Agriculture 



In numerous states where agricultural non-point source programs have been put in 

 place, strictly voluntary programs have been less successful that those which involved 

 some imposition of regulatory standards as a fall-back incentive. (See Activities in Other 

 States.) This is particularly true when available staff resources are inadequate to ensure 

 regular, timely inspection of installation and maintenance routines. Where local erosion 

 and sedimentation programs have been put in place, compliance levels have been directly 

 correlated with inspection frequency. As Conservation Districts are currentiy unable to 

 visit individual sites more frequentiy than once a year, proper maintenance is expected to 

 become an increasing concern. 



Recommendations to the General Assembly 



*** Adopt state legislation establishing state- wide minimum standards for 

 erosion and sedimentation control to supplement existing enabling 

 legislation providing for local sedimentation and erosion initiatives. (See 

 Chapter 2.5.) Specify basic program elements which will be administered 

 by the state (primarily through the Conservation Districts), and conditions 

 under which specific authorities may be delegated to local governments 

 having approved programs which exceed the stringency of state 

 requirements. Revise existing legislation to eliminate exemption for agricultural 

 activities. Designate critical areas in which special standards will apply (See 

 Recommendations to RIDEM, below). Provide funding authorization sufficient to: 



• provide pass-through assistance funding to towns having approved by-laws for 

 resource inventory and problem assessment; 



• provide pass-through funding to towns having approved programs exceeding the 

 stringency of the proposed state program for a portion of locad program operating 

 expense; and 



• provide for DEM, CRMC, and Division of Planning staff support to ensure state 

 oversight and adequate technical assistance for local program development and 

 implementation. 



♦♦♦Provide on-going funding for Conservation Districts which is sufficient 

 to enable the districts to: assist local governments in developing and 

 implementing erosion and sedimentation programs; provide technical 

 assistance to farmers, monitor BMP maintenance and effectiveness, and 

 implement other programs as necessary to meet their responsibilities in 

 ensuring effective control of agriculture-related non-point source pollution. 



♦♦Amend the tax-exempt provisions of Chapter 44-3-3(22) to apply to the 

 installation of best management practices. Any real or personal property acquired 

 or altered to control pollution from agricultural land uses should be given the same tax- 

 exempt status as propeny acquired to control industrial pollution. 



Recommendations to RIDEM 



**Under the authority of the Water Quality Act, develop an enforcement strategy to apply 

 to farm operators who have been targeted and approached by SCS, are not proceeding with 



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