Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits:

Other Considerations:

i. Roof Runoff Management(s)

Definition: a facility for collecting, controlling and disposing of runoff water from roofs.

Purpose: to prevent roof runoff water from flowing into or across concentrated waste areas, barnyards, livestock or equipment laneways or other areas where clean roof runoff could wash contaminants into surface or ground waters. Such facilities include erosion-resistant channels or subsurface drains installed along building foundations below eaves, and roof gutters and downspouts.

Initial Cost: low - medium

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: not required

Other Benefits: may contribute to animal health and safety

Other Considerations:

j. Sediment Basin(s)

Definition: a depression constructed to collect and store polluted runoff.

Purpose: to slow runoff that may contain animal manures. The basin may be dug or constructed as an earthen embankment. It allows solids to settle before runoff is discharged.

Initial Cost: medium - high

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: required

Other Benefits: may control erosion and sediment; may enhance nutrient management

Other Considerations: basin will need periodic cleaning or dredging.

k. Silage Leachate Waste Management

Silage leachate may be land applied, alone in diluted form or mixed with manure or other wastes according to a waste utilization plan and a nutrient management plan, paying particular attention to application rates.

Definition: a planned system for collection, storage and disposal of silage wastes in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Purpose: to collect, store and dispose of silage leachate in a manner that minimizes threats to water resources. Silage leachate is an extremely strong organic waste, using up tremendous amounts of oxygen if released into water bodies or into the soil. The best strategy is to prevent or minimize the formation of silage leachate and to safely store and dispose of if any generated. Proper siting and sizing of silage facilities is the first step. Practices such as harvesting the silage at a moisture content that will not result in excessive silage leachate production, covering the silage pile to eliminate rain infiltration, and installing drains and/or diversions to separate ground water and surface water runoff from the ensiled forage are also important. A properly designed waste collection and storage system may combine silage leachate with other agricultural wastes. Leachate may be land applied, alone in diluted form, or mixed with manure or other wastes according to a waste utilization plan and a nutrient management plan, paying particular attention to application rates.

Initial Cost: high

Maintenance Cost: medium - high

Technical Assistance: required

Other Benefits: may have nutrient value as soil amendment

Other Considerations: federal cost share may be available.

l. Wastewater Treatment System(s)

Definition: a planned system for biological treatment of wastewater generated in milkhouses, typically consisting of a settling tank, distribution system and treatment system.

Purpose: to reduce threats to water quality by biologically treating organic milkhouse waste. In situations where milkhouse waste is not combined with liquid manures, biological systems for treatment will reduce the amount of suspended solids, biological oxygen demand and dissolved nitrogen that may enter the water table. Such systems are not designed to include waste milk or sewage. An underground treatment system is similar to a traditional septic system. In suitable soils, organic matter treatment beds function like leach fields, using organic matter to absorb the waste.

Initial Cost: high

Maintenance Cost: medium

Technical Assistance: required

Other Benefits:

Other Considerations: regular maintenance is required; discharging milkhouse wastes into a municipal sewer should be considered; this practice may not be effective in treating the cleaning agents used to disinfect the milking system; availability and disposal of organic bedding material must be considered.

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m. Petroleum Product Storage Facility

Definition: a permanent above ground structure for the storage of petroleum products for use in farm machinery.

Purpose: to reduce contaminant loading to surface and groundwater by preventing spills and leakage. Such structures should be made of non-corrosive materials located above ground so they can be periodically examined for leakage.

Initial Cost: High

Maintenance Cost: Low

Technical Assistance: desirable for siting

Other Benefits:

Other Considerations:

n. Hazardous & Household Waste Management

Definition: proper use and disposal of toxic or pathogenic products as a result of domestic use around the farmstead. This includes but is not limited to sewage, paint, solvents, cleaners, preservatives, batteries, adhesives.

Purpose: to reduce the use and encourage the proper disposal of hazardous wastes. Small amounts of these materials can be hazardous to your health especially when found in the drinking water. Proper management can reduce the potential for toxic effects.

Initial Cost: high

Maintenance Cost: medium

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits: proper use of chemicals can save money

Other Considerations: small amounts of toxic materials can be deadly to humans and animals.

