In May 1993, Pennsylvania made a landmark move toward reducing the amount of nutrients traveling from farmland into waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Nutrient management legislation was enacted requiring some farmers to develop nutrient management plans. The law significantly helps to achieve the goal of the historic Chesapeake Bay Agreement: to reduce the nutrients entering the Bay by 40 percent by the year 2000.
Farm nutrient pollution frequently occurs in areas where there are large numbers of animals producing more manure than can be used by crops. Animal density is an important factor that is being addressed by the new legislation.
The law requires farmers to assure that they handle all nutrient sources such as chemical fertilizers and animal manure properly so that the amount of excess nutrients reaching surface and ground waters is minimized. But, while the law contains mandates, it also provides technical, financial, and educational assistance.
Through its new nutrient management law and other clean-water programs, Pennsylvania is working to provide quality water to its residents while improving life.
