WELLINGTON - Credit Valley Conservation€¦ · The Wellington RWQP funds a wide variety of Best...

WELLINGTON Rural Water Quality Program

Guidelines August 2019

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Table of Contents

1. Program Background ..........................................................................................................................................1

2. Structure of Financial Incentives ........................................................................................................................2

3. Eligibility and Application Details .......................................................................................................................3

3.1 Eligibility .....................................................................................................................................................3

3.2 Limitations to Grant Eligibility ....................................................................................................................4

3.3 How To Apply..............................................................................................................................................5

4. Livestock Waste Management BMPs .................................................................................................................6

4.1 Manure Storage and Handling Systems .....................................................................................................6

4.2 Milkhouse/Milking Parlour Washwater Treatment and Disposal ..............................................................8

4.3 Clean Water Diversion ................................................................................................................................9

4.4 Dead Stock Composting Facilities ............................................................................................................ 10

4.5 Nutrient Management Plans ................................................................................................................... 11

4.6 Manure Storage Decommissioning ......................................................................................................... 12

4.7 Exclusion Fencing ..................................................................................................................................... 13

5. Soil Conservation Practices and Structures ..................................................................................................... 15

5.1 Erosion Control Structures ...................................................................................................................... 15

5.2 Tile Drain Control Structures ................................................................................................................... 16

5.3 Cover Crops ............................................................................................................................................. 17

5.4 Machinery Crossings ................................................................................................................................ 18

6. Fragile Land Retirement .................................................................................................................................. 19

6.1 Tree Planting ............................................................................................................................................ 19

6.2 Living Snow Fence ................................................................................................................................... 21

6.3 Natural Area Restoration and Creation ................................................................................................... 23

7. Farmstead Best Management Practices .......................................................................................................... 25

7.1 Fuel Storage ............................................................................................................................................. 25

7.2 Fertilizer and Chemical Storage and Handling ........................................................................................ 26

7.3 Well Abandonment ................................................................................................................................. 28

7.4 Wellhead Protection ................................................................................................................................ 29

8. Innovative Projects .......................................................................................................................................... 31

W e l l i n g t o n R W Q P G u i d e l i n e s , A u g u s t 2 0 1 9 P a g e | 1

1. Program Background

Everyone benefits when water quality is improved and protected. The Wellington-Guelph Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP) began in 1999 as an initiative to improve the water quality in Wellington County and the City of Guelph. The program was modelled after a similar successful program in the Region of Waterloo and was developed with input from local partners. Continued funding for the program is provided by Wellington County. The program provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural landowners to enable them to voluntarily implement best management practices that improves and protects water quality. The benefits of improved water quality include a safe secure water supply, a healthy aquatic ecosystem, increased recreational opportunities, sustainable agricultural operations and a vibrant economy. Everyone benefits when water quality is improved and protected.

The Program was developed in 1999 in conjunction with representation from the following partners: City of Guelph Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Environmental Farm Plan Program Grand River Conservation Authority Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Wellington County Wellington County Cattlemen’s Association Wellington County Pork Producers Wellington Dairy Producer Committee Wellington Federation of Agriculture Wellington Stewardship Council Wellington Society for the Countryside Wellington Soil and Crop Improvement Association


2. Structure of Financial Incentives

The Wellington RWQP funds a wide variety of Best Management Practices. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant/incentive payment. Maximum grants and grant rates vary between types of projects as outlined below. For specific project details, please refer to the individual project guidelines. Rural Water Quality Program grants may be combined (stacked) with funding from other sources. Grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding.

Best Management Practice Cost

Share Maximum Cost Share

Performance Incentive

Notes

Manure Storage 50% $25,000 - Per farm

Milkhouse Waste 50% $5,000 - Per farm

Clean Water Diversion 50% $5,000 - Per farm

Dead Stock Composting 50% $4,000 - Per farm

Nutrient Management Plans

75-100%

$2,000 - Per applicant

Manure Storage Decommissioning

50% $3,000 - Per storage

Exclusion Fencing 75-

100% $10,000 -

Materials are eligible for 100% if installed by landowner. Per farm

Erosion Control Structures 75% $10,000 - Per farm

Tile Drain Control Structures

80% $7,500 - Per farm

Cover Crops n/a n/a $60/acre up to 50 acres

Per Farm Business Registration (FBR) #

Machinery Crossings 50% $5,000 - Per farm

Tree Planting 80% $7,500 $350/acre per year for 3 years. Maximum 10 acres.

Includes, stream buffers, fragile land retirement, field windbreaks. Per farm.

Living Snow Fence 80-

100% $5,000

$500/acre per year for 3 years. Maximum 10 acres.

Per farm. The higher grant rate is for priority sites identified by the municipality

Natural Area Restoration & Creation

80% $7,500 $350/acre per year for 3 years. Maximum 10 acres.

Per farm

Fuel Storage 50% $4,000 - Per farm

Fertilizer and Chemical Handling and Storage

50% $2,500 - Per farm

Wellhead Abandonment 100% $2,500 - Per well

Wellhead Protection 80% $2,000 - Per well

Innovative Projects 50% $10,000 - Per applicant


3. Eligibility and Application Details

3.1 Eligibility

1. A grant to implement all or some of the farm related best management practices in the Rural Water Quality Program may be paid to an individual applicant who:

is a resident of Ontario

is a registered owner of property in the target area used for agricultural purposes or whose property is under the influence of agriculture

completes an Environmental Farm Plan

is undertaking the project voluntarily

under this program, a person is deemed to be the owner of land if the person leases the land for farming from the registered owner

2. The project must be located in Wellington County and protect and/or improve surface or ground

water quality in Wellington County. 3. The following costs are generally eligible for grant assistance:

required permits

purchased materials and supplies

professional fees

fees for design, construction and supervision. The labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents and the applicant’s business are not eligible.