5. Strategies for Livestock Grazing Management

Water quality concerns related to livestock grazing focus on potential impacts to sensitive areas such as streambanks, wetlands, estuaries, ponds and lakeshores. Sensitive areas also include the riparian zone, an extremely diverse and vital vegetated ecosystem along a water body.

Impacts to ground water, surface water bodies and the riparian zone include sedimentation, and the introduction of nutrients, pathogens and organic solids. Healthy riparian and wetland ecosystems rely, in part, on good management of the immediate areas as well as upland areas. Careful selection of grazing management systems, controlled access and vegetative stabilization practices all should be considered in the development of a grazing and pasture management plan.

A grazing management system needs to accommodate the demands of vegetation, terrain and type of livestock operation. A well-designed system supplies and improves grazing lands and facilities, develops appropriate water sources, and protects streamsides and other sensitive water resources. Well-managed pastures are stable, with suitable plantings and minimal erosion. Uncontrolled access to streams and ponds for watering may seem economical and convenient, but cost-efficient alternatives that avoid negative water quality impacts are available. Pasturing systems (for example, rotational grazing) can be designed to maximize forage opportunities while minimizing stresses on land and water systems.

The following is a list of the BMPs that are recommended to reduce or eliminate water pollution from livestock grazing.

Water quality concerns related to livestock grazing focus on potential impacts to sensitive areas such as streambanks, wetlands, estuaries, ponds, and lake shores.

Best Management Practices for Livestock Grazing Management

a. Alternative Water Supply(s)

Definition: several options for livestock watering that keep animals away from streambanks and riparian zones.

Purpose: to protect streambanks, wetlands and riparian zones from adverse impacts from livestock trampling and waste. For example, a pipeline may be installed to convey water to an upland area. A livestock pond can be excavated or constructed with a dam or embankment. A trough or tank, with devices for water control and wastewater disposal may be installed. This practice may encourage better distribution of livestock over the pasture and grazing may be better controlled. In some cases, the development of a well or spring is a positive alternative.

Initial Cost: low - high

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits:

Other Considerations:

b. Fencing(s)

Fencing keeps animals from riparian zones and other sensitive water resources, preventing wastes from entering water bodies.

Definition: enclosing or dividing an area of land with a suitable structure that acts as a barrier to livestock.

Purpose: to keep animals from riparian zones and other sensitive water resources, to prevent wastes from entering water bodies, streambank degradation, compaction of soils and loss of vegetation in riparian zones. As part of a grazing management plan, location of fencing should take into account the fact that fencing can have the effect of concentrating animals in particular areas, such as along the fence line, where paths may become channels that concentrate and accelerate runoff. Some fencing, when installed across the slope, can serve to slow down runoff. Exclusion fencing may be accompanied by installation of properly designed and located livestock crossing across streams.

Initial Cost: high

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits: prevention of livestock access to some areas can preserve desirable habitat and plant species.

Other Considerations: Fencing must be installed properly using appropriate materials to be effective.

c. Pasture Management

Definition: proper treatment and use of pastureland.

Purpose: to minimize adverse impacts to ground and surface water by maintaining or improving the quality and quantity of forage, protecting the soil, conserving water and optimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides on pasture. Practices include postponing grazing or resting grazing land for a prescribed period, which protects pasture areas with bare ground or little ground cover from eroding. Proper pastureland management will minimize movement of sediments from exposed soils and nutrients from manures to ground and nearby surface waters. As vegetative cover increases, the filtering processes are enhanced, trapping more silt and nutrients. Early spring grazing on wet and soft soils should be avoided. Soil testing and proper application of lime, manures and other nutrients are key to healthy pasture management.

Initial Cost: low

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: not required

Other Benefits: may enhance crop health and vigor

Other Considerations:

d. Plan for Proper Grazing

A plan for proper grazing reduces transport of sediments and other pollutants from grazed areas by assuring a healthy and stable vegetative cover.

Definition: A plan for grazing at an intensity that will maintain enough cover to protect the soil and maintain or improve the quantity and quality of desirable vegetation.

Purpose: to reduce transport of sediments and other pollutants from grazed areas by assuring a healthy and stable vegetative cover. Overgrazed pastures result in poor plant cover and plant health, and exposed soils. Deferred grazing and rotational grazing are two practices that encourage proper grazing intensity. Pasturing animals in woodlands should be limited to areas that produce a significant amount of forage that can be harvested without damaging other forest values or creating negative impacts to ground or surface water quality. Wooded areas should be grazed at a rate that maintains adequate cover for soil protection and maintains or enhances the quantity and quality of trees and forage vegetation.

