 square feet or more, farmers are legally obligated to develop and implement a written Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
In practice, nearly all Pennsylvania farmers are required to have and actively use an E&S plan, unless their land solely consists of permanently dense perennial cover, such as established pasture.
However, renovating a pasture necessitates an Ag E&S plan, and if a pasture becomes denuded or overgrazed, it's classified as an AHUA, triggering the requirement for a written Ag E&S plan for that specific field.
Both landowners and farm operators share the responsibility for having and implementing these plans, which can be self-developed or created with the assistance of soil conservation professionals.
Notably, a Conservation Plan developed by the USDA-NRCS might fulfill Pennsylvania's Ag E&S requirements, but confirmation from NRCS is advised to ensure compliance with state regulations. Ag E&S Plans must be readily accessible for review and relevant to current farming practices.
Therefore, it's crucial to update Ag E&S plans whenever significant changes occur, such as changes in landowner or operator, the addition of land to the operation, or alterations in land use, including crop rotations, tillage methods, BMPs, or the planning or formation of new AHUAs.
The presence of gullies or rills indicates excessive soil loss, requiring immediate consultation with the local Conservation District, NRCS, or a Commercial Planner for assistance.
Resources like Pennsylvania's Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Manual for Agricultural Operations and the PAOneStop online platform offer detailed guidance on developing Ag E&S Plans.
Ultimately, most Pennsylvania farmers are accountable for maintaining a current Ag E&S Plan and putting it into action to safeguard the state's water resources.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-casarsaguru
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Government & Policy