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Federal Agency PerspectiveEnvironmental Regulations, Approaches, and Opportunities
Delaware River Watershed ForumOctober 28, 2013
Kelly ShenkAgricultural Advisor
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region III
Photo from SAN Tour 6/28/13
Thriving Agriculture AND Clean Waters
Agriculture: Critical for food, fiber, fuel, ecosystem, culture.Farmers: Stewards of the Land.Conservation practices are working. We can have it all!
Generic photos from google search to illustrate ag and WQ.
We have more to do…Environmental Issues:• Animal Manure Surpluses.• Cows in streams.• Cropland pollutant losses.• Bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment pollution
Challenges:• Complex problems = complex solutions.• Farmer economics.• Financial assistance.• Technical assistance. • Social/cultural considerations.• Technology.
Federal Perspective – Env. RegulationsProtect Public Health & Environment
EPA relies heavily on strong State programs to address pollution from smaller animal operations and cropland.Generic photos from google search to illustrate ag operation types.
• Elements of success in Watson Run, Lancaster PA:– EPA focused on environmental outcome.– EPA open to new approaches for env. results.– EPA worked through Bishops and Conservation District – people
that the farmers trusted.– Conservation District worked with farmers and got results. – PADEP is following this model for its watershed assessments.
• Actions:– Conservation plans, manure management plans, barn gutters,
streambank fencing, riparian buffers, etc.• Results:– Improved herd health, improved stream health.– Compliance with state regulations, long-term viability.
Federal Perspective – EPA Open to New Approaches“…a turning point for EPA.” “It’s not as heavy-handed.”
Federal Perspective – OpportunitiesSchuylkill Action Network Example
• Elements of Success– Understanding & shared interest.– Technical/Financial assistance.
• Actions:– Manure lagoons, gutters, no-tillCrops, fencing, stream crossings.
• Results– Apply manure only when need it.– No trampled stream banks.– No cow manure in stream.– Reduced labor/fuel costs on no-till lands.– Profitable, sustainable, competitive farms.– Good stream quality, and drinking water quality.
Photo from SAN Tour 6/28/13
Continue the Dialogue
“My commitment to you is that at the end of my term, we will have a stronger, more productive, more trusting relationship between EPA and the agriculture community.” - EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy
Photo from SAN Tour 6/28/13
Photo Adams County Tour 4/19/13