Example 1: Agriculture Best Management Practices (BMP) pilot and additional resources

http://www.schuylkillwaters.org/projectsDetail.cfm?pid=29

The primary element of this project was the construction and installation of a 12’ x 70’ concrete manure storage facility and transfer system that will constrain manure from leeching into the creek. This also allows the farmer the ability to spread manure onto local crop fields at the optimum times of year, in order to avoid runoff into the Manatawny Creek. In addition to the manure storage facility Berks Conservancy also installed several stream cattle crossings and a new roof over the barnyard. The completion of this project has had a tremendous impact on the continued high water quality of this important Schuylkill River tributary.

Project Deliverables

• Installation of a 12’ x 70’ manure storage tank and transfer system
• 12’ x 100’ stoned animal walkway
• Installation of animal stream crossings
• 20’ x 25’ stack area for manure
• Installed new roof over barnyard

Also check out…

Agricultural Best Practices resources

Source Water Collaborative Toolkit: Protecting Drinking Water Sources through Agricultural Conservation Practices. 2013. Source Water Collaborative.
Developed as result of extensive collaboration between members of the SWC, including the National Association of Conservation Districts and USDA’s Natural Resources conservation Service, this toolkit offers a step-by-step approach to develop successful partnerships with members of the agricultural conservation community.

Your Water Your Decision. Field to Faucet, EPA & FFA. 2011.
This brochure outlines best management strategies for agricultural landowners and operators.

Protecting Water Quality from Agricultural Runoff, EPA Fact Sheet. 2005. EPA 841-F-05-001.
Fact sheet about how agricultural runoff affects water quality.

A Farmer’s Guide for Healthy Community
An Introduction to Agricultural Stormwater Best Management Practices.

Drinking Water: Protecting the Source, 20 Lessons for high school agriculture science students. FFA.
These educational materials were developed to assist teachers who seek to enhance student awareness about where their drinking water comes from and how sources of drinking water can be protected.

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