4. Performance incentives are paid after staff confirms that the project is managed according to

program guidelines. Tree performance incentives will be offered for a maximum of 3 years per project.

5. All approvals and permits are the responsibility of the applicant (including that of neighbors if

applicable). It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the project meets all legal requirements including but not limited to:

municipal bylaws

provincial and regional highway setbacks

Drainage Act

Federal and Provincial Acts

Canada Farm Building Code

Ontario Building Code

Planning and regulations of local conservation authority 6. The Review Committee will review the eligible BMPs and guidelines and may alter these at their

discretion. Innovative technologies and projects that do not conform to the guidelines will be considered by the Review Committee on a project by project basis. Applicants should contact program staff to determine the application requirements.


3.2 Limitations to Grant Eligibility

1. Grants are limited to eligible farmers with properties in Wellington County that have the potential to significantly improve water quality.

2. An application for funding may be made retroactively. Retroactive applications are limited to

projects that have been completed no more than 12 months prior to the date of application to the RWQP.

3. Grants are limited to projects that will improve and protect water quality. New operations, new

buildings, additions to homes, or building expansions to increase herd capacity are not eligible. A grant may be paid on a pro-rated basis using a simple arithmetic formula in cases where an eligible structure is sized and constructed for an expanded operation. Example: A farmer currently has a herd of 50 dairy cows and requires a manure storage to improve water quality. In order to facilitate future expansion the storage is sized and constructed for 75 cows. The eligible grant portion is based on 50/75 or 67% of the final cost of the project.

4. Any applicant who proceeds with a project before it has been approved by the RWQP Review

Committee has no assurance that financial assistance will be provided. 5. An applicant must specify the program year in which the project will be completed. If the project

cannot be completed within the specified year, the grant will not be paid. However, the applicant may request an extension from the RWQP Review Committee.

6. Funds will be allocated on a priority basis. Those projects with the higher potential for improving

water quality will be considered first. 7. Grant will not be paid on HST if the applicant is entitled to a HST rebate. 8. The Review Committee will set funding allocations annually and may decide to set allocations for

priority areas and/or project categories. Funds may be limited based on this decision. NOTE: Although the Conservation Authorities (Grand River, Credit Valley, Maitland Valley, Saugeen, Hamilton and Halton), the County of Wellington and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may provide information regarding the practices and structures described in the Rural Water Quality Program application form, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the practices and structures undertaken are suitable to the applicant’s operation, and technically and structurally adequate. Neither the members of the Review Committee, the County of Wellington, CA staff or OMAFRA are liable for any loss arising from the use of any advice or information provided as part of or under this program.


3.3 How To Apply

1. Complete an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). The EFP is delivered locally by Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Visit www.ontariosoilcrop.org or call 1-800-265-9751 for more information. Submit your EFP for confidential review to the EFP workshop Leader. The plan remains confidential and will not be shared with Rural Water Quality Program staff. Completion of an EFP is required prior to grant/incentive payment.

2. Contact the Rural Water Quality Program at the Grand River Conservation Authority (519-621-2761

or [email protected]) or your local Conservation Authority to verify that your proposed project meets the guidelines and to arrange a site visit. Staff is available to assist you with planning your project and applying to the program.

3. Submit the application to the Rural Water Quality Program for review. The Review Committee

consists of local farmers and agency staff who will evaluate the project on its potential to protect and improve water quality. The Review Committee meets on a quarterly basis (or as required) to review proposals.

4. Once the project proposal has been reviewed and approved by the Rural Water Quality Program

Review Committee, you will be notified to proceed with the project. 5. When the project is completed, paid for, and you have copies of all required paperwork specified in

your approval letter, notify RWQP staff. A site inspection is required to confirm that the project is complete. At that time, you can submit invoices marked paid and a copy of cancelled cheques or bank statement for all eligible project expenses to staff. You will also be required to sign an Expense Claim form.

6. Once the work is complete, deemed satisfactory and the required paperwork is submitted by your

local CA staff to the Grand River Conservation Authority (program administrator), your cost-share or incentive payment will be sent to you within 4 weeks.


4. Livestock Waste Management BMPs

4.1 Manure Storage and Handling Systems

Purpose: To prevent contamination of surface and groundwater from manure and exercise yard runoff and to encourage environmentally responsible manure handling and spreading practices. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $25,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Solid manure storages with runoff containment.

Roofed solid manure storages.

Concrete or steel liquid manure storage tanks (with or without lids/covers).

Earthen manure storages and runoff storages.

Runoff containment from exercise yards. Project Details:

To receive financial assistance on a manure storage under this program, applicants must complete a nutrient management plan as described in Section 1.6. A nutrient management plan must be submitted to Grand River Conservation Authority staff for review before the cost share payment is provided for a completed manure storage project. This approval does not replace or supersede approval required through the Building Permit process or the Nutrient Management Act.