Initial Cost: low

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits: optimum livestock health; improved forage production and quality

Other Considerations: grazing areas may be restricted by eliminating wooded and/or wet areas.

e. Prescribed Grazing (Planned Grazing System)

Definition: a practice in which two or more grazing units are alternately rested and grazed in a planned sequence.

Purpose: to decrease movement of sediments, nutrients and other substances into downstream waters by increasing the quality and quantity of vegetation in grazed areas. With a planned grazing system (e.g., the “Voisin” method, or intensive rotational grazing) livestock spend less time in each pasture or section of pasture. The vegetation helps trap manure.

Initial Cost: low - medium

Maintenance Cost: medium (for management time)

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits: may yield economic savings; may increase grazing efficiency; may increase and improve quality and production of forage (including season extension); may improve flexibility in a grazing program; grass-based livestock management may decrease manure handling, decrease fertilizer use, require less machinery; may enhance wildlife habitat

Other Considerations: requires increased management; requires supplying livestock water.

f. Riparian Buffer

Definition: an established area of vegetation located next to and up-gradient of water courses, water bodies and associated wetlands.

Purpose: to maintain or improve surface water quality by removing or buffering the effects of sediment, nutrients, organic matter and some pesticides. As a grazing practice, it is most applicable in areas downslope from pastures. Management practices include protecting or establishing vegetation, installing an up-gradient filter strip, installing livestock exclusion fencing, excluding heavy equipment, and designing and installing proper livestock access and crossings. Buffer width varies depending on soil type and vegetative cover; 35 feet is considered minimum. If possible, native species should be planted/encouraged and fertilizers and pesticides should not be used.

Initial Cost: low - medium

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits: may enhance streambank stabilization; may improve wildlife and aquatic habitat (see also, nutrient management, pest management and erosion and sediment control)

Other Considerations: may reduce amount of active grazing land; may limit livestock access to water or shade.

g. Stream Crossing

Definition: a stabilized area to provide access across a stream for livestock; may be used for farm machinery.

Purpose: to avoid degradation of streams and streambanks from animal trampling and wastes. Properly designed and installed stream crossings minimize bank and streambed erosion, reduce sediment and enhance water quality. A crossing might be graded and stoned or might consist of a constructed bridge or a culvert.

Initial Cost: low - medium

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits: some stream crossings may enhance wildlife habitat

Other Considerations: may require wetlands permit.

h. Vegetative Stabilization

Vegetative stabilization practices which improve or reestablish vegetative cover on pastures reduce erosion into water bodies.

Definition: practices designed to improve or reestablish vegetative cover on pastures.

Purpose: to reduce erosion into water bodies. Such practices include seeding or reseeding stands of adapted forage species, planting vegetation such as grasses, shrubs or trees on highly erodible or critically eroding areas, brush and weed management and prescribed burning.

Initial Cost: low

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: desirable

Other Benefits: may enhance habitat

Other Considerations:

6. Strategies for Irrigation Management

While cranberry producers are the most significant users of irrigation water in New Jersey, other growers irrigate vegetable, fruit, nursery, greenhouse and other specialty crops. While New Jersey typically is blessed with abundant rainfall, irrigation is occasionally necessary. Chemigation, the practice of applying fertilizers and/or pesticides to crops through irrigation systems, is also used by some farmers.

The concern associated with irrigation is the potential movement of pollutants such as sediments, organic solids, pesticides, metals, microbial organisms, salts and nutrients from the land into ground and surface waters. Ground water is particularly vulnerable where coarse textured soils allow high infiltration.

Proper irrigation management will help minimize discharge of pollutants while also reducing water waste and improving water use efficiency. An irrigation management plan will include components that address irrigation scheduling practices, efficient application, proper utilization of tailwater, drainage and runoff, and backflow prevention. The first step in such a plan is the development of a water budget and water balance for the crop to be irrigated. Technical assistance may be required for these calculations.

The following is a list of the BMPs that are recommended to reduce or eliminate water pollution from crop irrigation.

Best Management Practices for Irrigation

a. Backflow Prevention(s)

A backflow prevention system prevents chemical backflow to the water source during chemigation.

