HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 16
Chapter 16
Agriculture and Water Quality
16.1 Animal Operations
In 1992, the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopted a rule modification (15A
NCAC 2H.0217) establishing procedures for managing and reusing animal wastes from intensive
livestock operations. The rule applies to new, expanding or existing feedlots with animal waste
management systems designed to serve animal populations of at least the following size: 100
head of cattle, 75 horses, 250 swine, 1,000 sheep or 30,000 birds (chickens and turkeys) with a
liquid waste system.
Key Animal Operation Legislation (1995-2003)
1995 Senate Bill 974 requires owners of swine facilities with 250 or more animals to hire a certified operator.
Operators are required to attend a six-hour training course and pass an examination for certification. Senate Bill
1080 established buffer requirements for swine houses, lagoons and land application areas for farms sited after
October 1, 1995.
1996 Senate Bill 1217 required all facilities (above threshold populations) to obtain coverage under a general permit,
beginning in January 1997, for all new and expanding facilities. DWQ was directed to conduct annual
inspections of all animal waste management facilities. Poultry facilities with 30,000+ birds and a liquid waste
management system were required to hire a certified operator by January 1997 and facilities with dry litter
animal waste management systems were required to develop an animal waste management plan by January
1998. The plan must address three specific items: 1) periodic testing of soils where waste is applied; 2)
development of waste utilization plans; and 3) completion and maintenance of records on-site for three years.
Additionally, anyone wishing to construct a new or expand an existing swine farm must notify all adjoining
property owners.
1997 House Bill 515 placed a moratorium on new or existing swine farm operations and allows counties to adopt
zoning ordinances for swine farms with a design capacity of 600,000 pounds (SSLW) or more. In addition,
owners of potential new and expanding operations are required to notify the county (manager or chair of
commission) and local health department, as well as adjoining landowners. NCDENR was required to develop
and adopt economically feasible odor control standards by March 1, 1999.
1998 House Bill 1480 extended the moratorium on construction or expansion of swine farms. The bill also requires
owners of swine operations to register with DWQ any contractual relationship with an integrator.
1999 House Bill 1160 extended (again) the moratorium on new construction or expansion of swine farms, required
NCDENR to develop an inventory of inactive lagoons. The Bill requires owners/operators of an animal waste
treatment system to notify the public in the event of a discharge to surface waters of the state of 1,000 gallons or
more of untreated wastewater.
2000 Attorney General Easley reached a landmark agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. to phase out hog lagoons
and implement new technologies that will substantially reduce pollutants from hog farms. The agreement
commits Smithfield to phase out all anaerobic lagoon systems on 276 company-owned farms. Legislation will
be required to phase out the remaining systems statewide within a 5-year period (State of Environment Report
2000).
2001 House Bill 1216 extended (again) the moratorium on new construction or expansion of swine farms.
153 Chapter 16 – Agriculture and Water Quality
Table 16 and Figure 23 summarize, by subbasin, the number of registered livestock operations,
total number of animals, number of facilities, and total steady state live weight (SSLW) as of
January 2005. These numbers reflect only operations required by law to be registered, and
therefore, do not represent the total number of animals in each subbasin.
Table 16 - Registered Animal Operations in the Roanoke River Basin (as of 01/28/05)
Cattle Poultry Swine
Total Total Total
Subbasin No. of No. of Steady State No. of No. of Steady State No. of No. of Steady State
Facilities Animals Live Weight*Facilities Animals Live Weight*Facilities Animals Live Weight*
03-02-01 2 365 511,000 0 0 0 1 800 417,600
03-02-02 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1,205 521,765
03-02-03 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1,800 243,000
03-02-04 2 400 560,000 0 0 0 0 0 0
03-02-05 1 200 280,000 0 0 0 4 500 708,500
03-02-06 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2,506 1,940,810
03-02-07 3 700 980,000 0 0 0 4 5,750 2,349,250
03-02-08 4 1,205 1,192,000 1 60,000 240,000 11 31,575 6,692,065
03-02-09 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 14,488 2,252,480
03-02-10 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6,360 2,426,080
Totals 12 2,870 3,523,000 1 60,000 240,000 33 64,984 17,551,550
* Steady State Live Weight (SSLW) is in pounds, after a conversion factor has been applied to the number of swine, cattle or
poultry on a farm. Conversion factors come from the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
guidelines. Since the amount of waste produced varies by hog size, this is the best way to compare the sizes of the farms.
16.2 Impacted Streams in Agricultural Areas
In the Roanoke River basin, the majority of agricultural land is cultivated crop. Impacts to
streams from agricultural activities can include excessive nutrient loading, pesticide and
herbicide contamination, bacterial contamination, and sedimentation.