All manure and runoff storages must have a minimum of 250-day storage capacity. Adequate storage capacity must be provided for both solid and liquid fractions of manure, as well as contaminated precipitation and washwaters (where applicable). Facilities with greater than 400 days of storage will be cost-shared to the equivalent of 400 days.

For roofed solid storages, three walls must be poured concrete at least 4 ft (1.2 m) above grade. The roof must provide adequate clearance for tractor and loader operation. The floor of the storage must be sloped to contain any liquids within the storage. The storage entrance must be raised to prevent the entry of surface water from outside and to contain liquids inside.

Livestock access to solid manure storage areas should be discouraged.

All manure storages, regardless of operation size or status must meet the requirements of Regulation 267/03 under the Nutrient Management Act. This includes the Siting and Construction Standards which require manure storage facilities to be designed and inspected by a professional engineer. Applicants are responsible for determining the requirements for their proposed storage; contact OMAFRA for this service.

Applicants must provide RWQP staff with a copy of the building permit prior to grant payment.


Fencing and Safety Requirements for Liquid Manure Storage Facilities:

Local municipal bylaws may supersede this section.

All open liquid and runoff storages must be protected by permanent barrier and gates designed to prevent child entry. Suitable fencing would include chain link types, solid steel, wood fencing, etc. Total barrier height (storage wall and fence) must be at least 5 ft (1.5 m) above the closest adjacent ground level. Safety fence design specifications shall meet the minimum standards as stated in the most recent version of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Agricultural Pollution Control Manual.

Fences may be placed up to 15 ft (4.6 m) away from the storage where equipment access is necessary.

Permanent ladders must not be installed in manure storages

Where flat covers, at or near ground level, are not designed for livestock or vehicle loads, a safety fence and a permanent warning sign must be installed

Access ports must have covers weighing at least 45 lb. (20.4 kg) and have a chain bolted to the storage top.

Gates with secure childproof latches must be installed at access points

A sign indicating the danger due to toxic gases must be installed at every access to a liquid manure or milkhouse/milking parlour washwater storage tank or under floor manure transfer chamber.

Manure hopper openings at or below floor level shall be fitted with a safety railing or floor grill spacing between rails of not more than 4 inches (10 cm).

Where a separate liquid manure storage tank is connected to a livestock building, traps or valves shall be installed to prevent gases from the manure storage from entering the building.

Eligible Costs:

Permits and engineering fees.

Materials and labour (other than the applicant’s) associated with an approved project.

Transfer pumping equipment and piping.

Walls around yards to direct contaminated precipitation into a runoff storage. Regardless of height, only an equivalent 1 ft (0.3 m) concrete wall and the footing will be funded.

Storage covers and roofs.

Upgrading storages to increase the capacity of existing storages to a minimum 250 days and a maximum of 400 days.

Ineligible Costs:

Pumping equipment to empty long term storages.

Manure spreading equipment.

Slats or solid floors over in-barn storages including support posts, beams and roofs.

Barn gutters with less than 60-day capacity.

Labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents and the applicant’s business.

Grant will not be paid on HST if the applicant is entitled to a HST rebate.

When roofing an exercise yard, the Clean Water Diversion grant cannot be combined with the $25,000 available under Manure Storage and Handling Systems.


4.2 Milkhouse/Milking Parlour Washwater Treatment and Disposal

Purpose: To eliminate water quality impairment from milkhouse washwater discharges to surface and ground waters, and to encourage environmentally responsible management of wastewater. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $5,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding.

Eligible Projects:

Milkhouse washwater storage within an existing or proposed manure storage system that meets the minimum storage requirements.

Storage in a separate milkhouse washwater storage tank.

Washwater treatment in a treatment trench system that meets the Building Permit standards.

Innovative treatment systems will be considered on a case by case basis. Project Details:

Systems proposing liquid storage of milkhouse/milking parlour wastes must provide at least 250-day capacity for the washwater produced. Minimum storage volume is 5,700 cubic feet (36,000 gallons or 160,000 liters). All fencing and safety requirements under Section 1.2 Manure Storage and Handling Systems must be met.

Eligible Costs:

Permits, engineering fees.

Permanent transfer piping from the milkhouse or parlour to a suitable storage.

Sump (when required) plus all associated electrical connections. Ineligible Costs:

Labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents and the applicant’s business are not eligible.

Cost of milkhouse and/or parlour structure.



4.3 Clean Water Diversion

Purpose: To reduce the amount of contaminated runoff from manure storages and exercise yards by diverting clean rain and snow melt water away from sources of contamination to a satisfactory outlet. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $5,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Eavestroughs that direct water away from exercise yards and manure storage areas.

Clean water diversion structures such as berms and ditches that direct clean water away from an exercise yard or manure storage.

Roofs on exercise yards.

Any other permanent technique to keep rain and snow from becoming contaminated by manure, or adding to the volume of contaminated runoff.

Project Details:

Downspouts located where livestock can access them must be made of schedule 40 PVC (or stronger materials) and be well secured to prevent dislodging.

Applications for Clean Water Diversion that include eaves trough directed into a tile must also include debris traps to ensure that tiles do not become plugged.

All clean water diversion projects must discharge clean water away from any source of contamination, and not pose other hazards such as soil erosion.

Berms, tile outlets and ditches must be properly protected.

The Review Committee may require an applicant to install an emergency shutoff valve if there is concern for conveyance of a spilled contaminant.

Eligible Costs:

Materials and labour (other than applicant’s) associated with an approved project.

