Home

beneficial management practices - Alberta Agriculture and Rural

1. spray drift onto water bodies and vegetation Drift toward farmsteads and other residences can also damage gardens trees and may create human health problems While some pesticides degrade quickly in the environment others can persist over a significant time period accumulating in the tissue of organisms through a process called bioconcentration With every step in the food chain larger quantities of the accumulated pesticide are consumed This accumulation called biomagnification may continue to the point where animals are harmed or become unsafe for human consumption see Figure 2 4 10 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads FIGURE 2 4 BIOMAGNIFICATION Although most pesticides currently used are not toxic to humans there is the potential for acute or chronic problems if pesticide label directions are not followed Proper storage and handling practices should be followed to reduce risks associated with pesticide use Knowledge of the chemical proper application practices and disposal are the bases for responsible pesticide use in and around the farm 2 2 6 Odours Sources of odours on the farm can include compost manure commercial fertilizers silage decomposing organic matter livestock mortalities and household wastewaters Odours differ depending on the source and the receiver s response to the smells themselves Most of the odours from the above mentioned sources are a result of am
2. Every farmstead needs an emergency plan which outlines the location of hazardous materials emergency equipment telephone numbers and necessary clean up instructions The plan gives those living on the farmstead guidelines to follow for minimizing potential environmental damage to the site as well as protects those living on the site and in the surrounding community For more information about emergency planning and the steps necessary to minimize environmental risk and ensure the safety of others refer to the Appendix Land applications should not occur when application rates exceed 100 m3 ha near water sources and water bodies dwellings roads public buildings school yards cemeteries playgrounds parks and campgrounds on ice snow covered or frozen ground near or in stream valleys or intermittent drainage areas on land being used for root vegetable or fruit crops or dairy farming pasture For more information on wastewater land application guidelines contact Alberta Environment 9 4 2 Greywater Options Greywater is wastewater from bathing washing and laundry but does not contain toilet wastes food wastes dirt or other contaminants known as blackwater It can be treated in a private septic system but is not as high in nutrients or pathogens as typical household wastewater Bacteria in a septic field do need nutrients to survive so greywater itself may not provide enough nourishment for them to
3. Expected Inventory 2 048 Actual Volume from dips 2 054 Expected Inventory 2 048 Today s Variance 6 Previous YTD Variance 52 YTD Variance 46 Water Reading cm 0 5 A negative variance indicates a fuel shortage This value is determined by dipping your tanks with a measuring rod or tape The measurement is taken in centimeters This value is determined from the chart supplied by tank manufacturers A depth of 97 centimeters converts to a volume of 2 054 litres for this example Obtained from actual volume figures on your last inventory sheet Fuel delivered since last inventory sheet Previous actual volume plus deliveries Fuel removed from the tanks since last inventory sheet The amount of fuel you expect to be in your tank present volume minus usage Actual fuel in the tank as calculated from fuel dip This figure is the expected inventory as calculated above The difference between actual volume and expected inventory Cumulative year to date YTD variance from the last inventory sheet Current YTD variance The water reading in the tank using water sensitive paste on the dipstick 52 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads If the tank size is unknown and is not equipped with a meter it may not be possible to maintain an ongoing inventory record Allow the tank to sit unused for 24 hours and measure the lev
4. Compost Burn trees and shrubs see Section 8 1 TABLE 8 1 CONTINUED TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE FARM WASTES 66 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads ITEM ON SITE STORAGE OR TREATMENT REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE OR RECOVER DISPOSAL Treated seed see Section 8 7 Secure in a sealed container Only treat what is needed Licensed landfill Mortalities see Section 8 5 Sharps see Section 8 4 Secure storage to prevent injury and separate from other wastes Class II landfill that accepts medical wastes Veterinary clinic that can handle sharps Glass Secure storage to prevent injury and separate from other wastes Licensed landfill Animal health care products and medical wastes see Sections 8 3 and 8 4 Store in original container in secure area Return unused to retailer Expired drugs Class II landfill that accepts medical waste Dispose of as a hazardous waste Household hazardous wastes see Section 8 2 Dispose of as a hazardous waste Paints adhesives and cleaners Store in secure area and dry out paint cans Reuse or share with others in properly labeled containers Dispose of as a hazardous waste LICENSED LANDFILL Waste disposal creates issues involving leachate methane gas and odour A licensed landfill is a specific place designed to dispose of waste in a safe manner All licensed landfills in Alberta go through a r
5. Salts occur naturally in the soil and are also found in hydrocarbons inorganic fertilizers feed supplements manure some pesticides and household wastewater Salts in a saline seep where salty groundwater discharges and salts that are applied to land in excess alter the soil structure and reduce a soil s capacity to hold water In the case of septic fields high salinity in the soil decreases the field s ability to treat the wastewater and ultimately shortens the life of the system The salts will also alter soil pH and limit the growth of certain types of vegetation Remediation of saline areas is possible but the cost is high and results are not observed for a long time Saline seeps form where saline groundwater comes to the soil surface Courtesy of AAFRD 2 2 5 Pesticides Pesticides are designed to supress or kill target plants fungal diseases insects animals and pathogens Types of pesticides used in farmstead management include herbicides fungicides insecticides rodenticides pesticide treated seed and topical parasiticides pour on or powders for treating parasites on livestock Pesticides can be a risk to non target organisms if these products are not handled and applied properly They can be carried great distances from target areas or application sites to non target areas in several ways dissolved in runoff water moving away from target areas attached to soil particles and carried by wind or runoff water
6. The Private Sewage Disposal Systems Regulation AR 229 97 is governed under the Safety Codes Act This regulation adopts the Alberta Private Sewage Disposal Systems Standard of Practice 1999 which is administered by Safety Services Municipal Affairs The Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice 1999 provides the minimum requirements for a new private sewage system A handbook is available that provides explanations information and drawings that will help you make decisions about your system For more details on private sewage disposal system guidelines refer to Chapter 9 113 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 12 2 5 Agricultural Operation Practices Act Standards and Administration Regulation The Standards and Administration Regulation governed under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act AOPA is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Board NRCB As of January 2002 new provincial standards for siting new and expanding confined feeding operations CFOs came into effect Province wide standards for manure management now apply to all livestock production in Alberta including CFOs and cow calf operations as well as custom manure applicators and others who handle manure Surface applied manure on conventionally cropped land must be incorporated into the soil within 48 hours Courtesy of AAFRD Key areas addressed by the Agricultural Operation Practices Act A
7. 63 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Farmstead Waste Management This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address waste management on the farm 8 0 63 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 64 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads ITEM ON SITE STORAGE OR TREATMENT REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE OR RECOVER DISPOSAL Refrigerators or freezers Get refrigerant removed by certified technician Use as pesticide or animal health care product storage where no refrigeration required Scrap dealer Licensed landfill Some sites will remove refrigerant for a fee Electronic wastes Recycling depot a fee may apply Cardboard and plastic packaging Keep clean and dry Purchase products in bulk Recycling depot Licensed landfill Petroleum product packaging Empty and dry Licensed landfill Inert materials brick concrete metal and wood building materials Store in secure area Reuse on farm Recycle dealers Licensed landfill Only burn wood products with no preservatives see Section 8 1 Farm waste items pose an environmental risk if they are not stored or disposed of properly The best strategy for managing waste on a farmstead starts by Reducing the amount of waste created This is the best waste management option Re
