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![]() Michigan Water Stewardship Program |
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What is the Michigan Water Stewardship Program?
The Michigan Water Stewardship Program (MWSP) is a
cooperative effort designed to reduce the risks of groundwater contamination
associated with the use of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers.
The MWSP 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.
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 If you would like more information about these activities or any aspect of the Water Stewardship Program, please contact: Tom Wert Agricultural Technician 989-723-8263 Ext.3 tom.wert@mi.nacdnet.net |
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