Permits and engineering fees. Ineligible Costs:

Paving of exercise yards.



When roofing an exercise yard, the Clean Water Diversion grant cannot be combined with the $25,000 available under Manure Storage and Handling Systems.


4.4 Dead Stock Composting Facilities

Purpose: To encourage environmentally responsible composting of livestock mortalities and prevent contamination of surface and ground water from disposal of dead stock. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $4,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Composting facilities to dispose of dead livestock or poultry. Project Details:

Compost facilities must meet the most recent OMAFRA guidelines as described in their factsheet entitled “Deadstock Disposal Options for On-Farm (Order No. 09-025)” http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/deadstock/index.html

Where a dead stock composting facility is constructed as part of a roofed solid manure storage, it must have a separate entrance from outside the building and be separated from the manure storage by a concrete wall.

Eligible Costs:


Materials and labour (other than the applicant’s) associated with an approved project. Ineligible Costs:



http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/deadstock/index.html


4.5 Nutrient Management Plans

Purpose: To encourage the most effective use of available nutrient resources, optimize yields, and protect groundwater and surface water. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 75-100% up to a maximum of $2,000 per applicant. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Project: A 3 year Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) created using OMAFRA’s NMAN software program. Note: The nutrient management strategy (NMS) that is required to obtain a building permit is not a NMP. A NMS documents the type and # of livestock, volume of manure produced, available land base and manure storage requirements. A NMP contains information documenting where, when and at what rate manure/nutrients will be applied to the available land base.

Project Details:

A printout or electronic summary from the NMAN Program containing the following information must be submitted to GRCA staff for review:

for each farm property, a Farm Unit Summary

manure/nutrient source summary, manure/nutrient information (type, analysis, etc.)

If applicable, MSTOR manure storage sizing calculations & storage information (yearly amount, number of days of storage, amount remaining)

manure/nutrient application graph (tracks total (all types), amount remaining)

manure/nutrient application summary (for each field, the rate, source, amount, method, setback)

field summary (field id, soil information, area, crop type, # of nutrient applications)

To receive funding, the nutrient management plan must adequately supply the required crop nutrients without over applying and producing ‘red flags’ in the NMAN program.

Eligible Costs:

Soil, plant tissue and manure nutrient sampling and analysis. (Cost shared at 75%)

Professional fees for preparation of a nutrient management plan (Cost shared at 75%)

Registration fees for nutrient management training sessions (Cost shared at 100%). Software is available at www.nutrientmanagment.ca

Ineligible Costs:

Crop scouting fees.

Fees associated with the completion of a NMP required by the Nutrient Management Act.



4.6 Manure Storage Decommissioning

Purpose: To remove unused manure storage structures that pose risk to surface and groundwater

quality and may interfere with movement of groundwater.

Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $3,000 per storage. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding.

Eligible projects:

All unused in-ground vessels used to store liquid manure and milk house wash water.

All unused below-grade solid manure storages that collect runoff containing animal wastes.

Removal of earthen works, concrete, steel and other components of the manure storage.

Landowners must establish a need to be eligible.

Project Details:

All required permits must be obtained (municipality, Conservation Authority).

If there is an adverse impact on surface or groundwater, the applicant shall seek direction from an MOE agricultural enforcement officer and/or an OMAFRA engineer prior to removal of any part of the storage structure.

Decommissioning procedures must conform to instructions laid out in OMAFRA FACTSHEET NO. 06-119 Dec. ‘06 titled “Decommissioning and/or Recommissioning Existing Nutrient Storage Structures”, http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/06-119.pdf

Concrete base (floor) must be broken to not hinder seasonal movement of water table.

All demolition to be performed by appropriately licensed individuals, as instructed by the Municipal Building Official.

If any storage materials are taken off-site an approved, MOE licensed hauler must be used and materials must be taken to an approved landfill.

Eligible Costs:

Permit and engineering fees.

Removal of transfer tanks, piping and equipment.

Unloading manure storage and spreading of materials. Materials must be spread in accordance with the Nutrient Management Act (NMA O. Reg.267/03 as amended).

Grading and re-seeding site after storage removal to avoid flooding and soil erosion.

Ineligible Costs:

Labour and machinery use of applicant, family dependents and the applicant’s business.

Fines from any accidents or spills occurring during the decommissioning of the storage.

Manure transfer pumps and pipes located inside the barn.

Upgrades/maintenance to manure storages or related transfer equipment for future use.


http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/06-119.pdf


4.7 Exclusion Fencing

Purpose: To improve surface water quality by controlling livestock access to watercourses. Cost Share Details: Approved projects installed by contractor funded at 75% up to a maximum of $10,000 per farm. Approved projects installed by applicant funded at 100% up to a maximum of $10,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible projects:

A project proposed under this category must be remedial in nature and improve an existing environmental impairment. Examples include:

o Fencing along watercourses or wetlands o Livestock crossings o Alternate watering devices

To be eligible a proposed farm or field should: o Have livestock on the farm o Have had livestock on the pasture or field in the last year o Have the field seeded to pasture o Have a perimeter fence in place currently o Have evidence of environmental impairment o Try whenever practical to restrict access of livestock to all areas at risk

Project Details: Fencing

Temporary fencing will be considered eligible but will require a signed agreement requiring the applicant to install the fence prior to livestock being introduced to the pasture every year and to maintain the fence while livestock are present in the pasture.

