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NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (ACT 6)
The nutrient management act (Act 6) is a state
law that passed in 1993. The regulations became effective in October 1997.
The nutrient management act is the first law in Pennsylvania that requires
regulatory oversight of nutrient plans on certain farms. The law states that
concentrated animal operations (CAOs) are required to develop and maintain a
nutrient management plan. CAOs are defined as farms where the animal density
exceeds two animal equivalent units (AEUs) per acre. An AEU is 1,000 pounds
of live weight of any animal.
Farms with fewer than two AEUs per acre are encouraged to
voluntarily develop nutrient management plans. Nutrient management plans,
whether required or voluntary, can improve farm profits, help protect the
environment, provide some protection from liability and enhance the image of
farmers as good stewards of our natural resources.
The Clearfield county Conservation District accepted delegation of
this program in 1997 and is responsible for assisting farmers with writing,
reviewing and implementing nutrient management plans. To date, seven
Clearfield County farmers have approved nutrient management plans.
In October of 2000 the State Conservation Commission unveiled the
Nutrient Management Plan Implementation Grant Program. The grant program
will fund any or all of the BMPs listed in an applicants approved nutrient
management plan. Applicants can expect to receive 80% of the total cost of
the BMPs up to $75,000. Eligible practices include soil and manure testing,
diversions, manure storage facilities and storm water management practices.
To qualify for the grant program, applicants must be an agricultural
operation in existence on or before October 1, 1997, must have an approved
nutrient management plan, and must show financial distress according to a
formula adopted by the State Conservation Commission. Please call the
district office at 765-2629 for more details.
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