Definition: a system to prevent chemical backflow to the water source during chemigation.

Purpose: to prevent contamination of a water source by installing devices that prevent chemicals from entering the irrigation water source in cases when the irrigation pump shuts down. There are several different systems used as backflow preventers such as an air gap, a check valve with vacuum relief and low pressure drain, a double check valve, a reduced pressure principal backflow preventer and an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Factors to consider when selecting a backflow prevention system are the characteristics of the chemical that can backflow, the water source and the geometry of the irrigation system.

Initial Cost: low - medium

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: not required

Other Benefits:

Other Considerations:

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b. Efficient Irrigation System

A planned system of crop irrigation has as its goal the efficient use of water resources. Systems will vary with the type of crop grown, the soils and the topography.

Definition: a planned system of crop irrigation that has as one goal the efficient use of water resources. Systems will vary with the type of crop grown, the soils and the topography.

Purpose: to ensure efficient use and distribution, minimize runoff or deep percolation and eliminate soil erosion. Several kinds of systems, properly designed and operated, can be used. Drip or trickle irrigation is a system in which all necessary facilities are installed for efficiently applying water directly to the root zone of plants by means of applicators (e.g. porous tubing or perforated pipe) operated under low pressure. A typical trickle system has a mainline with a control head, leading to laterals placed in the field. Runoff is reduced in this system, but potential hazards to shallow ground water exist if chemigation is used.

A sprinkler irrigation system applies water by means of perforated pipes or nozzles operated above ground, under pressure. Proper management of such a system controls runoff and prevents negative impacts to downstream surface waters. Chemigation with this system allows management of nutrients, wastewater and pesticides, but poor management may cause pollution of surface and ground water. Surface and subsurface irrigation systems deliver water by surface means, such as furrows, borders, contour levees or ditches, or by subsurface means. Proper management of such systems will prevent downstream pollution associated with runoff and percolation, including elevated temperatures of receiving waters.

Initial Cost: medium - high

Maintenance Cost: medium

Technical Assistance: not required

Other Benefits: conserves water; enhances efficient delivery of fertilizer and/or pesticides (known as “fertigation”)

Other Considerations:

c. Irrigation Water Management

Definition: determining and controlling the rate, amount and timing of irrigation water in a planned and efficient manner.

Purpose: to minimize the loss of dissolved substances and sediments from the irrigation system to surface or ground water. Effective use of available irrigation water will promote the desired crop response, control water loss and protect water quality. An irrigation management plan will take into account the various and complex factors that need to be considered. The grower must know how to determine when irrigation water should be applied and how to measure or estimate the amount of water required for each irrigation. Proper scheduling requires consideration of factors such as soil properties, type of crop, its drought sensitivity and status of crop stress, stage of crop development, availability of a water supply and climatic factors such as rainfall and temperature. Proper irrigation also requires the ability to make necessary adjustments to the water stream, rate and time, and management of irrigation runoff.

Initial Cost: low

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: required

Other Benefits: conserves water

Other Considerations:

d. Tailwater Recovery System(s)

A tailwater recovery system collects, stores and transports irrigation tailwater for reuse in the farm irrigation distribution system.

Definition: a facility to collect, store and transport irrigation tailwater for reuse in the farm irrigation distribution system.

Purpose: to increase water efficiency and reduce potential for contamination by recovering irrigation water for reuse in irrigation or for proper disposal. Using runoff water to provide additional irrigation or to reduce the amount of water diverted increases the efficiency of irrigation water use. In a tailwater recovery facility, sediments and substances attached to them (e.g. salts, metals, soluble nutrients and pesticides) are trapped, thereby decreasing downstream impacts to water quality. Recovered water with high salt or metal content will have to be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner and location.

Initial Cost: high

Maintenance Cost: medium

Technical Assistance: not required

Other Benefits:

Other Considerations:

e. Water-measuring Device(s)

Definition: an irrigation water meter, flume, weir or other water-measuring device installed in a pipeline or ditch.

Purpose: to measure the rate of flow and/or application of water and the total amount of water applied to the field with each irrigation. Such information can assist the grower in maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation scheduling and equipment and provide data with which to consider modifications.

Initial Cost: low

Maintenance Cost: low

Technical Assistance: not required

Other Benefits: conserves water

Other Considerations:

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Chapter Notes