8. SHALE SHALE AQUIFER GOOD QUALITY AQUIFER BAD QUALITY AQUIFER GOOD QUALITY TESTING FOR WATER QUALITY All farm water sources should be tested when the supply is connected initially and again about every 1 to 2 years Test the water more often if you notice a significant change in the water quality if a toxic spill occurs nearby or if a change occurs in land use or activity A thorough chemical and microbiological analysis of water for household use can be done through your local health region Water samples for agricultural purposes can be taken to private labs for testing These labs will supply sample bottles and the correct procedures for sampling FIGURE 3 3 ANNULUS OR CASING SEAL M FIGURE 3 2 MULTI AQUIFER WELL COMPLETION M 23 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 3 1 4 Well Pits Provincial regulation now prohibits locating wells in pits Well pits provide a place for contaminated surface water or shallow groundwater to collect which can contaminate the aquifer by seeping around the outside of the well casing or flowing directly into the well This type of construction also makes the well very susceptible to contamination by small animals and insects Well pits can be a deadly safety hazard and should not be used for storage areas With changes in atmospheric pressure air from within the well casing can displace breathable air in the well pit Methane gas may also
9. 1 1 Fisheries Act 106 12 1 2 Pest Control Products Act 108 12 1 3 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act 108 12 2 Provincial Legislation 108 12 2 1 Water Act 108 12 2 2 Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act 109 12 2 3 Livestock Diseases Act 112 12 2 4 Safety Codes Act 112 12 2 5 Agricultural Operation Practices Act 113 12 2 6 Soil Conservation Act 114 12 2 7 Weed Control Act 115 12 2 8 Agricultural Pests Act 115 12 3 For More Information 116 Appendix 117 Emergency Measures 117 Glossary of Terms 121 ix BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Acknowledgements Developed by Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration AAFC PFRA Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development AAFRD Steering Committee Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Fiona Briody Dennis Lastuka Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Alesha Hill Dale Chrapko Deanne Johnson Trevor Wallace Karen Yakimishyn The committee gratefully acknowledges the various editorial and technical reviewers from Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Alberta Environment and Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services Cover photo credit Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Additional chapter photo credits Agriculture an
10. Chemicals Pharmaceuticals cleaning solutions aerosols paints solvents stains automotive fluids refrigerant and air conditioning freons farm wastes 6 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 2 2 1 Nutrients Nutrients are essential for plant growth but excess nutrients beyond plant needs may potentially become hazards Sources of nutrients include chemical fertilizers animal manures household wastewaters silage soil and composted materials Two nutrients of primary concern are nitrogen N and phosphorus P There are three ways nutrients can move and potentially contaminate receptors see Figure 2 2 Nutrients can either dissolve in water bind to soil particles or be released in a gaseous form to the atmosphere FIGURE 2 2 POSSIBLE NUTRIENTS LOST BY LEACHING IN RUNOFF OR AS GASES Nutrients dissolved in water can potentially enter water bodies as runoff during snow melt rainfall or irrigation Dissolved nutrients can also be carried downwards through the soil profile by leaching potentially entering groundwater supplies Nutrients bound to soil particles are susceptible to water and wind erosion potentially contaminating water bodies Soils which are not subjected to erosion or runoff will help hold nutrients allowing them to be released over time Nitrogen N can be released into the atmosphere in gaseous forms such as nitrous oxide N2O or nitrogen gas N2 Nitrous oxide N2O
11. Clean or remove excess manure from corrals as dry weather approaches Reduce or eliminate tillage in nearby fields to prevent dust from wind erosion Wetting down dirt or gravel roads helps control dust around the farmstead Courtesy of PFRA 99 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads The following BMPs can be used to minimize or eliminate smoke as a nuisance Consider alternative disposal methods for green material and other wastes that may produce lots of smoke Notify the fire department of your activities and have fire fighting and safety equipment available on site Be aware of the effect smoke may have on your neighbours consider not burning at all or if possible adjust your burning schedule accordingly This practice may mean not burning in morning at night and on weekends Inform neighbours when and for how long smoke producing activities are going to occur Only burn when weather and wind conditions allow more air movement to disperse the smoke Ensure smoke does not drift on to roadways or into neighbours yards by using proper containment units and providing smoke barriers Ensure the fire is supervised and contained by providing a fuel free buffer area 11 2 Odour Odours from farming practices such as livestock production and manure storage and handling can be major nuisances for nearby residences Although it is very difficult
12. Fine textured soils clay and silt have slower water infiltration rates than coarse textured soils increasing the amount of surface runoff and posing a greater potential environmental risk to surface water Coarse textured soils sand with higher infiltration rates result in greater environmental risk to groundwater Precipitation influences the amount of run on and runoff around and on the farm site When rainfall is intense and or occurs over a long duration large amounts of surface runoff can be produced This increases the risk of water erosion and surface water contamination Trees and or snow fences influencing snow distribution patterns and snow melt can change the amount of spring runoff and infiltration that occurs Spring snow melt also presents a greater risk of surface water contamination because the soil is still frozen limiting water infiltration Areas with no plant cover or very little plant residue are susceptible to water erosion Thin plant stands provide the soil with little protection from rainfall or surface runoff The type of vegetation also influences the amount of erosion as dense sod forming plants provide more protection than do bunch type plants or those in rows Understanding these characteristics and managing water pathways properly may help to reduce environmental risks associated with water movement on the farmstead 57 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 7 2 Mana
13. Growers are responsible as employers to ensure anyone handling anhydrous ammonia on their farm receives TDG training which is offered through most anhydrous ammonia retailers Finally anhydrous ammonia retailers have put 24 hour emergency response teams into place to ensure the safety of communities equipment and the product Anhydrous ammonia tank Courtesy of AAFRD 42 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads EMERGENCY PLAN Every farmstead needs an emergency plan which outlines the location of hazardous materials emergency equipment telephone numbers and necessary clean up instructions The plan gives those living on the farmstead guidelines to follow for minimizing potential environmental damage to the site as well as protects those living on the site and in the surrounding community For more information about emergency planning and the steps necessary to minimize environmental risk and ensure the safety of others refer to the Appendix 5 5 Application of Fertilizers To avoid potential risks associated with the application of fertilizers ensure application rates do not exceed plant requirements Too much fertilizer is not only economically wasteful but nutrients applied beyond plant use may be lost Nutrients lost through leaching and runoff may potentially contaminate surface water or groundwater sources Ensure that fertilizer application rates are calculated and based on soil nutrient c
14. PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Liability of Directors and Officers If a corporation violates the EPEA any officer director or agent of the corporation who was involved with the incident even in a minor way could face prosecution This situation applies whether or not the corporation itself is prosecuted for the violation and regardless of whether the officer director or agent works for a large corporation or simply a small incorporated family farm Thus an officer director or agent of an incorporated farm is held personally responsible for EPEA violations if the officer director or agent directed or participated in the violation in any way Intent to Commit The vast majority of offences under the EPEA are strict liability offences Unlike criminal offences with strict liability offences the courts are only concerned with whether the operator committed the offence and not whether he or she intended to commit the offence or the morality of the operator s actions If the operator did cause the impairment the courts will convict the operator unless the operator can show that the action was in accordance with due diligence in running the operation and in carrying out the activity at issue see Section 9 3 for more on due diligence That is if the operator can show that all reasonable steps were taken to prevent the contravention of the EPEA the operator may not be found guilty For a small proportion of t