Based on the most recent information from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) National Resources Inventory (NRI), agricultural land use in the Roanoke River basin
has decreased. Cultivated cropland decreased by 20.4 percent (9,700 acres) and uncultivated
crop increased by 89.5 percent (22,200 acres), respectively. Pasture use decreased by 21.5
percent (2,400 acres). This same data also shows that urban and built-up areas increased by
136.1 percent (74,700 acres) (USDA-NRCS, 2001). Refer to Appendix III for more information
related to land use changes in the Roanoke River basin.
2006 Recommendations
DWQ will identify streams where agricultural land use may be impacting water quality and
aquatic habitat. Local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and NRCS staff should
investigate these streams to assess agricultural impacts and recommend best management
154 Chapter 16 – Agriculture and Water Quality
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practices (BMPs) to reduce the impacts. DWQ recommends that funding and technical support
for agricultural BMPs continue and increase. Refer to Appendix VIII for agricultural nonpoint
source agency contact information.
16.3 Agricultural Best Management Practices Funding Opportunities
16.3.1 USDA – NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The USDA – Environmental Quality Improvement Program (EQIP) provides technical,
educational and financial assistance to eligible farmers to address soil, water and related natural
resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.
The program provides assistance to farmers in complying with federal and state environmental
laws and encourages environmental enhancement. The purposes of the program are achieved
through the implementation of a conservation plan that includes structural, vegetative and land
management practices on eligible land. Two to ten-year contracts are made with eligible
producers. Cost share payments may be made to implement one or more eligible structural or
vegetative practices, such as animal waste management facilities, composters, filter strips,
livestock exclusion and permanent wildlife habitat. Incentive payments can be made to
implement one or more land management practices, such as nutrient management, pest
management, grazing land management and long-term conservation tillage.
Sixty percent of the funding available for this program is targeted at natural resource concerns
relating to livestock production. The program is carried out at the county level with base funding
levels made available to each county. In North Carolina, EQIP was funded at approximately
$14.0 million for 2005.
NRCS district contacts for the Roanoke River basin are provided in Appendix VIII or visit the
website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/ for more information.
16.3.2 NC Agriculture Cost Share Program
The NC Agricultural Cost Share Program (NCACSP) was established in 1984 to help reduce
agricultural nonpoint runoff into the state’s waters. The program helps owners and renters of
established agricultural operations improve their on-farm management by using best
management practices. These BMPs include vegetative, structural or management systems that
can improve the efficiency of farming operations while reducing the potential for surface and
groundwater pollution. The NCACSP is implemented by the Division of Soil and Water
(DSWC), which divides the approved BMPs into five main purposes or categories.
Erosion Reduction/Nutrient Loss Reduction in Fields
Erosion/nutrient management measures include planned systems for reducing soil erosion
and nutrient runoff from cropland into streams to improve water quality. Practices include:
critical area planting, cropland conversion, water diversion, long-term no-till, pastureland
conversion, sod-based rotation, strip cropping, terraces, and Christmas tree conservation
cover.
156 Chapter 16 – Agriculture and Water Quality
Sediment/Nutrient Delivery Reduction from Fields
Sediment/nutrient management measures include planned systems that prevent sediment and
nutrient runoff from fields into streams. Practices include: field borders, filter strips,
grassed waterways, nutrient management strategies, riparian buffers, water control
structures, streambank stabilization, and road repair/stabilization.
Stream Protection from Animals
Stream protection management measures are planned systems for protecting streams and
streambanks. Such measures eliminate livestock access to streams by providing an alternate
watering source away from the stream itself. Other benefits include reduced soil erosion,
sedimentation, pathogen contamination, and pollution from dissolved, particulate, and
sediment-attached substances. Practices include: heavy use area protection, livestock
exclusion (e.g., fencing), spring development, stream crossings, trough or watering tanks,
wells, and livestock feeding areas.
Proper Animal Waste Management
A waste management system is a planned system in which all necessary components are
installed for managed liquid and solid waste to prevent or minimize degradation of soil and
water resources. Practices include: animal waste lagoon closures, constructed wetlands,
controlled livestock lounging area, dry manure stacks, heavy use area protection, insect and
odor control, stormwater management, waste storage ponds/lagoons, compost, and waste
application system.
Agricultural Chemical (agrichemical) Pollution Prevention
Agrichemical pollution prevention measures involve a planned system to prevent chemical
runoff to streams for water quality improvement. Practices include: agrichemical handling
facilities and fertigation/chemigation back flow prevention systems.
The NCACSP is a voluntary program that reimburses farmers up to 75 percent of the cost of
installing an approved BMP. The cost share funds are paid to the farmer once the planned BMP
is completed, inspected and certified to be installed according to NCACSP standards. The
annual statewide budget for BMP cost sharing is approximately $5.2 million, and another $2.1
million is provided for technical assistance for local soil and water conservation district staff.
From September 1, 2000 to August 31, 2004, $3,0396,686 was implemented for projects in the
Roanoke River basin. Table 17 summaries the cost and total BMPs implemented (i.e., acres,
units, and linear feet) throughout the Roanoke River basin.