Replacement fence may be considered, if the new fence is sited to provide significant environmental gain such as a wider buffer on a stream or wetland.

Maximum cost share will not exceed $4.00/ft (0.3 m) installed or $3.00/ft for materials.

Fencing must be at least 10 feet (3.4 m) from the top of the bank of any watercourse. The area between the fence and top of bank may be eligible for funding through land retirement.

Only fencing along a ditch, pond, wetland or watercourse within an existing pasture will be considered for funding.

If fencing along a municipal drain, applicant (or RWQP staff on behalf of applicant) must consult with the local drainage superintendent.

The grant eligible portion of a fencing project should not constitute more than ½ the perimeter fence of a field, i.e. grants should not pay for more than half to fence an island into a wetland.


Crossings

For bed-level crossings, gates must be installed at each streambank to allow livestock to be restricted out of the crossing. Gates shall be opened only for the purposes of moving livestock to the other side for pasture rotation purposes. Watering facilities must be available on both sides of the stream

To be eligible for cost-share on a livestock crossing, fencing along the watercourse must either be undertaken concurrently, or livestock must already be restricted from the watercourse.

If project is on a municipal drain, applicant (or RWQP staff on behalf of applicant) must consult with the local drainage superintendent.

Alternate Water Devices

Watering devices are eligible for funding only where livestock are restricted from the watercourse.

Alternate water devices such as nose pumps, spring boxes, wind and solar powered pumping units or other systems may be considered.

Eligible Costs:


Material & Labour (other than owner’s or owner’s dependent family).

Permanent and temporary fencing.

Livestock crossings as outlined above. Ineligible Costs:

Costs associated with a project that would encourage new land or pasture to be put at risk or impairment.

Primary hydro lines.

Drilling new water wells.




5. Soil Conservation Practices and Structures

5.1 Erosion Control Structures

Purpose: To control soil erosion problems on farmland which impact surface water quality.

Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 75% up to a maximum of $10,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Grass waterways.

Water and sediment control basins (WaSCoBs).

Contour terraces.

Streambank stabilization including ditchbank seeding, spillway drop structures, culvert protection, and bioengineering techniques.

Drop inlet structures to reduce the velocity and erosive force of water.

Proposed Project Details:

Applications must include a design created in AgErosion software, showing the contributing watershed

and details of the erosion control structure to be built. Designs must be prepared by Certified Erosion

Control Contractor or Professional Engineer and designed in accordance with OMAFRA Publication 832.

For more complex measures and those outside of the design scope of OMAFRA Publication 832, an engineered design may be required. Applicant must obtain approval from appropriate agencies prior to construction. Any work done on municipal drains also requires prior approval from the municipality.

Projects must be constructed to the standards specified in the OMAFRA Soil Erosion Manual Publication 832.

Work must be done by or supervised by a qualified contractor. After construction and prior to grant payment, an ‘as built’ survey may be requested.

The chance of obtaining funding for erosion control projects will be enhanced if conservation tillage practices are used on field(s) with the erosion issue and/or contributing to the erosion issue.

All collected water must be taken to a sufficient and legal outlet.

Eligible Costs:

Professional design fees for completed projects

Labour, supervision and material.

Permits and fees.

Ineligible costs:

Systematic tile and subsurface drainage that is not an integral part of an erosion control structure.

Catch-basins without adequate sediment control.




5.2 Tile Drain Control Structures

Purpose: To install structures to allow the control of drainage volume and nitrate N losses from agricultural land. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 80% up to a maximum of $7,500 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Commercial tile drain control structures.

Drainage headers to reduce the number of required control structures.

Retro-fitting of tile drain control structures into existing tile drainage.

Addition of tile drain control structures to new tile drainage. Project Details:

Municipal drainage superintendents must be informed of work completed along a municipal drain.

Future maintenance of control structures is the responsibility of the landowner. Eligible Costs:

Materials and labour (other than applicant’s) associated with an approved project.

Permits and engineering fees. Ineligible Costs:


Installation or repair of the tile drainage system.

Construction of ditches.



5.3 Cover Crops

Purpose:

To promote the establishment and over-wintering of cover crops (living or dead), which help provide soil protection and reduce erosion to watercourses.

To protect groundwater by promoting biological nitrogen fixation. Performance Incentive Payment Details: Approved fields paid an incentive of $60/acre up to a maximum of 50 acres per Farm Business Number (FBR). Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional funding. Details:

Priority will be given to areas directly adjacent to watercourses or with tile drainage.

Applicant should register all potential fields and provide a crop rotation plan.

Crops may be tilled no sooner than the spring of the year following planting (may be chemically killed the previous fall). Cover crops must be destroyed before June 1.

Only cover crops used exclusively for cover are eligible for incentive payment such as but not limited to: rye, oats, clover, buckwheat, oilseed radish and multi mixes. This excludes crops that are harvested or grazed such as winter cereals, winter canola, and forages.

An applicant may apply for the cover crop incentive on the same field in different years where the applicant plants a different cover crop species or species mix in the second application year.

The cover crop may be verified by program staff before spring tillage to ensure that the cover crop is providing at least 50% ground cover.

Performance Incentive Payment Details:

Incentive payments are limited to a maximum of $3,000 per FBR for life of program.

Producers will be paid the incentive after program staff has confirmed that the field(s) were managed according to program guidelines. Producers do NOT have to produce proof of payment for cover crop seed and/or planting costs.


