Policy Text:
To ensure that the existing and/or future application and permanent storage of agricultural source material on farms not phased–in under the Nutrient Management Act within vulnerable areas where these activities are or would be a significant drinking water threat do not become or cease to be a significant drinking water threat, these activities shall be designated for the purpose of Section 58 of the Clean Water Act, 2006 and a Risk Management Plan shall be required in the following areas and for the following activities:
a. Existing:
i. Application;
i. In Wellhead Protection Area B where the vulnerability is equal to ten (10);
ii. In Wellhead Protection Area E where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to eight (8);
iii. Where a Nitrate Issue has been identified in all Issue Contributing Areas except in Wellhead Protection Area A where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to six (6).
ii. Permanent Storage;
i. In Wellhead Protection Areas A and B where the vulnerability is equal to ten (10);
ii. In Wellhead Protection Area E where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to eight (8);
iii. Where a Nitrate Issue has been identified, in all Issue Contributing Areas except Wellhead Protection Area A, where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to six (6).
b. Future:
i. Application;
i. In Wellhead Protection Area B where the vulnerability is equal to ten (10);
ii. In Wellhead Protection Area E where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to eight (8);
iii. Where a Nitrate Issue has been identified, in all Issue Contributing Areas except Wellhead Protection Area A, where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to six (6).
ii. Permanent Storage;
i. In Wellhead Protection Area B where the vulnerability is equal to ten (10);
ii. In Wellhead Protection Area E where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to eight (8);
iii. Where a Nitrate Issue has been identified, in all Issue Contributing Areas except Wellhead Protection Area A, where the vulnerability is greater than or equal to six (6).
For the application of agricultural source material, the Risk Management Plan should include, as a minimum, measures to ensure application rate, timing and location are appropriate for crop uptake of nitrogen on an annual basis and that reduce potential for surface water run-off and groundwater infiltration.
For the permanent storage of agricultural source material, the Risk Management Plan should include, as a minimum, measures to reduce the likelihood of spills and leaks and contain and respond to the spills.