GROUNDWATER

GROUNDWATER

The Groundwater Stewardship

Program is designed to teach farmers, homeowners and young people about preserving Michigan’s greatest resource: Groundwater! The program is funded from user fee’s associated with the sale of pesticides and fertilizers. The goal of the program is to educate people to use these chemicals wisely and how each individual can make a difference in protecting our groundwater.

Murray Stall—Groundwater Technician

murray.stall@mi.nacdnet.net

Debra Oosterhart—AmeriCorp Member, Groundwater Educator

oosterhartd@michigan.gov

Text Box: Join the Groundwater Stewardship Team! It is important for everyone to help protect Michigan’s Groundwater and by joining the Groundwater Stewardship Team you can help make a difference. The team holds meeting throughout the year to talk about groundwater issues. We would also like comments on how to better serve the public. Contact the Mason-Lake Conservation District to ask about the dates and times of the Groundwater Stewardship Team Meetings.

APPLICATIONS FOR COST SHARE CAN BE MADE AT THE

FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

COST SHARE REQUEST

NAME:

COST SHARE NO:

ADDRESS:

COUNTY:

PHONE NO.:

SEC.

TWP.

PRACTICE REQUESTED:

BRIEF EXPLANANTION OF HOW PRACTICE WILL PROTECT GROUNDWATER:

SOILS AT PRACTICE SITE:

CLAY

LOAM

SAND

LOAMY SAND

TYPE OF FARMING OPERATION:

ORCHARD

CASH CROP

VEGETABLE

FORESTRY

DAIRY

BEEF

COMBINATION

LANDOWNER SIGNATURE:

DATE:

SOCIAL SECURITY NO. OR TAX ID NO:

PRACTICE RATING BY GROUNDWATER STEWARDSHIP TEAM: HIGH MED LOW

PRACTICE APPROVED: DISAPPROVED: ESTIMATED COST-SHARE APPROVED:

GROUNDWATER TEAM SIGNATURE:

PERFORMANCE

PRACTICE WAS INSTALLED ACCORDING TO NRCS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS OR GROUNDWATER STEWARDSHIP MANUAL STANDARDS

TECHNICAL AGENT SIGNATURE:

DATE:

LANDOWNER SIGNATURE:

DATE

PRACTICE COST:

COST-SHARE APPROVED:

PAYMENT

PAID TO:

NO:

AMOUNT: $

CHECK NO:

DATE:

DISTRICT OR GROUNDWATER REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE:

COMMENTS:

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Free Water Screening for Nitrates

In cooperation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), Michigan State University and the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) the Mason-Lake Conservation District is offering free water screening again this year. Residents may bring in their water samples to be tested for nitrates and triazines on July 15 from 8:30am-4:30pm. This year Mason-Lake CD hopes to collect 200 samples. People should get their results around the end of August. You may pick up the water collection bottle and the paperwork prior to the collection drop off date. If you missed out on the test but are concerned about your water quality call the Conservation District to schedule a Home *A *Syst. You get a confidential, individual evaluation of your home and property for pollution and health risks. Protect your financial investment. Knowing about potential risks or problems can help prevent costly cleanups and repairs. This assessment is stress free and easy. Debra Oosterhart our AmeriCorps Groundwater Educator walks you through the Home*A*Syst book. Chapters in the book cover septic systems, well water, household hazardous waste, yard and garden care, and storm water management. You will keep the book which has helpful suggestions and resources for accomplishing the following three important objectives:

· Identify environmental risks, concerns or problems in or near the home.

· Learn how to better manage your home and property.

· Take preventative actions to safeguard your health and the environment.

Call today to set up an appointment and get a free nitrate test.

Call Debra Oosterhart at 757-3708 ext 3.

COST SHARE PRACTICE	CCOST-SHARE	Practice Guidance
Abandoned Well Decommissioning-Well & Groundwater protection	100%, up to $500	Funds available only for wells that were abandoned prior to Nov. 22, 1993. Areas must be zoned “Agricultural”. Non-farm well owners must complete a one-on-one HomeASyst.
Pesticide Inductor System Components	Up to 50%, up to $250	Tanks, plumbing, and valves to allow for adding chemicals into application equipment while standing on the ground. Funds available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice or previously received cost-share for this practice.
Pesticide Application Systems: closed sprayer injection	Up to 50%	Funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share for this practice.
Dry Couplers	Up to 90%	To reduce spills and drips while loading and unloading fertilizers. Cost-share funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice or received cost-share for it.
Emergency Spill Kit	100%	Funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share for this practice.
Pesticide Container Rinse (Tank retrofit, etc.)	Up to 75%, up to $400	Equipment and container rinse tank OR nurse tank retrofit. In-line backflow prevention must be used on hoses. Funds only released after practice is installed and implemented.
Irrigation Scheduling	Up to 50%, up to $100	Cost-share funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice. Limited to 3 consecutive years.
Nitrogen Management-Manure Nutrient	Up to 50%	Located at least 150 feet down gradient of the well
Pesticide loading-off set hydrant	Up to 90%	Cost-share funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share for this practice. Limited to 3 consecutive years.
Bulk Pesticide and Fertilizer Storage-Locking Valves	Up to 90%, up to $360	Cost-share funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share for this practice.
Pesticide Container Rinse Nozzle	Up to 75%, up to $15	Cost-share funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share for this practice.
Pesticide Mix/Load Use of Air Gap	Up to 90%, up to $180	Technical reference: American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) EP-409 Safety Devices for Chemigation.
Pesticide Storage—Seasonal, Impervious surface (retro fit)	Up to 50%	Practice to reduce pesticide storage risks. Cost-share funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share for this practice.
Nitrogen management Pre-side dress Nitrate Test (PSNT)	50%, up to $1.50/acre	Cost-share funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share for this practice. Nitrogen rates must be based on the PSNT test results.
Pesticide Spray Nozzles (Tips)	Up to 75%	The pesticide sprayer that is receiving the new tips MUST be calibrated. An MGSP Groundwater Technician must do this calibration prior to the disbursement of cost-share funds.
Nitrogen management-Purchase of (or modification to) equipment to allow split N applications (Corn)	Up to 75%	Funds are available only to persons that have not previously adopted this practice and/or have not previously received cost-share, from any source, for this practice. Must be based on PSNT results.
Well Anti-Backflow Device	Up to 75%	Cost-share is only available for chemigation/fertigation systems.
Incentive Payment for MAEAP Verification	$400 one time Payment for farmstead verification.	Persons eligible only after verification completed and MAEAP sign installed.