15. ability to absorb water and will increase runoff of water The direction of the runoff water should be considered when looking at environmental risks Due to poorer structure and less organic matter these soils will be unable to treat some hazards Soil covered by plants or plant residues is less susceptible to water erosion than bare soil Growing plants and a crop residue cover absorb the energy of raindrops and slow the flow of runoff reducing the risk of erosion Roots hold soil in place and contribute organic matter which further stabilizes the soil 15 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 2 3 3 Air Air can be another pathway through which a hazard may travel Air pathways allow hazardous materials to move through the environment from a source to a point of contact with receptors For instance the release of hazardous materials can have an effect downwind Air pathways are governed by wind speed wind direction topography of the land and the climate of the area such as temperature and rainfall The point of contact will change as quickly as the wind changes its direction and speed so the effect of the air pathway may cover larger areas than those of soil or water pathways Compared to other pathways exposure by air pathways is generally hard to predict The form and chemical makeup of the hazardous materials influence how they are dispersed into the environment Some hazards will ev
16. agr gc ca pfra Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications 1 800 267 6315 Website www pmra arla gc ca Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company Office 1 866 844 2337 Website www albertaefp com Canadian Cattlemen s Association Office 403 275 8558 Greenhouse Gas Sinks and Sources Tour Guide for Canadian Beef Producers Website www cattle ca 19 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Farmstead Water Sources This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address water sources on the farmstead 3 0 19 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 20 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Water supply is critical to any farm or farmstead Both the quantity and quality of water are important and every effort must be made to conserve supplies and prevent contamination Major water sources for farmsteads include water wells dugouts natural water sources and pipelines Contamination of any water supply can occur in a variety of ways However with proper planning and management any environmental or health safety risks can be eliminated or minimized 3 1 Water Wells One of the most important assets on your farmstead is the water well Albertans typically choose water wells wherever there is an adequate supply of good quality groundwater When analyzing the quality and q
17. and into the soil The following day there is a major summer rainfall and the soil becomes saturated Due to the topography of the site water begins to flow overland and through the soil profile towards the water well The well is located downslope from the fuel tank and the natural flow draws the water towards and down the side of the well casing into the aquifer This is the well that is used by the farm family for drinking FIGURE 2 1 ENVIRONMENT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUEL STORAGE LEAKS AQUIFER LEACHING GROUNDWATER FLOW HOUSEHOLD WELL FARM FAMILY FUEL SURFACE WATER FLOW SUBSURFACE FLOW Beneficial Management Practices BMPs are actions that can be taken to address a potential risk and minimize or eliminate its effects 5 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads The hazard is the fuel while the following pathways include soil containing the spill rainwater flowing over the ground and through the soil profile into the well groundwater entering the aquifer The ultimate receptor is the farm family who drinks the water Other receptors include soil and grass fuel contaminated water flowing over the ground may have sterilization effects on soil and soil microbes aquifer fuel contaminated water leaches through the soil affecting aquifer water supplies that may be used by other neighbours or farm animals All environmental risks need t
18. and tear Selecting the proper machine for the proper task that is matching implements and tractors so the tractor is operating at its full rate load helps to prolong engine life and the life of the equipment itself For example much of the work performed by a large farm tractor may be light load work It is estimated that a farmer with an annual fuel bill of 2 000 could save 400 per year by shifting up and reducing engine speed when doing light work Using the gear speed ratio recommended in the tractor user s manual helps prevent unnecessary repairs For example if a load on the tractor reduces the engine speed to less than half of its original setting cylinder wall scarring may occur due to improper lubrication 89 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Colour Rendering Index CRI is the ability of a light source to represent colour based on a 0 100 scale The higher the CRI the closer to natural light the colours appear Watt W is the amount of electricity a light bulb uses to produce light and is not an indication of brightness Ballasts in fluorescent lights are used to convert line current into the proper form for the light to work Ballasts can be either electric or magnetic Magnetic ballasts are the older style and have a buzz noise to them They are much lighter than electric ballasts and the bulb lights up almost immediately with no flickering Electric ballasts are more costl
19. considered a receptor when it contains hazards either dissolved in the water component as vapours in the pore spaces or physically attached to soil particles If the movement of soil through water and wind erosion provides a way for these hazards to move to other soils or into water then the soil becomes a pathway Soil characteristics can determine the seriousness of risk that may occur High organic matter soils will be less susceptible to erosion or movement by water and wind These soils will hold more water and therefore more nutrients and other hazards On the other hand high organic matter soils will contain more microbes that may be able to treat or breakdown hazards Typically within a farmstead many areas will have compacted soils Roadways equipment storage areas and building floors all have reduced permeability increasing the surface movement of water and potential hazards This movement may carry hazards into areas of your farmstead where surface water and groundwater are located or connected increasing the risk to these water sources To effectively reduce environmental risk the management options of soil pathways could include controlling the movement of the soil and maintaining healthy soils that will increase the chance for the hazard to be treated The following factors affect soil pathways and should be considered when developing action plans to reduce risks Roadways and some equipment storage areas will not have the
20. easily like paints degreasers and other solvents Corrosive eat away surfaces and skin Familiar examples are waste acids rust removers alkaline cleaning fluids and old battery acid Reactive Explosive react violently when mixed with other chemicals or that react under pressure or heat such as aerosols Toxic Poison poison or cause damage to living organisms Materials containing heavy metals like mercury lead or cadmium When a product displays one or more warning symbols it should be disposed of as a hazardous waste For more information on disposing hazardous wastes call Alberta Environment s Action on Waste Recycle Information Line at 1 800 463 6326 8 2 Household Hazardous Waste Household hazardous waste refers to materials used in daily activities that are potentially damaging to our environment health and safety Typical household hazardous wastes are materials leftover from activities such as painting cleaning disinfecting and gardening Communities throughout Alberta participate in annual one day hazardous waste roundups and or offer year round collection facilities Municipalities organize the roundups and pay for collection of the material Alberta Environment provides funds for the transportation treatment and disposal of collected material at the Swan Hills Treatment Centre To view a schedule for roundup days or permanent collection facilities contact Alberta Environment or visit their household hazardous
