Policy Text:
The Essex Region Conservation Authority will initiate and
lead Education and Outreach by building on existing
Education and Outreach programs to promote best
management practices targeted at phosphorus reduction
from a variety of sources. The entire Essex Region Source
Protection Area will be included in the E&O program.
Targeted programs may include:
Education and outreach programs on the importance of
commercial fertilizer-free buffers around wells and surface
water, targeted at commercial fertilizer application
technicians and/or homeowners.
Promoting voluntary nutrient management plans for farms
that do not qualify under O. Reg. 267/03 and who land
apply commercial fertilizers.
Promoting and encouraging use of a nutrient calculator to
determine the proper amount of nutrients to be applied in
each situation and for each crop.
Promoting BMPs for the application, storage and handling of
commercial fertilizer in areas where it is or would be a
significant drinking water threat.
Implementation will be conditional on availability of funding.
The E & O will be targeted for full implementation within two
years after the Plan takes effect, and will continue as needed
based on reviews. The above applies to drinking water
threats that may release phosphorus, which contributes to
algal growth and the production of microcystins-LR:
The establishment, operation or maintenance of a waste
disposal site;
The establishment, operation or maintenance of a system
that collects, stores,
transmits, treats or disposes of sewage;
The application of agricultural source material to land;
The storage of agricultural source material;
The management of agricultural source material;
The application of non-agricultural source material to land;
The handling and storage of non-agricultural source
material;
The handling and storage of commercial fertilizer;
The use of land as livestock grazing or pasturing land, an
outdoor confinement area or a farm-animal yard