Agenda - 08-30-2011 - 1b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regional Nutrient Management Rules 17 August 2011 C. Falls Lake Stage ~ Requirements T ire definition of agriculture under the Falls Rules is the same as under the Jordan Rules. During Stage I of the Falls Rules, all affected persons are- required to register their operations with their-Local Advisory Committee (LA~)_ by January-2012. Currently, staff is working to contact producers to inform them of the need to register with the NC Division of Soil and- Water Conservation by the January 2012 deadline. _ Agriculture must collectively reduce N loading by 20% and P loading by 40% from their lands during Stage t of the Falls Rules (bv 2D2~). Similarly to the Jordan Rules, Stage I- of the Falls Rules relies on voluntary measures-to reduce nutrient loading from agricultural lands, rather than requiring specific actions by individuals or operations. The Watershed Oversight Committee (1fVOC) and-Local Advisory Committee (LACE are tasked with working cooperatively to implement the-rules in- each county. By January 2013 the WOC must determine the extent to which= agricultural oper-ations have achieved the N and P goals as a result of activities completed-since the 2006 baseline year. The WOC must also develop a nutrient accounting methodology. D. Falls Lake Stage I Implications Staff is uncertain how to identify and contact ali of the_agricultural operations as defined in the Rules. Registratizm of alt operations is also likely to be problematic, given that there is no apparent penalty involved, and the expected reluctance of individuals-to register as a result of the earlier registration that was required under the Neuse Basin rules in 1993. Many farmers and other individuals arm greatly concerned that the Stage I nutrient reduction goals will not be attainable in the Falis Lake watershed. The agricultural community was successful in meeting- the nutrient reductions that were required as a result of the earlier-Neuse Basin rules. The additional- nutrient reductions required by the Falls Rules will necessitate the completion of additional buffer zones and exclusion fencing, further reducing the amount of land available foragricultural production. The expected reluctance of some of the agricultural community to register under these rules may also- reduce the potential for meeting the Stage I goal. E. Falls Lake Stage II Requirements If the reduction goals required in Stage I of the Falls Rules are not met voluntarily by 2021-,_then the LAC in each county will be given the task of developing local strategies to guide uniform individual implementation of a minimum 20-foot vegetated riparian buffer on cropland and vegetated livestock exclusion buffers in pastures. by 2036. Regardless or whether the Stage I reduction goals are met, which seems unlikely, the Stage II requirements remain unchanged. Ultimately, agriculture must meet the Stage II goal of reductions of 40% N and 77% P loading by 2036.