Montmorency Conservation District

MICHIGAN WATER STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

The Michigan Water Stewardship Program in Michigan helps local residents to protect one of our most vulnerable natural resources, our water. It’s mission is to provide information and assessment tools for pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer users which help them identify risks to groundwater associated with their pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer use practices and to coordinate local, state, and federal resources to help individuals reduce those risks.
The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is designed to be voluntary, to be locally driven, to address the concerns of individuals, and to maintain a focus on the financial and technical constraints which drive real-world decisions.

The MGSP utilizes the nationally excepted Farm*A*Syst program. A newly developed tool, know as a Crop*A*Syst has been recently developed to evaluate all in-field practices. These assessment packets help the producer to identify any potential groundwater risks on a local level. All programs are voluntary, and completely confidential. After completing the Farm*A*Syst or Crop*A*Syst packet, the local farmer may be eligible to pursue environmental assurance through the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The MAEAP is an organization that works with producers under Michigan's Right to Farm guidelines. If there are changes needed, the MGSP will work with a landowner to achieve sounder environmental practices. The MGSP also offers financial assistance for several practices. Some of the cost share items available through the MGSP this year are as follows:

COST SHARE ACTIVITY	COST SHARE RESULTS
Abandoned Well Closures	100%
Temporary Pesticide Storage	50%
Manure Test / Analysis	75%
Intensive Rotational Grazing	50%
Emergency Spill Kits	75%
Anti-Backflow Device	100%

Local producers will also be eligible for pesticide applicator credits for completing a Farm*A*Syst. The Michigan Water Stewardship Program also tries to protect our groundwater in an urban setting. This is accomplished through the Home*A*Syst, Lake *A*Syst, and Lawn*A*Syst programs. Each of the afore mentioned programs looks at the affect of pesticide and fertilizer practices in a strictly residential setting. The MGSP also sponsors the emergency tube program. An Emergency Tube (E-tube) is a private plan which helps first response vehicles to determine possible contamination factors and sensitive areas in case of a farm emergency. The E-tube consists of a site plan, including all hazardous material, storage and dwellings, and a list of all emergency numbers. The MGSP is also proud to sponsor the Clean Sweep Program. The Clean Sweep Program helps local landowners dispose of unwanted, unused, and banned pesticides, free of charge. With ever increasing urbanization in northern Michigan, the need to address groundwater related issues is growing. The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is here to try and help one of our most important aspects of rural Michigan, the local farmer. The above listed programs are only the tip of the iceberg. Through understanding and careful planning we can protect our groundwater for the next generation. Please take the time to get involved and do your part to help.

AGRICULTURAL WATER USE REPORTING
Two recent water use laws were passed in Michigan: (PA 177 & PA 148). State water use reporting (PA 148) will be required by many farm operations. Complaints from small well owners against large well owners will be investigated by the state (PA 177). These public acts reflect change to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) and fall under the enforcement provisions contained therein. A copy of the complete acts may be found at http://www.michiganlegislature.org.

Both acts use the like definitions for a “large capacity well.” Large capacity wells are those with the capacity to withdraw 100,000 gallons per day (70 gallons per minute) average in any consecutive 30-day period. The combined capacity of more than one well at a site which is 100,000 gallons or greater capacity per day (70 gallons per minute), also meets the large capacity well definition. Water use reporting will also include surface water withdraws with single or combined capacity of 100,000 gallons per day (70 gallons per minute) average in any consecutive 30-day period. All agricultural water uses (irrigation, cooling, animal, watering, etc.) will apply to these laws. Well pumping capacity is included in the well log available the local health department, well driller or at: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/well-logs/.

Act PA 148 will establish state-wide groundwater mapping and water use reporting. This law will create a groundwater resource map of the state and establish a groundwater advisory committee to direct groundwater protection efforts in the future. The MDA will assemble township-based reports annually and forward to the MDEQ. If a producer has a site that exceeds the 70 gallon/minute threshold capacity, then he must start collecting monthly water use with data to file the annual water use reporting forms in January 2005. Many producers will receive a mailing asking them to declare whether they will file with MDA at no cost or pay the $100 fee to file with MDEQ. Sample water use reporting forms along with information on method of estimating water use are available by clicking here.

For more information on any of the MGSP programs, please feel free to contact your local MGSP representative:

AGRICULTURAL:
Kenneth Parson
Soil Conservationist
1900 M-32 West
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: 989-356-3596 ext. 110
Email: kenny.parsons@mi.usda.gov

Chris Anderson
Groundwater Technician
Charlevoix Conservation District
303 North Street
Boyne City, MI 49712
Phone: 231-582-6193
Email: chris.anderson@macd.org

RESIDENTIAL:
Call for contact information: 989-785-4083

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS:

Alcona Conservation District:
Alpena Conservation District:
Cheboygan Conservation District:
Presque Isle Conservation District:

Rick Myrick-acting: (989) 724-5272
Pam Troy: (989) 356-3596 ext.101
Peggy Bannatyne: (231) 627-3383
Pat Henry: (989) 734-4000

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE OFFICES:

Alcona County:
Alpena / Montmorency Counties:
Cheboygan / Presque Isle Counties: Ryan Kruse: (989) 362-3842 ext.3
Ron Spiering: (989) 356-3596 ext. 112
Perry Smeltzer: (989) 733-8323 ext. 3