21. gasoline is more volatile For estimations of evaporative losses due to different tank conditions in summer months for aboveground storage refer to Table 6 1 TABLE 6 1 EVAPORATIVE LOSSES FROM A 1 200 LITRE 265 GALLONS ABOVEGROUND GASOLINE STORAGE TANK E Source Farm Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products Farm Mechanization Factsheet No 210 510 1 Resource Management Branch British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands TANK CONDITIONS EVAPORATION LOST OF FULL PER SUMMER MONTHS TANK LOST Litres Gallons Dark tank in sun 38 8 4 3 2 White tank in sun 23 5 1 1 9 Dark tank in sun with pressure vent cap 21 4 6 1 8 White tank in sun with pressure vent cap 9 2 0 0 8 Dark tank in shade 9 2 0 0 8 White tank in shade with pressure vent cap 5 1 1 0 4 FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES Underground tank lt 4 lt 1 0 3 Double walled aboveground tank Losses similar to underground tank 49 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads The following steps reduce fuel evaporation losses Paint the tank with reflective paint silver or white and reduce evaporation losses by up to 40 percent compared to a dark coloured tank Use a pressure ventilated cap to reduce evaporation losses by 50 percent This type of cap restricts direct venting of tank fumes until a slight pressure has built up in the tank Having a painted and pressure vented tank
22. halide Halogen High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen 91 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads LIGHT TYPE APPEARANCE APPLICATION COMPARISON EFFICIENCY COMMENTS High efficiency incandescent Use a 67 W high efficiency incandescent in place of a 75 W 5 less light but uses 11 less electricity Incandescent Standard light bulb Interior lighting Electricity heats up a wire filament causing it to glow and give off heat gt 90 of the energy produced is heat not light acts like an electric heater Inexpensive Good CRI Work well with dimmers Mercury vapour Bluish light good for night vision A 100 W metal halide HID can replace a 175 W mercury vapour a retrofit kit or new fixture will be required Roughly 40 savings Poor efficacy and CRI Efficacy deteriorates significantly with age Halogen Gives off a whiter light than incandescent Popular as spotlights or narrow floodlights
23. not reach high enough temperatures to destroy complex chemicals and they only tend to smoulder and smoke These chemicals are released into your backyard and surrounding community They can be quite toxic to animals and humans potentially contaminating food processed from animals that consumed residue contaminated feed To reduce environmental and health risks associated with burning waste only burn items listed under the Substance Release Regulation of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act as burnable debris which includes brush and fallen trees used power and telephone poles that do not contain preservatives wood or wood products not containing preservatives solid waste from post and pole operations that do not contain wood preservatives solid waste from tree harvesting straw stubble grass weeds leaves and tree prunings A typical farmstead burning barrel for burnable wastes only Courtesy of AAFRD 68 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL Hazardous wastes can be solids liquids or gases held in containers that may be flammable corrosive explosive or toxic Because of these dangerous characteristics these wastes should not be disposed of in landfills or sewage systems Products that have potentially hazardous characteristics display at least one of the following warning symbols Flammable burn
24. of organic matter in a septic system This increase in organic matter results in a higher Biological Oxygen Demand B O D on the soil treatment system increasing the risk of system failure With septic tanks the grinder adds additional solids that will decrease the capacity of the tank When garbage grinders are used it is recommended that the septic tank size and final treatment system be increased Grease and oils Grease and oils are complex molecules that are difficult to breakdown and should not be discharged into a private sewage system because they can cause the system to plug up To avoid this problem minimize the use and disposal of grease and oils into the system Consider scraping off greasy food and wiping dishes with disposable paper towels If using large quantities use grease traps and contact an experienced waste disposal and handling company for options 84 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 9 4 Maintaining On Farm Sewage Systems Operating a private sewage system on a farmstead requires knowledge and skill A good sewage system prevents damage to the environment and it also helps to protect the health of your family and neighbours Newer technology is allowing for rural sewage systems to provide treatment beyond the capability of older systems allowing for longer life of the system and reducing any environmental and health safety risks The key to operating a good private sew
25. over time If groundwater withdrawal from an aquifer is faster than its recharge rate then the groundwater is mined from the aquifer Groundwater mining is often an unintentional process As the old adage says you don t miss the water until the well goes dry For most household situations wells with a production rate of less than five gallons per minute gpm for a one hour period during peak use do not supply enough water It becomes necessary to create additional water storage using a tank or cistern If the short term water requirements exceed the well pumping rate it is often beneficial to use a cistern to accumulate water This stored water can then be re pumped into the distribution system to meet short term demands 21 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads For example a well capable of pumping only 1 gpm could only supply enough water for a few cows if it was pumped directly into a stock waterer However if that same well pumped into a cistern for storage for 15 hours per day and then pumped to a stock tank at 10 gpm it could supply 60 cows 3 1 2 Well Location To avoid water quality problems a well should be located on high ground that is not subject to flooding and upslope from any potential or known contaminant sources such as livestock corrals manure storage household sewage systems etc see Figure 3 1 Setback distances also known as minimum distance separations M
26. properties or people By hiring a custom applicator and working with them to control pests and weeds on your farm you are minimizing your environmental risk 4 6 Pesticide Training Voluntary pesticide training and certificate courses are available for Alberta producers The training provides you with the knowledge to safely and effectively use pesticides from understanding how they work mode of action to clean up and disposal Some pesticides require producers to obtain special certification before they purchase and use these products on their own property By taking a pesticide application course you also learn about the risks associated with pesticide use Knowing and understanding these risks will help you eliminate or reduce any environmental risk when working with pesticides on your operation For more information on these courses contact your local agricultural college 36 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Obtaining a Pesticide Applicator Certificate eliminates or minimizes environmental risks when working with pesticides Courtesy of AAFRD 4 7 Legislation Producers should be aware of the following pieces of legislation that pertain to pesticides and the environmental risks associated with their use For more information on legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Federal Legislation Fisheries Act Pest Control Products Act Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act P
27. the problem and determine if the use of a pesticide is the only option or if there are other mechanical or biological means of control If the use of a pesticide is the only option choose the least toxic most appropriate chemical for your situation Read and follow product label directions as outlined by the manufacturer for proper mixing procedures recommended application methods rates and timing application restrictions for weather conditions use restrictions for cropping grazing or harvesting special safety precautions and equipment proper disposal procedures for leftover product Record chemical type rates and methods used as well as weather conditions growth stages of crop and pests and application purpose for future reference 34 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 4 2 1 Mixing and Loading Locations The best option is to mix and load pesticides near the application site to minimize the risk of water or soil contamination Any mixing and loading areas must be more than 30 m 98 ft from a surface water body and more than 90 m 295 ft from a water well If you are mixing pesticides at a regular site on your farmstead make sure the site is designed to contain spills and leaks When loading pesticides remember to Never leave filling procedures unattended someone over the age of 16 must be present at all times Have spill co
