Page:Update on water quality- Progress update (IA CAT10556197002).pdf/2

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Special Projects

The 39 special projects will extend cost-sharing assistance to farmers and ranchers for installing approved water quality practices under the Agricultural Conservation Program. Practices installed will reduce nonpoint pollution stemming from animal waste, fertilizers, pesticides, and sediments.

ASCS will administer the program. ES and SCS will provide education support and technical assistance to participating farmers and ranchers. All 39 projects have been funded and many are already in operation.


Expectations

Hydrologic unit areas, demonstration projects, and special projects will encourage landowners to respond voluntarily and independently to water quality concerns and farm or ranch management needs. As new technology becomes available, it will be used at existing and new locations.

However, although reductions in pollutant loading can be achieved relatively quickly, it may take years for improvements in water quality—especially groundwater quality—to become evident.

Harry C. Mussman
Chairman, USDA Working Group
on Water Quality

For more information on hydrologic unit areas or demonstration projects, contact Pat Calvert, ES, 447-6133, or George Stapleton, SCS, 447-5240. For information on water quality special projects, contact Ray Waggoner, ASCS, 447-5237. This letter may be photocopied for further distribution.



Published by the Office of Public Affairs’
Water Quality Issue Team