Michigan's Groundwater Stewardship Program

What is Michigan’s Groundwater Stewardship Program?

The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) is a cooperative effort designed to reduce the risks of groundwater contamination associated with the use of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers.  The MGSP is voluntary, locally driven, and designed to address the concerns of individuals by maintaining a focus on the technical and financial constraints which drive real world decisions.  The program is funded through fees that are assessed on sales of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers.

Why Protect Groundwater?

Half of Michigan’s residents rely on groundwater for their drinking water. Groundwater also recharges our surface waters, which are used for drinking, as well as habitat for fish and other creatures in rivers, streams and lakes.  Assessment of risks to groundwater and reducing or preventing groundwater contamination is necessary to sustain our health and quality of life here in the Great Lakes State.

Information/Education

Our local program provides information and education opportunities through Farm*A*Syst, Crop*A*Syst, Michigan Emergency Tube, and various workshops such as MAEAP Phase I and demonstrations such as well closures.

Cost Share Practices

Our local team (which is made up of farmers, agri-businessmen, government employees, and other interested stakeholders) set priorities annually based on State Guidelines and the desire to impact local concerns efficiently.  The current (2006) practices cost-shared are as listed below:

· Abandoned Well Closure

· Pesticide Inductor Spray System

· Dry Couplers

· Emergency Spill Kit

· Sprayer Mounted Container Rinse Tank

· IPM Pest Scouting (Max 100 acres)

· Manure Nutrient Analysis

· Pesticide Loading-off set Hydrant

· Pesticide & Fertilizer Storage Locking Valves

· Pesticide Storage-Impervious Surface

· Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Testing (Max 100 acres)

· Purchase of Equipment for Split N Applications

· Spray Nozzle (New Low Drift/Calibrated)

· Pesticide Management-switch to custom application

· Switch to Split N Application (Corn)

Farm*A*Syst / Crop*A*Syst

Farm*A*Syst is a series of questions used to evaluate risks in and around the farmstead.  It is best to complete a Farm*A*Syst with the technical assistance of a Groundwater Technician.  All assessment materials remain on the farm, so they are completely confidential.  Farmers who complete a Farm*A*Syst with a trained Groundwater Technician are eligible to obtain up to four pesticide recertification credits, as well as cost share opportunities.  The Crop*A*Syst materials are similar but designed to address risks associated with the field application of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizer. Farmers may also obtain four pesticide recertification credits with the completion of a Crop*A*Syst. Most farmers have commented that the time taken to complete the assessments has been worthwhile.

MI Emergency Tube

The MI Emergency Tube Program helps farmers be prepared for an emergency.   It includes technical assistance in completing a farm emergency plan, as well as filing with the local emergency planners and the local fire department.  In addition, the plan may be placed in a weather-resistant tube located outside where it can be accessed by emergency crews.

Other Activities

Clean Sweep —proper disposal of unused or unwanted pesticides.

Container Recycling – teamed up with local retail outlets to collect, grind and recycle emptied and properly rinsed pesticide containers.

Spill Response Program—helps reduce environmental impacts associated with pesticide, fertilizer and manure spills.  If a spill occurs, agrichemical users call the Michigan Department of Agriculture 24 hour hotline 1 (800) 405-0101

Groundwater Monitoring—designed to reduce the potential for negative health impacts, and to improve understanding of risk as it relates to different land uses.

Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program – MAEAP is a voluntary agricultural pollution prevention program which ensures that participating producers use effective land stewardship practices that comply with environmental regulations.

If you would like more information about these activities or any aspect of the Groundwater Stewardship Program, please contact:

Tom Wert                                                                                                      Groundwater Technician                                                                                          989-723-8263 Ext.3                                                                            tom.wert@mi.nacdnet.net