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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