5.4 Machinery Crossings

Purpose:

To control or reduce the impact of farm machinery crossings on surface water quality.

Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $5,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding.

Eligible Projects:

Replacement or removal of machinery crossings with an existing water quality impact.

Streambank stabilization including ditchbank seeding, culvert protection, and bioengineering techniques.

Project Details:

Bed-level, mid-level and bridge crossings may be considered. All bridge crossing designs must be engineered. The private sector is expected to fill these requirements.

Applicant must obtain permit approval from appropriate agencies prior to construction. In-stream works will require a Conservation Authority permit. Any work done on a municipal drain requires prior approval from the municipality. Additional approvals may be required.

Eligible Costs:

Professional design fees for completed projects.

Labour, supervision and material.

Permits and fees. Ineligible costs:




6. Fragile Land Retirement

6.1 Tree Planting

Purpose: To improve water quality by retiring fragile agricultural land, reducing wind erosion, protecting recharge areas, and creating vegetative buffers along watercourses. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 80% up to a maximum of $7,500 per farm. Approved performance incentive acres paid an incentive $350/acre for 3 years, maximum 10 acres. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Planting of appropriate tree/shrub species on retired fragile agricultural land such as floodplains, steeply sloped and erosion prone land adjacent to watercourses.

Planting buffer strips along watercourses and wetlands.

Tree windbreak establishment to prevent wind erosion.

Retirement and planting of sensitive groundwater areas. General Comments:

To be eligible for the performance incentive, trees/shrubs must be planted on the retired acres.

Land must have been cropped or pastured within the previous 3 years to be eligible for land retirement incentive.

The performance incentive is to compensate landowners choosing to retire agricultural lands from production. Performance incentives are paid out in the fall following successful establishment of trees. Trees planted in the spring will be eligible for the first performance incentive in the fall. Trees planted in the fall will be eligible for the first performance incentive the following year.

A plan is required specifying species, planting density, location, site preparation and maintenance. To promote approval, the plan should be developed in conjunction with Conservation Authority forestry staff or a private consultant.

Trees must be planted in a manner that will not result in snow drift accumulation on the road. As a general rule, trees should be located 30m back from the edge of the road.

Proper site preparation is required for tree planting.

The participant is responsible for the care and maintenance of tree plantings.

Livestock must be excluded from the site (see Section 1.5).

Appropriate native species are encouraged, but not mandatory. Invasive species are not eligible.

Site must be properly maintained according to the approved plan to receive a performance incentive.

When combining funds with Forests Ontario 50 Million Tree Program, the applicant is required to pay a minimum of $0.15 per tree.


Applicants are required to sign and abide by their local CA tree planting agreement. Where trees are not planted under a CA management agreement, the applicant agrees that the trees will be maintained to the best of their ability for a minimum of 15 years.

Project Details: Fragile land retirement

Fragile lands are subject to either water erosion or flooding.

Fragile lands are also areas that serve as recharge areas, adjacent to wetlands or prone to standing water.

Livestock must be fenced out of retired land. Buffer strips:

May be established along watercourses adjacent to either pasture or cropped land.

Minimum buffer width is 10 feet. Wider widths are encouraged.

To be eligible, appropriate tree or shrub species must be planted in the buffer strip.

Tree planting along municipal drains will require municipal approval. Field Windbreaks:

The purpose of the funds is to protect and improve surface water quality, and windbreak eligibility will be decided on these strengths.

Windbreaks should have 30-50% porosity during periods of highest risk for erosion. Eligible Costs:

Design, engineering, minor excavation, material and labour costs of buffer strips.

Trees, shrubs and planting costs (maximum $30 per tree).

Tree protection systems and maintenance agreement costs obtained through the Conservation Authority or planting contractor.

Site preparation and establishment of cover crops on tilled land (in conjunction with tree planting).

Costs associated with replacing trees and shrubs will be considered by the Review Committee if forestry staff feels a project was unsuccessful due to factors beyond the control of the landowner (i.e. stock, weather, etc).

Ineligible Costs:

Conservation Authority consultation fees.

Commercial stock, fruit trees or Christmas tree species which are commercially marketable in less than 15 years are not eligible.

Farmstead landscaping


Grant will not be paid on HST if the applicant is entitled to a HST rebate


6.2 Living Snow Fence

Purpose: To implement living snow fences along Wellington County roads.

Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 80-100% up to a maximum of $5,000 per farm. Approved project performance incentive acres paid an incentive $350-500/acre for 3 years. Maximum of 10 acres. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding.

Project Details:

A planting plan for the living snow fence will be developed in consultation with Conservation Authority staff taking into account, soil type, desired porosity, distance to road and prevailing wind direction. Consideration should be given to planting into plastic mulch which provides weed control and moisture conservation.

Priority sites will be identified by the Municipality’s Roads Department. A written agreement will be required between the Municipality and landowner.

Approved PRIORITY projects are determined by Wellington County Roads Department and will be funded at 100% up to a maximum of $5,000 per farm. Approved PRIORITY project performance incentive acres paid an incentive $500/acre for 3 years.

Sites not identified as priority by the County will be eligible for an 80% grant rate and $350/ac/yr performance incentive.

Each row of trees will be calculated at a width of 10m for the performance incentive.

Appropriate native species are encouraged, but not mandatory. Invasive species are not eligible.

Applicants are required to sign and abide by their local CA tree planting agreement. Where trees are not planted under a C.A. management agreement, the applicant agrees that the trees will be maintained to the best of their ability for a minimum of 15 years.