28. to purchase and apply certain hazardous pesticides This mandatory certification currently applies to aluminium phosphide Phostoxin Gastoxin picloram Tordon 22 K and triclopyr Garlon Waste Control Regulation The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act EPEA deals with the management and control of waste in various provisions and provides Alberta Environment with the ability to address hazardous waste matters through regulations Hazardous recyclables are dealt with through the use of provisions related to the recycling of material as designated by regulation and the control of waste formerly litter is dealt with in regulations as well as through the Act The Waste Control Regulation identifies hazardous wastes and sets out the requirements relating to handling storing and disposing of such wastes It also controls the treatment storage and recycling of hazardous recyclables as well as defines anti litter orders such as controlling waste on publicly owned land and environmental protection orders such as clean up of unsightly property 12 2 3 Livestock Diseases Act Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation Alberta s Livestock Diseases Act governed by Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development AAFRD deals with the proper handling of dead animals For more details on guidelines for handling livestock mortalities refer to Chapter 8 12 2 4 Safety Codes Act Private Sewage Disposal Systems Regulation
29. waste website at www gov ab ca env waste aow hhw 8 3 Medical Wastes Medicines may need to be disposed of for various reasons including expiry spoilage or simply because they are no longer needed There are two classes of expired medicines unopened and opened Unused expired drugs can be returned to where they were purchased Many manufacturers will take them back for disposal Expired drugs can be discarded in the same ways as sharps Modified live virus vaccines should be rendered non infectious before disposal to prevent the virus from potentially infecting workers or animals Freezing or adding bleach to the bottle can do this When disposing of expired medicines do not attempt to empty or wash bottles discard them with their contents Consult a local pharmacist to learn more about medicine disposal 69 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 8 4 Animal Health Care Products Any leftover or re useable animal health care products should be returned to the place of purchase or stored in the original container in a secure storage area Often these products have recommendations for disposal printed on their labels Items that are not usable or have expired beyond the best before date can be returned to the place of purchase or taken to a hazardous waste depot for proper disposal 8 4 1 Disposing of Veterinary Waste Sharps are veterinary and laboratory materials capable of causing cuts or punc
30. wastewater properly 9 1 Proper Design and Siting of a Private Sewage Treatment System To prevent potential contamination on your farmstead you should ensure that your sewage system is designed and functioning properly so that wastewater is treated effectively To achieve this goal there needs to be sufficient wastewater amounts good wastewater movement and a proper system design These components also ensure complete distribution and reduce the incidence of freezing within the system Steps should be taken to prevent oversaturation of disposal field systems It is important to look at the farmstead site to determine where potential problems could arise Unfavourable soil characteristics high water tables and impervious layers could very well impede a household wastewater system You need to consider the location of the system as well as the potential wastewater volumes and the strength of sewage being generated to minimize any potential environmental risks 79 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads GAS SCUM LAYER EFFLUENT SLUDGE LAYER EFFLUENT When siting the sewage system on the farmstead consider the following options direct run on waters away from the disposal area discharge sewage effluent away from a water body or vegetable garden ensure distances from buildings dwellings property lines water sources and water bodies follow what is outlined in the Private Se
31. within 30 m 98 ft of an open water body or on a public waterworks system pesticide storage is not allowed within 30 m 98 ft of an open water body no person shall use apply handle transport store or dispose of a pesticide or operate any equipment involving the use handling transportation storage handling or disposal of pesticides in a manner that is or is likely to cause an adverse effect 112 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads The Act also specifies restrictions on the handling of pesticide application equipment The operator must be present at all times while filling the sprayer and must maintain an air gap or have an operating backflow prevention device while filling the sprayer tank from a municipal waterworks system or from an open body of water A Pesticide Applicator Certificate and Service Registration are required for commercial applicators A Special Use Approval permit is required from Alberta Environment to apply or store pesticides or wash equipment used to apply pesticides in on or within 30 m 98 ft of an open body of water This condition does not include sloughs or ponds less than 10 acres in area provided they are completely surrounded by private land with no drainage off the land Some pesticides have unique hazard characteristics and require the applicator to be knowledgeable to use them Therefore producers must become certified
32. work The cost of this work may be collected by a tax on the property Any person obstructing the officer or failing to comply with the notice is subject to a fine of up to 5 000 115 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Landholders are required to actively prevent soil degradation Courtesy of AAFRD 12 2 7 Weed Control Act The Weed Control Act administered by the municipality provides the legal authority to enforce weed control It identifies three categories of weeds restricted noxious and nuisance The Act mandates the eradication of restricted weeds and control of noxious and nuisance weeds 12 2 8 Agricultural Pests Act Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation The Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation is governed under the Agricultural Pests Act and enables legal authorities to deal with native and introduced pests which affect farming operations Pests vary from Dutch elm disease to the Norway rat while nuisances vary from coyotes to ground squirrels The Act gives the municipal local authority the option to enforce control measures provide a warning or do nothing about pest concerns 12 3 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Publications 1 800 292 5697 Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Environment Publications 780
33. 427 2700 Emergency Response Line 1 800 222 6514 Website www environment gov ab ca 116 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Alberta Municipal Affairs Phone 780 427 2732 Safety Services 1 866 421 6929 Website www municipalaffairs gov ab ca Natural Resources Conservation Board Contact your regional office 24 hour response line 1 866 383 6722 Website www nrcb gov ab ca Queen s Printer Phone 780 427 4952 Website www qp gov ab ca Department of Fisheries and Oceans Prairies Region 780 495 4220 Website www dfo mpo gc ca Environment Canada Prairie and Northern Region 780 951 8600 Website www ec gc ca Pest Management Regulatory Agency Pest Management Information Service 1 800 267 6315 Website www pmra arla gc ca Environmental Law Centre Publications 1 800 661 4238 or 780 424 5099 Website www elc ab ca 117 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Appendix Emergency Planning Clean up and Handling Procedures Every farmstead needs an emergency plan that outlines the location and identification of hazardous materials emergency equipment telephone numbers and necessary clean up methods Such a plan gives those living on the farmstead guidelines to follow for minimizing potential environmental damage to the site as well as protecting those living on the site and in the surrounding community An emergency plan for your
34. 8 ft from any residence 100 m 328 ft from any livestock facility or pasture owned or leased by another person designed in a manner that will exclude scavengers Within these structures each animal or part of it must not exceed 100 kg 220 lbs maximum volume of the animals must not exceed 25 percent of the total compost pile animals must be covered by at least 15 cm 6 in of composting material 100 m 25 m LIVESTOCK FACILITIES WATER BODIES WATER SOURCES RESIDENCE 100 m COULEE 72 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 8 5 4 Rendering Dead animals must be picked up by rendering plants within 48 hours of death until then the carcass must be stored When storing carcasses locate the storage area close to the entrance of the farm to minimize the need for collection vehicles to enter the property use an area that will minimize the spread of disease for example do not store the carcass near a waterway or water body or where it will be easily scavenged if not picked up within 48 hours use special storage bins or refrigeration until the carcass is taken to a rendering facility 8 5 5 Natural Disposal Natural disposal refers to disposal by scavenging and sites must be located well away from farm areas water bodies and sources see Figure 8 2 However if the animal is known or suspected to have died from a reportable or an inf
35. BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Published by Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Copyright 2006 All rights reserved by her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Alberta No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic mechanical photocopying or otherwise without permission from Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Printed in 2006 Printed in Canada Copies of this manual are available from Publications Office Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development 7000 113 Street Edmonton Alberta T6H 5T6 Phone 1 800 292 5697 iii BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Disclaimer This manual was prepared for Alberta s rural community to create a greater understanding of environmental risks associated with farmsteads and to assist individuals in implementing beneficial management practices to reduce those risks It was written using the best available information from industry government and interested stakeholders While the authors have made every effort to ensure the manual is accurate and complete it should not be considered the final word on areas of law and practices cove
36. Closed handling system A system for transferring fertilizers or other chemicals directly from the storage container to the applicator equipment so humans and the environment are never exposed to the chemicals 122 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Constructed wetland A man made wetland system constructed to capture and treat agricultural wastewater including runoff that relies on physical chemical and biological processes to treat the wastewater Contamination The alteration of a material by the introduction of a chemical or other substance that makes the material unfit for a specified use Cross connection A direct arrangement of piping that allows the potable water supply to be connected to a source that contains a contaminant For example a garden hose with the end submerged in a stock tank laundry tub or sprayer tank or a pasture pipeline system with submerged float valves Cryptosporidium A single celled microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of humans and animals The dormant form is excreted in the stool of infected animals and humans and presents health risks Ecological processes The relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings or continuous action or series of actions strongly influenced by one or more ecosystems Ecosystem A system of living organisms interacting with each other and their environment linked together by energy fl
37. DE OIL AND SOLVENT STORAGE BUNKER SILO LIVESTOCK PEN MANURE STORAGE FERTILIZER ABANDONED WELL WELL AQUIFER SEWAGE SYSTEM BARN 22 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 3 1 3 Well Construction A water system that is well planned and properly constructed will ensure that you and your family have a reliable and safe water supply A poorly constructed or located well provides a direct path for contaminants to travel from the surface directly to the aquifer Multi aquifer well completion allows water to mix from several aquifers which may have significantly different water qualities see Figure 3 2 Multi aquifer completion can also allow water to drain from one aquifer into another depleting some aquifers and potentially contaminating others The driller must ensure that the water well is constructed in a manner that does not result in multi aquifer completion Installing a proper well casing and formation seal effectively prevents contaminated surface water or groundwater from seeping along the outside of the casing and entering your well see Figure 3 3 TOPSOIL CLAY CASING CLAY TILL SEALED ANNULUS TO PREVENT INTERMIXING OF AQUIFERS SAND OR GRAVEL PACK SAND WATER BEARING SAND SHALE SANDSTONE PRODUCING AQUIFER SURFACE MOUNDING SLOPED AWAY FROM WELL TO PREVENT SURFACE CONTAMINATION CASING ANNULUS OR CASING SEAL SHALE
38. DS are required legally or recommended for locating your well Minimum distance requirements in Alberta indicate the well must be at least at a site where the well is accessible for servicing 3 25 m 11 ft from a building 10 m 33 ft from a watertight septic tank 15 m 49 ft from a sub surface weeping tile effluent disposal field or treatment mound 50 m 164 ft from sewage effluent discharge to the ground 100 m 328 ft from a sewage lagoon 50 m 164 ft from above ground fuel storage tanks 100 m 328 ft from a manure storage facility or collection area or livestock yard 30 m 98 ft from a manure application area 500 m 1 640 ft from a sanitary landfill modified sanitary landfill or dry waste site 100 m 328 ft from any dead animal burial or composting site 30 m 98 ft from any old existing leaching cesspool the installation of a leaching cesspool is no longer permitted Note equivalent imperial distances in feet are rounded up to nearest foot FIGURE 3 1 POSSIBLE HAZARDS TO WATER WELL CISTERNS Adding a cistern to a farmstead can help supplement slow producing wells that do not produce sufficient water to meet peak water demands A cistern that will hold one half to one day s water storage can eliminate the need for another well or wells The water can then be re pumped at a much faster rate to meet the peak demands ON FARM DUMPSITE FUEL PESTICI
39. EFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Alberta Environment Publications 780 427 2700 Focus on Water Conservation Water Act Fact Sheets Groundwater Information Centre 780 427 2770 Website www gov ab ca env Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services 1 866 421 6929 Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standards of Practice Handbook Website www municipalaffairs gov ab ca Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Publications 613 759 6610 The Health of Our Water Website www agr gc ca Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Publications Contact your regional office Protecting Your Shorelands for Better Farming and Ranching and Healthier Fish Habitat Water Quality Matters Fact Sheets Website www agr gc ca pfra Alberta Cattle Feeders Association Publications 403 250 2509 Alberta Feedlot Management Guide Website www cattlefeeder ab ca Cows and Fish Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society Publications 403 381 5538 Along the Water s Edge video Caring For The Green Zone Riparian Areas and Grazing Management Cows and Fish Fact Sheets Riparian Areas A User s Guide to Health Riparian Health Assessment for Lakes Sloughs and Wetlands Field Workbook Riparian Health Assessment for Streams and Small Rivers Field Workbook Website www cowsandfish org index html
40. For more information refer to Alberta Transportation s Dangerous Goods and the Agricultural Industry publication 12 2 Provincial Legislation 12 2 1 Water Act The Water Act administered by Alberta Environment applies to all water on or underground whether in liquid or solid state The purpose of this Act which became law in January 1999 is to support and promote the conservation and management of water including its wise allocation and use 109 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Approval from Alberta Environment is required for the undertaking of an activity that may alter the flow or level of water change the location or direction of water flow cause siltation of water cause erosion of any bed or shore of a water body cause an effect on the aquatic environment The Water Act requires you to obtain a license for new wells that are drilled for any purpose other than household use This Act protects the licensee from other water users who may be competing for the same water If a new water user other than a household has a negative effect on the farmstead s water supply the farmstead will have priority for the licensed amount When issuing a license Alberta Environment will ensure that the water use will not negatively affect other licensed users household users or the watershed itself Any new well must be constructed to Alberta Environment standards Th
41. Least energy efficient of high pressure and low pressure sodium Most efficient of white light lamps 90 CRI for ceramic lights and 65 80 CRI for most types Compact fluorescent Typically has a figure eight appearance Similar lighting to incandescent Most incandescent applications screw in bottom or pins for specially designed fixtures Produce less heat than incandescent 1 4 to 1 3 the energy requirements that an incandescent requires 15 W can replace incandescent up to 60 W 23 W up to 90 W for incandescent over 90 W try 28 W compact 42 W offers a light output equivalent to an 80 W mercury vapour Do not use with standard incandescent dimmer switch use a compact fluorescent switch No flicker or hum associated with them May require two to three minutes to achieve full light output Does not require a cool down period after power interruption TABLE 10 1 CONTINUED DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHT AND EFFICIENCIES High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal
42. Light quite focused when used in a light stand light is concentrated on the ceiling Last 2 250 to 3 500 hours longer than incandescent Maintain light output over time without fading Creates 4 times more heat than an average incandescent 500 W reaches temperatures of 1 200 C Uses 40 less electricity for the same amount of light as a standard incandescent Also called tungsten halogen or quartz An incandescent bulb with gases from the halogen family sealed in a glass case Excellent CRI Fire potential when incorrect voltage used Standard halogens are efficient most people use a high wattage wasteful bulb TABLE 10 1 CONTINUED DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHT AND EFFICIENCIES High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen High Intensity Discharge HID lighti
