JANUARY 2000 VOL. 1, NO. 1
| DDA Home | Nutrient Management Newsletter Index | Nutrient Management Home |
January 2000 Vol. 1, No. 1
DELAWARE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT NOTES
In June of 1999, Governor Thomas Carper signed House Bill Substitute 1 for House Bill 250-commonly referred to as the "Nutrient Management Act." This is the first in a series of informational notes designed to provide information on the legislation and related issues in Delaware. This note will address the topics: 1999 Delaware Nutrient Management Act and the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission (DNMC).
"1999 Delaware Nutrient Management Act"
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ACT?
· To establish a certification program that encourages the implementation of best management practices in the generation, handling and land application of nutrients.
· To formulate a systemic and economically viable nutrient management program that maintains agricultural profitability and improves water quality.
· To establish a nutrient management planning program.
· To regulate those activities involving the generation and application of nutrients.
WHO WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ACT?
We are all in this together. A common misconception is that this Act will affect only large agricultural operations. In fact, the act states that all persons who "...operate an animal operation in excess of eight animal units" (an animal unit = 1,000 pounds live weight) or "...apply nutrients to lands in excess of 10 acres or waters as components of a commercial venture or lands that he or she owns, leases, or otherwise controls" will be affected by this Act. To obtain a copy of this Act, call the Delaware Department of Agriculture (800-282-8685) or download a copy from the following Web site: dda.delaware.gov
WHAT IS THE TIMETABLE SET BY THE ACT?
· July 1, 2000
All commercial processes shall file a plan with the DNMC indicating how they will meet the requirements of the act.
· January 1, 2003
The DNMC shall begin official review of the nutrient management plans. One fifth of the plans will be reviewed each year between 2003 and 2007.
· January 1, 2004
Certification of all nutrient handlers must be completed.
· 2007
The DNMC shall ensure that the State Nutrient Management Plan is fully implemented.
Delaware Nutrient Management Commission
WHAT IS THE DELAWARE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT COMMISSION?
The Nutrient Management Act established a 15-member commission that is charged to "...develop, review, approve, and
enforce regulations governing the certification of individuals
engaged in the business of land application of nutrients and the development of nutrient management plans..." The members
of this commission come from many different backgrounds and professions.
Front row, left to right; Nick DiPasquale, Carl Solberg, Charles West Il, David Jones, Bill Vanderwende, David Devine, Connie Larimore, Tony Keen, Jack Tarburton. Top left: Bill Rohrer, Edwin Brown, Brian Schilling, Jeremy Homer, David Baker, John Hughes, Steve Corazza, and Steve Boedigheimer.
WHAT ARE THE DNMC'S RESPONSIBILITIES?
· Consider establishing critical areas for targeting of other voluntary and regulatory programs.
· Establish best management practices to reduce nutrient losses to the environment.
· Develop educational and awareness programs.
· Consider a transportation and alternative use incentive program to redistribute nutrients.
· Establish the elements and general direction of the State Nutrient Management Program.
· Develop nutrient management regulations.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS AND VOICE MY OPINION?
· Meet and talk to commission members.
· Attend commission meetings; contact the Delaware Nutrient Management Program for dates and location (call Bill Rohrer 1-800-282-8685 or 302-739-4811).
Cooperative Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. John C. Nye, Dean and Director. Distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.
