12/16/24 - 110 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3ubmzu7a
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CBF: PA Manure Management Manual Valuable Guide For Farmers
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The Chesapeake Bay Foundation commends the Department of Environmental Protection for the October 29th release of newly revised guidelines for managing, storing, and spreading manure on farm operations.
The release of the “Manure Management Plan Guidance” is the result of two years of deliberate and thorough negotiations and discussions between DEP, livestock producers, environmentalists, and others, with a goal of developing clear direction for all Pennsylvania farms that produce livestock or use manure on their crops.
“The guide enables farmers to keep the manure nutrients on the fields, where they are needed, and out of local waterways,” explained Kelly O’Neill, CBF’s Agricultural Policy Specialist in Pennsylvania, and participant in the revision process. “At the same time, it does not create onerous requirements for farmers facing tight financial circumstances.”
Since 1977, farms have been required to prevent manure runoff to streams and other water bodies from land application, spillage, storage overflow or leakage, and barnyard runoff. However, the requirements were vague, and often not fully understood or explained to farmers.
Through the new guidelines every farm that produces or uses manure will be required to develop a written Manure Management Plan to be kept on-site, with records of manure applications and other on-farm practices.
The Manure Management Plan Guidance: requires manure application setbacks from streams or other water bodies; defines the maximum winter manure application practices and rates; prescribes best management practices for barnyards, feedlots, and other animal concentration areas, as well as for temporary manure stockpiles; and additional practices, to prevent manure runoff to water bodies.
“Penn Ag Industries Association applauds the efforts of DEP to revamp the manual into a farmer friendly, useful tool which, when implemented, will bring all Commonwealth farms into compliance with protecting our natural resources for future generations,” stated Jennifer Reed-Henry, Chair of DEP’s Agricultural Advisory Board and Assistant Vice President of Penn Ag Industries Association.
In addition to providing the overall scope and guidance for on-site manure management, DEP has also provided a straightforward workbook to assist farmers in developing their plans. “The workbook is a long-overdue tool that guides farmers through the steps of developing a customized plan, and how to carry it out.” said O’Neill.
The Manure Management Manual, with instructions, rate charts, and a workbook is available online. (Note: This document may be temporarily unavailable online due to an upgrade of DEP's eLibrary system.)
NewsClips: PA Issues Manure Guide
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11/14/2011 |
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