43. OPA Manure Application all agricultural operations must follow the manure or compost application and minimum distance separations or setbacks to protect surface water and groundwater resources and reduce nuisance impact on neighbours Permits a permit must be obtained prior to construction or expansion of a CFO or manure storage facility Existing CFOs operations that existed on January 1 2002 can continue to operate at their capacity They are deemed to have a permit approval registration or authorization under AOPA whether or not they had a licence permit or other approval under the Public Health Act or a municipal development permit or was constructed pursuant to a municipal development permit that was issued prior to January 1 2002 or was issued as described in the Agricultural Operation Practices Amendment Act 2001 Wintering sites seasonal feeding and bedding sites where livestock are fed and sheltered do not require permits but must be located 30 m 98 ft or more from a common body of water 114 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Manure storage the regulations specify proper siting and construction of solid and liquid manure storage facilities and collection areas Record keeping and Soil testing CFOs custom applicators cow calf producers and others who apply transfer or receive more than 500 tonnes of manure or compost per year must keep records They m
44. PLICATION COMPARISON EFFICIENCY COMMENTS High pressure sodium Orange or amber colour Moderate to excellent CRI though this depends on specific lamp design Uses 50 less electricity than mercury vapour 22 75 CRI T8 fluorescent Tubular Most common lengths 1 m 4 ft and 2 m 8 ft Offices large interior lighting areas Last up to 20 times longer than incandescent Up to 30 more energy efficient than T12 Cooler than halogen and incandescent save on air conditioning Typically 1 m 4 ft draw 32 W and produce as much light as a 40 W T12 2 m 8 ft draw about 59 W Better CRI compared to standard fluorescent Stays brighter over the life of the bulb therefore you can get by with fewer lamps 70 80 CRI The 8 represents the diameter of the tube 8 8 1 1 Same socket pins as T12 Ballast alters the electric current flowing through the tube activates the gas causing it to glow Eliminates the familiar flicker and hum sound of old fluorescent lights Metal halide Bluish white Exterior lighting Best used in public and commercial parking A 32 W can replace an incandescent in the range of 100 150 W over 50 savings A 100 W can replace a 175 W mercury vapour a retrofit kit or new fixture will be required roughly 40 savings Has best CRI
45. TAKE SOIL BOUND NUTRIENTS AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS LEACHING LOSSES GASEOUS LOSSES RUNOFF AND EROSION LOSSES GASEOUS LOSSES AQUIFER 7 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Water erosion carries nutrients in the topsoil off site potentially contaminating nearby water bodies Courtesy of AAFRD 2 2 2 Pathogens Microorganisms such as bacteria parasites protozoa and viruses occur naturally in animals humans soil and water Pathogens are disease causing microorganisms that can infect other animals and humans resulting in severe or fatal illnesses A few common pathogens associated with farmsteads are Escherichia coli E coli Salmonella species Cryptosporidium parvum crypto and Giardia lamblia beaver fever Pathogens can travel to humans and livestock through air soil and water pathways but their survivability is limited by environmental conditions once they are shed or excreted by their host Some pathogens can survive freezing or low temperatures for extended periods of time while other pathogens may survive for much shorter periods in warm temperatures Water is an important transmitter of pathogens People who drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food will more than likely become ill Infection and illness may also occur in people using contaminated water for recreational purposes Pathogens can contaminate food sources either through direct surfac
46. TICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Household Wastewater Management This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address household wastewater management through proper installation and maintenance of a private sewage system on a farmstead 9 0 77 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 78 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Septic tank installation Courtesy of Safety Services Alberta Municipal Affairs Almost all farm homes use private sewage treatment systems which collect treat and dispose of treated wastewater from a single source in the same location that it is generated The most common type of on site sewage system is a septic system which includes a holding tank where bacteria decompose waste products into effluent indigestible solids and gases The effluent is discharged on site while the undigested solids remain in the tank to be pumped out on a regular basis These systems are usually economical and reliable but they must be properly maintained to handle all the wastewater produced The system must also treat the wastewater to prevent further surface water and groundwater contamination since it may contain bacteria infectious viruses household chemicals and excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates Learning more about your present system can help determine if it is treating your household
47. age system depends on which system you choose for the farmstead Some of the more traditional systems use a septic tank with a disposal field With this type of system it is essential that it be maintained 9 4 1 Septic Tank Maintenance Solids in the septic chamber of a septic tank are broken down at a slower rate in the anaerobic environment of the tank These solids along with greases soap curds and other material that float on the liquid surface scum layer accumulate overtime and reduce the storage capacity of the septic chamber refer back to Figure 9 1 Solids must then be periodically removed from the chamber and disposed of in another manner to ensure the tank functions properly Timely cleaning of a septic tank is important Solids and other organic material can be carried from the septic chamber into the effluent chamber and discharged into the effluent disposal system This situation can eventually result in system failure as additional suspended solids and organic material will plug the system and reduce the infiltration capacity of the soil surface The size of the septic chamber determines the intervals between cleaning The larger the septic chamber the better the separation of solids from the effluent especially during peak flows The septic chamber should be checked each spring or early summer for accumulated sludge and scum A septic chamber with 45 cm 18 in of sludge should be cleaned Emptying the tank in the spring wi
48. anks from collision damage by installing bollards barriers constructed of a sturdy material such as steel piping filled with cement set up close to fuel tanks to guard against collision damage Make sure fill up hoses are long enough so vehicles and farm equipment can be kept at a safe distance from the tanks Keep fuel lines hoses valves and nozzles in good repair Install anti siphon valves between the pump and tank to prevent the tank from draining if the line breaks Lock all fuel tanks when not in use to reduce the risk of spills caused by vandalism or theft Ground the pumps and vehicles to avoid build up of static electricity explosions and fires Attach a bonding line to the vehicle prior to filling it from an aboveground fuel storage tank to reduce the risk of static electricity igniting fuel vapours see Figure 6 1 50 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 6 4 Small Containers Precautions during storage and filling of small containers such as jerry cans need to be considered Small containers should be stored away from direct sunlight and supported in an upright position They should not be stored in or near living quarters such as basements To avoid mixing fuels place different fuels in different coloured jerry cans As a general rule of thumb a gasoline jerry can is red diesel is yellow and kerosene is blue To prevent spills when pouring from a jerr
49. anywhere on a farmstead where water supplies are located and potential contaminants exist A producer needs to consider the entire farmstead when identifying any potential environmental risk Humans and animals may be at a greater risk on farmsteads due to their proximity to hazards stored and used on the farm 2 1 What is an Environmental Risk Identifying environmental risk can become a complicated procedure and many factors need to be considered Since each farmstead is unique the risks that exist on your operation need to be identified and evaluated Three factors must exist for an environmental risk to be present 1 There must be a hazard or contaminant present 2 There needs to be a receptor of the hazard 3 There must be a pathway that has the capacity to carry the hazard to the receptor A hazard is defined as any source of contamination that has the potential to negatively affect a receptor A receptor is something that has the potential to be affected by a given hazard usually in an adverse way The pathway is the method by which a hazard travels from a source to a receptor Pathways can include water air soil humans animals or any combination of these By using a hypothetical situation in this case a fuel leak from a storage tank we can define risks by identifying these three factors A fuel tank has a leak that goes unnoticed for a day The fuel from the leak has moved through the gravel pad underneath the tank
