1. Federal Agency Perspective
Environmental Regulations, Approaches, and Opportunities
Delaware River Watershed Forum
October 28, 2013
Photo
Kelly Shenk
Agricultural Advisor
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region III
Photo from SAN Tour 6/28/13

2. Thriving Agriculture
AND Clean Waters
Generic photos from google search to illustrate ag and WQ.
Agriculture: Critical for food, fiber,
fuel, ecosystem, culture.
Farmers: Stewards of the Land.
Conservation practices are working.
We can have it all!

3. We have more to do…
Environmental Issues:
• Animal Manure Surpluses.
• Cows in streams.
• Cropland pollutant losses.
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Bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, sed
iment pollution Challenges:
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Complex problems = complex solutions.
Farmer economics.
Financial assistance.
Technical assistance.
Social/cultural considerations.
Technology.

4. Federal Perspective – Env. Regulations
Protect Public Health & Environment
EPA relies heavily on
strong State programs to address
pollution from smaller animal
operations and cropland.

5. Federal Perspective – EPA Open to New Approaches
“…a turning point for EPA.”
“It’s not as heavy-handed.”
• Elements of success in Watson Run, Lancaster PA:
– EPA focused on environmental outcome.
– EPA open to new approaches for env. results.
– EPA worked through Bishops and Conservation District –
people that the farmers trusted.
– Conservation District worked with farmers and got results.
– PADEP is following this model for its watershed assessments.
• Actions:
– Conservation plans, manure management plans, barn
gutters, streambank fencing, riparian buffers, etc.
• Results:
– Improved herd health, improved stream health.
– Compliance with state regulations, long-term viability.

6. Federal Perspective – Opportunities
Schuylkill Action Network Example
• Elements of Success
– Understanding & shared interest.
– Technical/Financial assistance.
• Actions:
– Manure lagoons, gutters, no-till
Crops, fencing, stream crossings.
• Results
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Apply manure only when need it.
No trampled stream banks.
No cow manure in stream.
Reduced labor/fuel costs on no-till lands.
Profitable, sustainable, competitive farms.
Good stream quality, and drinking water quality.
Photo from SAN Tour 6/28/13

7. Continue the Dialogue
“My commitment to you is that at the
end of my term, we will have a
stronger, more productive, more
trusting relationship between EPA and
the agriculture community.” - EPA
Administrator, Gina McCarthy
Photo from SAN Tour 6/28/13