If required, dead trees will be replaced at the cost of the municipality

Posts should be installed (provided by the municipality) on either side of the planting to mark the living snow fence. Posts to be placed 1m wider than the trees/shrubs to prevent over spray and cultivation.

Trees must be planted in a manner that will not result in snow drift accumulation on the road. As a general rule, Living Snow Fences should be located 30m back from the edge of the road.

Eligible Costs:

Design, engineering, minor excavation, material and labour costs of buffer strips.

Trees, shrubs and planting costs (maximum $30 per tree).

Tree protection systems and maintenance agreement costs obtained through the Conservation Authority or planting contractor.

Site preparation and establishment of cover crops on tilled land (in conjunction with tree planting).


Costs associated with replacing trees and shrubs will be considered by the Review Committee if forestry staff feels a project was unsuccessful due to factors beyond the control of the landowner (i.e. stock, weather, etc).

Ineligible Costs:

Conservation Authority consultation fees.

Commercial stock, fruit trees or Christmas tree species which are commercially marketable in less than 15 years are not eligible.

Farmstead landscaping




6.3 Natural Area Restoration and Creation

Purpose:

To improve water quality by retiring fragile agricultural land into appropriate native species.

To control sediment, nutrients and elevated flows from agricultural runoff by retiring fragile agricultural land through the enhancement or creation of wetland features to improve surface and groundwater quality.

Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 80% up to a maximum of $7,500 per farm. Approved project performance incentive acres paid an incentive $350/acre for 3 years. Maximum of 10 acres. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Planting of appropriate native species including prairie vegetation on retired fragile agricultural land where trees and shrubs are not suitable, such as floodplains, steeply sloped and erosion prone land and along some municipal drains.

Retirement and planting of sensitive groundwater areas.

Wetland creation projects, which includes: berms with culverts, control structures, overflow spillways located between field runoff and down slope natural habitat (watercourse, wooded ravine, etc.) or dugouts excavated between field runoff and down slope natural habitat.

Project Details:

Livestock must be excluded from site; special considerations may be given for prairie restoration.

A plan is required specifying species, planting density, location, site preparation and maintenance. To promote approval, the plan should be developed in conjunction with Conservation Authority staff or a private consultant.

The participant is responsible for proper site preparation as well as the care and maintenance of the plantings. Mowing may be needed during the establishment period to reduce competition from broadleaf annual weeds.

Projects must obtain approval from appropriate agencies prior to construction. In addition, any work done on municipal drains also requires prior approval from the municipality.

For wetland creation projects:

Impoundment size should be sufficient to catch and store a one in two year storm.

Design by professional engineers is advisable on large projects (>20 acres).

All projects must have an outlet (control structure, culvert) and overflow spillway.

If the dugout or berm catches 50,000 liters or more per day, the landowner will require a Permit to Take Water from the Ministry of Environment.


Eligible Costs:

Plant material and planting costs.

Costs associated with replacing native vegetation will be considered by the Review Committee if forestry staff feels a project was unsuccessful due to factors beyond the control of the landowner (i.e. stock quality, weather, etc).

Design and construction costs associated with an approved wetland project.

Equipment rental.

Permits and fees. Ineligible Costs:

Irrigation ponds.




7. Farmstead Best Management Practices

7.1 Fuel Storage

Purpose: To prevent contamination of ground and surface water by fuel products.

Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $4,000 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible projects: Upgrading existing fuel storage facilities to prevent ground and surface water contamination.

Project Details:

Fuel storage upgrades must be aboveground, double-walled, vacuum sealed tanks.

Fuel storage tanks must be located on a reinforced, poured concrete pad.

Tanks must be protected from vehicle collisions with a safety barrier (i.e. bollards). Recommended bollard specifications:

spaced not more than 54" (1350 mm) apart,

buried not less than 36" (900 mm) below grade,

extend at least 30" (750 mm) above grade,

consist of: a 4" (100 mm) capped steel pipe, a 4" (100 mm) tube filled with concrete, an 8" (200 mm) square or round pressure-treated wood post, or a 6" (150 mm) minimum dimension reinforced concrete post, AND

spaced at least 3½ ft. (1 meter) out from the storage tank.

Tanks must be sited to satisfy the following TSSA and LFHC separation distances: 10 ft (3 m) from any building for Class I fuel (Gasoline)

10 ft (3 m) from any building for Class II fuel (diesel ) storage tanks > 2,500 litres

10 ft (3m) from any source of ignition and 20 ft (6m) from propane storage and 3 ft (1 m) from any adjacent fuel storage.

Tanks, pumps and hoses must be ULC approved.

Tanks must be sited an adequate distance away from water wells and surface water. Tanks must be sited to obtain an EFP separation distance rating of 3 or better where reasonable.

A copy of an emergency plan for accidental exposure/spills to be submitted prior to grant payment. Eligible Costs:

Labour and materials associated with the construction of fuel storage upgrades. Ineligible Costs:


Pumps, nozzles or hoses

Primary Hydro



7.2 Fertilizer and Chemical Storage and Handling

Purpose: To prevent contamination of ground/ surface water by fertilizers and farm chemicals. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $2,500 per farm. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is required prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible projects:

Pesticide storage buildings.

Chemical mixing/sprayer washing structures.

Liquid fertilizer mixing/loading facilities.

