Lake Erie Western Basin Watershed Regulations for Fertilizer and Manure Applications
Click on image to see larger map
When did the regulations take effect?
The regulations became effective on July 3, 2015, and affect farmers in the watershed area indicated on the above map.
What restrictions are on fertilizer applications in the watershed?
In the western basin, a person may not apply fertilizer (defined as nitrogen or phosphorous) under these conditions:
- On snow-covered or frozen soil
- When the top two inches of soil are saturated from precipitation
- In granular form when the local weather forecast for the application area contains greater than a 50% chance of precipitation
exceeding one inch in a 12 hour period
What restrictions are on manure applications in the watershed?
In the western basin, a person may not surface apply livestock or poultry manure under these conditions:
- On snow-covered or frozen soil
- When the top two inches of soil are saturated from precipitation
- When the local weather forecast for the application area contains greater than a 50%
chance of precipitation exceeding 1/2 inch in a 24 hour period
What exceptions are there for the above restrictions for fertilizer or manure applications in the watershed?
The above restrictions do not apply if the fertilizer or manure is:
- Injected into the ground
- Incorporated within 24 hours of surface application
- Applied onto a growing crop
Are there exemptions for middle or small-sized farms?
Small and medium agricultural operations (defined by number of species by Ohio Department of Agriculture in Livestock Environmental Permitting) may apply for a temporary exemption from restrictions on fertilizer and manure applications.
- A medium agricultural operation may be exempt up to July 3, 2016
- A small agricultural operation may be exempt up to July 3, 2017.
- An exempt operation must be working toward compliance, and will not be subject to civil
penalties for violations. - Contact Ohio Division of Soil & Water Conservation for information on exemptions
Are there requirements for persons using manure from Concentrated Animal Feeding Facilities (CAFF)?
No person may apply manure from a concentrated animal feeding facility without a permit from ODA unless:
- The person is an Ohio Certified Livestock Manager (CLM) through the Ohio Department of Agriculture, OR
- The person has been certified through the Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training (FACT)
- This applies for anywhere in Ohio -- not just the Lake Erie Western Basin Watershed
Click for a brochure summarizing the regulations: Page 1 Page 2
Click here for more information about Western Lake Erie Basin Fertilizer and Manure Regulations.