Agriculture 



SCS to install BMPs, and whose operations are significant sources of water quality 

 degradation. 



**Under the authority of the advocated sediment and erosion control statute (or within the 

 provisions of the existing sediment and erosion control statute as revised to eliminate the 

 exemption of agriculture), and in cooperation with Division of Planning floodplain 

 management goals, establish regulatory standards for agricultural operations to require 

 installation and maintenance of BMPs where voluntary compliance through SCS programs 

 is unsuccessful. Establish farm standards strictiy limiting erosion and restricting discharge 

 of any sediment or runoff which: 



a) lowers the flood storage capacity of the floodplain or increases watershed flood 

 hazard; 



b) adversely affects aquatic life; 



c) contributes to sedimentation of a wetiand or area subject to flooding; 



d) increases the areal extent of the floodplain of which the area at issue is a part 



**Under the authority of the existing Water Quality Act, establish farm standards which 

 include mandatory stream fencing and animal density limitations that: 



a) significantiy reduce animal access to creeks, streams, drainage ditches, or other 

 water courses; 



b) prevent to the g^aximum extent possible animal access to intermittent water courses, 

 areas subject to flooding, or other drainage areas; 



c) significantiy reduce improper application of manure and excessive numbers of 

 animals per acre so water quaUty may be protected; and 



d) reduce discharge of contaminated runoff to receiving waters. 



♦♦Consider requiring farmers to install a "chemical work area" (as is 

 currently required in Connecticut), as a condition of renewing DEM 

 pesticide use and restricted pesticide use licences. 



♦♦Establish a pesticide container return program (such as the one currently in 

 force in Maine) requiring that monetary deposits be made at the place of purchase. 



♦Significantiy expand DEM Toxics Disposal Days to allow for convenient, safe disposal of 

 household chemicals, pesticide and lawncare products, and other harmful substances. A 

 new program should be developed through DEM and the Conservation Districts to provide 

 opponunities for safe disposal of agricultural chemicals by commercial operators. 



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