Upgrading existing facilities to prevent groundwater contamination. Project Details For Pesticide Storage

Permanent structures (free standing storage building, cabinet or partitioned off area within an existing storage building) with restricted access and used exclusively for farm chemical storage.

Pesticide storage structures must be able to contain any spills that may occur within the building. Structures must not drain to the environment. Floor drains or cracks not are permitted.

Storage structures must satisfy requirements of the O. Reg. 63/09 Pesticides Act, R.S.O. 1990 and Ontario Building Code

A copy of an emergency plan for accidental exposure/spills must be submitted with the application.

Project Details For Liquid Fertilizer and Pesticide Mixing/Loading Area

Liquid fertilizer mixing/loading area with an impermeable floor, curb and permanent roof to exclude rainfall.

Pesticide mixing/loading area with an impermeable floor, curb, spill collection sump, and permanent roof to exclude rainfall.

Structures must be located a sufficient distance from water wells and surface in order to achieve an EFP distance rating of ‘Best’ (3 or 4).

Applicants must submit a plan developed in accordance with the ‘Pesticide Act’ to address spillage/rinsate as part of their application.

Eligible Costs:

Labour and materials associated with the construction of pesticide storage buildings and fertilizer/pesticide handling area.

Applicants can elect to undertake a maximum of one of each type of project.

Ineligible Costs:


Grant will not be paid on HST if the applicant is eligible for a HST rebate.


Fertilizer Storage facilities


7.3 Well Abandonment

Purpose: To prevent groundwater contamination via improperly abandoned or unused wells by encouraging the proper plugging of wells that are dry or no longer used Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 100% up to a maximum of $2,500 per well. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is requirement prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects:

Proper plugging of unused wells (dug, bored or drilled) by a licensed well contractor. Project Details:

Must comply with Ontario Ministry of the Environment procedures for plugging or abandoning unused water well according to Ontario Regulation 903.

A drilled well inside a dug well is considered one project and therefore qualifies for one grant only.

The contractor is required to complete a Ministry of the Environment Well record to document the steps taken to plug the well. A copy of the well record must be submitted upon completion to the program representative.

If you have an existing well record for the well that you are proposing to decommission, please include a copy with the application form. If you do not have a well record, please contact the Water Well Help Desk at 1-888-396-WELL (9355) or [email protected] or use the website map tool at www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/map-well-records

A directory of Licensed Well Contractors in Ontario can be found here: www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors

Eligible Costs:

Licensed contractor fees.

Any labour or materials associated with proper well plugging procedures. Ineligible Costs:



mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/map-well-records

http://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors

http://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors


7.4 Wellhead Protection

Purpose: To reduce the risk of contamination of well water by implementing proper construction and maintenance practices and safeguards for existing wells. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 80% up to a maximum of $2,000 per well. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is requirement prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Eligible Projects: Upgrading water wells to meet Ontario Regulation 903 including:

Installing pitless adapter and filling drilled well pits.

Grading and permanently seeding soil surface to divert water away from well head.

Sealing annular space around well casing.

Upgrading or replacement of casing.

Extending well casing to 16” (40 cm) above finished ground level.

Installing proper well head caps (vermin proof). Project Details:

In accordance with Regulation 903 of the Ontario Water Resources Act, any alteration to the well must be completed by a licensed well contractor. The contractor is required to complete a Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Well Record to document works undertaken on the well. A copy of the Well Record must be submitted upon completion to the program staff.

If you have an existing well record for the well that you are proposing to upgrade, please include a copy with the application form. If you do not have a well record, please contact the Water Well Help Desk at 1-888-396-WELL (9355) or [email protected] or use the website map tool at www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/map-well-records

A directory of Licensed Well Contractors in Ontario can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors.

Eligible Costs:

Licensed contractor fees.

Materials and labour (other than owner’s or owner’s dependent family).

Wiring and plumbing costs associated with well upgrades.

Drilling of new wells on farms, if a contractor determines the existing well cannot be upgraded. To be eligible, existing wells must be properly decommissioned. If a replacement well must be drilled, all reasonable attempts must be made to achieve adequate separation distances from potential sources of contamination. Wells must be sited to obtain an EFP separation distance rating of 3 or better where reasonable.

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors


Ineligible Costs:

Well upgrades in buildings. They will be considered for the well decommission grant.

Well pumps, water purification or treatment systems.




8. Innovative Projects

Purpose: To encourage the adoption of innovative technology on the farm scale that improves and protects surface water or groundwater quality. Cost Share Details: Approved projects funded at 50% up to a maximum of $10,000 per applicant. Completion of an Environmental Farm Plan is requirement prior to grant payment. RWQP grants may be combined with other funding sources. Combined grants are not to exceed 100% of total expenses. Applicants must inform RWQP staff of additional cost share funding. Project Details:

Projects will be reviewed on their own merits. The applicant must submit a plan outlining the proposed project.

Projects must be able to demonstrate the potential for water quality improvement.

Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from other sources.

All permits required by the appropriate agencies must be obtained (municipal, provincial or federal, Conservation Authority, etc.).

Eligible Costs:

Materials and labour (other than the applicant’s) associated with an approved project

Permit and engineering fees Ineligible Costs:

Primary research

Purchase of farm equipment or equipment modifications

GPS systems and components, yield monitors

Funding will not be provided to incomplete projects


Primary hydro

HST if the applicant is entitled to a HST rebate

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