County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) contacts for the Roanoke River basin are
included in Appendix VIII. BMP definitions and DSWC contact information can be found
online at www.enr.state.nc.us/DSWC/pages/agcostshareprogram.html.
Chapter 16 – Agriculture and Water Quality 157
Table 17 – NC Agriculture Cost Share Programs Contributions, BMPs Implemented and
Potential Loadings Saved within the Roanoke River Basin
Purpose of BMP
Erosion Reduction1 Sediment Reduction2 Stream Protection3 Animal Waste4
Total Cost ($) Total Cost ($) Total Cost ($) Total Cost ($)Total
Cost ($)
165.74 acres 48,319 5.51 acres 11,805 372 units 73,942 2 unit 18,905 Subbasin
03-02-01 15,785 ft.11,958 164,929
405.9 acres 69,521 19.93 acres 28,916 377 units 81,347 4 units 31,613 Subbasin
03-02-02 2,445 ft. 2,459 16,105 ft.12,650 226,506
448.36 acres 49,035 25.86 acres 33,017 10 units 21,515 Subbasin
03-02-03 1,938 ft. 2,107 1 unit 955 18,785 ft.11,746 118,375
770.66 acres 93,275 37.67 acres 50,489 7 units 13,688 Subbasin
03-02-04 10,913 ft. 11,050 943 ft.637 169,139
263.62 acres 32,997 101.19 acres 148,482 2 units 3,728 2 units 9,082 Subbasin
03-02-05 18,493 ft. 19,523 4 units 3,849 12,742 ft.13,315 230,976
2852.46 acres 301,314 251.44 acres 313,996 403 units 132,687 6 units 40,695 Subbasin
03-02-06 49,462 ft. 48,771 5 units 4,804 50,136 ft.39,402 881,669
629.02 acres 91,126 34.89 acres 35,497 6 units 10,609 Subbasin
03-02-07 8,320.3 ft. 7,710 144,942
1978.68 acres 226,707 104.2 acres 128,146 26 units 34,738 5 units 60,139 Subbasin
03-02-08 17,343 ft. 15,498 2 units 1,465 1 ton 6,000 472,693
1053.18 acres 71,023 78.55 acres 155,916 19 units 203,025 Subbasin
03-02-09 0.5 ft. 1,120 1 gallon 6,000
5 tons 24,000 461,084
676.6 acres 32,607 37 acres 43,219 13 units 111,547 Subbasin
03-02-10 3 tons 12,000 199,373
1 Erosion Reduction/Nutrient Loss Reduction in Field
2 Sediment/Nutrient Delivery Reduction from Field
3 Stream Protection from Animals
4 Proper Animal Waste Management
Total Benefits
Subbasin
Soil Saved
(tons)
(N)itrogen
Saved
(lb.)
(P)hosph-
orous
Saved
(lb.)
Waste-N
Saved
(lb.)
Waste-P
Saved
(lb.)
03-02-01 4,871 8,849 1,610 61,457 38,571
03-02-02 9,045 22,325 2,363 75,907 47,530
03-02-03 7,638 33,382 1,449 193 188
03-02-04 8,600 92,650 1,607
03-02-05 9,783 82,887 1,588 40,316 21,358
03-02-06 47,300 301,830 15,276 116,628 69,112
03-02-07 28,599 22,038 9,026
03-02-08 32,523 94,312 39,321 115,570 97,500
03-02-09 11,457 54,711 25,015 266,082 101,934
03-02-10 2,259 20,545 2,355 128,256 72,086
158 Chapter 16 – Agriculture and Water Quality
16.3.3 Agricultural Sediment Initiative
In 2000, the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the NC Soil and
Water Conservation Commission initiated an effort to assess stream channels and watersheds of
streams on the state’s 2000 303(d) list due to sediment where agriculture was included as a
potential source. The primary objective of the Agricultural Sediment Initiative was to evaluate
303(d) listed waters in order to assess the severity of sedimentation associated with agricultural
activities within the watershed and to develop local strategies for addressing sedimentation. The
initiative involved 47 Impaired stream segments in 34 counties and 11 river basins.
Within the Roanoke River Basin, Smith Creek in subbasin 03-02-07 (Chapter 7) was targeted
through this initiative. The Division of Soil and Water Conservation and the Warren Soil and
Water Conservation District have obtained two section 319 grants, totaling $178,803 to fund best
management practices and water quality education efforts in this watershed.
16.3.4 Conservation Security Program
The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that identifies
and rewards farmers who are meeting the highest standards of conservation and environmental
management on their operations. In addition, CSP creates powerful incentives for other
producers to meet those same standards of conservation performance. CSP is administered by
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Lower Roanoke watershed was
selected as a CSP watershed in 2005, which includes Northampton, Bertie, Halifax, Washington
and Martin counties. Approximately 701 farms in this watershed are eligible to join the
program. For more information on the CSP program visit the NRCS website at:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/2005_CSP_WS/.
Chapter 16 – Agriculture and Water Quality 159
160 Chapter 16 – Agriculture and Water Quality