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Level n programs would be implemented in those watersheds where there is a 

 clear trend of resource deterioration and increasing levels of detectable pollution 

 that have been tied directly to agricultural practices. In level II watersheds the 

 activities included in level I are continued with the additional provision of 

 targeted programs including "incentives" for those producers that implement 

 approved management plans to address identified water quality problems. 

 USDA and state agencies would target increased program activities to these 

 watersheds. Financial assistance also would be provided for soil, manure, plant 

 tissue and some water testing as part of approved management plans. 



The Water Quality Incentives Program (WQIP) could be separated from the 

 AC? program and would be used exclusively for targeted, high priority areas 

 with water pollution problems. Financial assistance would be provided from 

 WQIP and other programs, based on the adoption and implementation of 

 program plans developed by producers in conjunction with the Soil 

 Conservation Service, Extension Service and other "certified advisors". This is 

 consistent with the WQIP program mandates. This approach assures that the 

 scarce resources available through WQIP are targeted to those watershed areas 

 with high risks of water contamination. There should be a specified linkage 

 between the availability of funds to individual counties and the severity of their 

 identified water quality problems in the USDA procedures for making financial 

 assistance available. Such a provision would ensure that available resources 

 would be targeted to those farmers in highest risk watershed areas as identified 

 by state 319 priorities. A mechanism could be developed so that individual 

 farmers or ranchers that are in Level I watersheds, but who can demonstrate 

 potential water quality problems at their specific sites, could petition to be 

 eligible for incentive programs. 



Certification for pesticide and nutrient applicators could also be required in 

 level n areas, dependent on the nature of the problems that exist in the 

 watershed. Receipt of incentives could be linked to mandatory participation in 

 education programs. 



Level in Watersheds (serious pollution detected) 



Level III programs would be implemented when levels of pollution exceed 

 established "trigger levels" based on "designated use criteria" such as MCL or 

 HAL recognized limits and where serious trends of resource deterioration are 

 evident from careful environmental monitoring. Level III programs would 

 include the activities underway in the preceding levels including eligibility for 

 WQIP funding in most cases, but additionally would include enforceable 

 practices and policies. Enforcement actions would be site specific and not 

 blanketed across the watershed. Implementation of approved management 

 plans would be required to maintain eligibility to receive federal support 

 benefits and to avoid disincentives or penalties. Thus, producers already in 

 compliance would not be adversely impacted even though they are located in a 



March 23, 1994 



