federal agency perspective environmental regulations, approaches, and opportunities by kelly shenk

Photo

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