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Lake Erie Western Basin Watershed Regulations for Fertilizer & Manure Applications

Lake Erie Western Basin Watershed Regulations for Fertilizer and Manure Applications

lake erie western basin watershed map

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:

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.