Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture

From Salish Sea Wiki


We are working with an advisory group to research and write Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture. This guidance document will be a technical resource for agricultural producers that recommends best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality. It is intended to support healthy farms while helping producers meet clean water standards. As we work on the guidance, we are issuing collections of chapters for public review. In 2022, after taking public comment, we submitted the first set of chapters to EPA for approval. These chapters are a part of our 2022 statewide nonpoint plan. We plan to complete the next set of chapters, listed below, by 2025. We will provide opportunities for public review once the chapters are reviewed by our advisory group. Once all chapters are completed, agricultural producers will have a comprehensive set of BMPs for protecting water quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Accountability-transparency/Partnerships-committees/Voluntary-Clean-Water-Guidance-for-Agriculture-Adv

Notes

  • As of 2022 the following sections are completed: Cropping Methods: Tillage & Residue Management, Livestock Management — Pasture & Rangeland Grazing, Sediment Control: Soil Stabilization & Sediment Capture (Structural), Riparian Areas & Surface Water Protection.

Questions

  • This effort appears to be focused on implementation of TMDL authority, and is part of the watershed planning group, but its position within Ecology's various authorities and practices is unclear.
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