50. aporate when exposed to air others can be suspended in the air as very small particles They can become attached to dust or soil particles or they can be dissolved in fine water droplets both of which are then moved by wind To effectively reduce environmental risks associated with air pathways consider controlling the movement of air and reducing the incidence of hazards in the air 2 3 4 Humans and Livestock Human and livestock activities can transfer hazards such as pathogens and diseases The term biosecurity refers to precautions taken to reduce the risk of introducing livestock or poultry diseases to a farm or region where the disease does not already exist Examples of common biosecurity practices include quarantining new stock controlling rodents providing animal and worker foot baths cleaning equipment cleaning footwear and changing coveralls Biosecurity is important because it can Prevent the introduction of diseases from other countries such as foot and mouth disease These foreign diseases can spread quickly resulting in the loss of export markets They can also have severe economic consequences for the entire livestock industry Prevent the spread of certain diseases already found in Alberta such as transmissible gastroenteritis in pigs or Johne s disease in cattle These diseases can have a significant financial effect on a farm operation and visitors could potentially be held liable if proven to be the c
51. at has minnows in the spring but dries up later in the summer For example an operator commits an offence under the Act if he or she spreads manure on land near a stream frequented by fish and the manure enters the stream in sufficient quantities to have a deleterious effect The offence results even if the manure does not actually cause harm to the fish The mere fact that the manure reached water frequented by fish is an offence and may result in charges under this Act In addition even if the manure does not in fact enter the water but had a reasonable chance of doing so then the operator risks committing an offence However if the operator can prove that at all times the water is not has not been and is not likely to be frequented by fish then the operator has not committed an offence under the Act Harmful Alteration Disruption or Destruction of Fish Habitat The Fisheries Act prohibits the carrying on of any work or undertaking that results in harmful alteration disruption or destruction of fish habitat although an authorization can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans allowing such an activity As noted above fish habitat is defined quite broadly in the Act These provisions may come into play in situations in which an operator would also require approval under Alberta s Water Act for a water management project 107 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads F
52. ause of an outbreak Protect the operator and his or her family from diseases found in animals that are transmissible to humans such as salmonella E coli 0157 H7 and campylobacter Be an indicator of the operation s commitment to the health of the livestock and poultry industry as well as to its visitors A biosecurity program should be practiced by anyone who owns or works with livestock and visits farms stockyards abattoirs or premises where livestock or poultry products are handled and attends auction markets and livestock shows A complete farm biosecurity program will cover the following incoming stock vaccinations feedstuffs water pets pest control birds rodents wildlife insects etc farm visitors 16 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads A biosecurity plan cannot meet the needs of all farms or agricultural businesses The diseases and potential risks vary between livestock species and depend on the activities occurring on the premises For example a pig barn may have stricter requirements than a bison operation or a purebred breeder may have higher standards than a feedlot operator Each business must assess their own potential risks and develop a flexible and practical biosecurity plan tailored to its circumstances 2 4 Taking the Next Steps The steps in assessing environmental risk include the following 1 Identify all potentia
53. blications 1 800 292 5697 Crop Protection the Bluebook Agdex 606 1 Home Composting Agdex 537 1 Livestock Mortality Burial Techniques Agdex 400 29 2 Livestock Mortality Management Agdex 400 29 1 Poultry Mortality Composting Agdex 450 29 1 Swine Mortality Composting Agdex 440 29 1 Tips and References for Owners of Small Farms and Acreages Agdex 570 8 Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Environment Publications 780 427 2700 Alberta s Municipal Waste Action Plan 2004 2006 Code of Practice for Compost Facilities Code of Practice for Small Incinerators Saving the World Begins at Home Action on Waste Recycle Information 1 800 463 6326 Website www gov ab ca env Alberta Plastics Recycling Association Office 780 939 2386 Website www plasticsrecycling ab ca 76 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Alberta Recycling Management Authority Electronic and Tire Recycling 1 888 999 8762 Website www albertarecycling ca Alberta Used Oil Management Association Recycling Centre Locations 1 888 922 2298 Website www usedoilrecycling com Olds College Publications 403 556 4683 On Farm Composting Handbook Website www oldscollege ab ca OCCI Composting Technology Centre Technical Information 1 877 815 6224 or 403 507 7970 Website www occi ab ca 77 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRAC
54. build up in the pit creating potentially dangerous situations such as explosions Well gases or low oxygen content in well pits have resulted in human deaths as people entering these well pits become asphyxiated It is strongly recommended that well pits be removed by an experienced backhoe or well drilling contractor and pitless adaptors be installed Well pits are no longer used in new well construction Courtesy of PFRA FARM WATER HYDRANTS INSTALLED IN A WELL OR WELL PIT Hydrants are designed to prevent freezing by draining water from the hydrant standpipe whenever the hydrant is shut off If a hydrant is installed in a well casing or well pit the contents of the standpipe will siphon back into the well If a hose is directly connected to the hydrant and the other end of the hose is in a stock tank or pesticide sprayer tank the contents of the tank will be siphoned down the well The contents of stock tanks or sprayers are definite contaminants Always maintain an air gap between the end of a hose and the water surface and disconnect hoses from the hydrants when not in use Using a hose connection vacuum breaker on every hydrant can also provide additional protection 24 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 3 1 5 Flowing Wells The water from flowing wells must be controlled to prevent depletion of the water resource Free flowing water wells in some areas of the province have drastically lowered wat
55. cations 34 4 3 Cleaning and Maintaining Application Equipment 34 4 4 Transporting Pesticides 35 4 5 Custom Applicators 35 4 6 Pesticide Training 35 4 7 Legislation 36 4 8 For More Information 37 5 0 Fertilizer Storage Handling and Application 39 5 1 Dry Fertilizer Storage 40 5 2 Liquid Fertilizer Storage 40 5 3 Fertilizer Mixing and Loading 41 5 4 Anhydrous Ammonia 41 5 5 Application of Fertilizers 42 5 6 Legislation 42 5 7 For More Information 43 6 0 Fuel Storage and Handling 45 6 1 Siting and Setup 46 6 1 1 Minimum Separation Distances 46 6 1 2 Stands 47 6 1 3 Secondary Containment 48 6 1 4 Evaporation 48 6 2 Dispensing Fuel 49 6 3 Fuel Tank Safety 49 6 4 Small Containers 50 6 5 Monitoring for Fuel Losses 50 6 6 Transportation of Fuel 52 6 7 Legislation 53 6 8 For More Information 53 7 0 Surface Water 55 7 1 Surface Water Pathways 56 7 1 1 Water Pathway Characteristics 56 vii BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 7 2 Managing Water Pathways 57 7 2 1 Manure Storage and Composting Operations 58 7 2 2 Animal Facilities 58 7 2 3 Disposal Sites for Mortalities 60 7 2 4 Silage Storage 60 7 2 5 Disposal Field Systems 60 7 3 Legislation 61 7 4 For More Information 61 8 0 Farmstead Waste Management 63 8 1 Burning 67 8 2 Household Hazardous Waste 68 8 3 Medical Wastes 68 8 4 Animal Heal
56. cent to ice A deeper dugout with steep slopes will provide the best water quality and help minimize such losses Some dugouts may require licensing by Alberta Environment Check with Alberta Environment to ensure all legislative requirements are met when planning any of the following situations where dugouts are constructed in waterways intercepting groundwater over 12 500 cubic metres 2 749 615 gallons in size using more than 6 250 cubic metres 1 374 807 gallons of water a year Contact your local Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration AAFC PFRA and Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development AAFRD water specialists for proper dugout planning and design information 3 2 1 Management of Inflow Water into Dugouts If you are planning to fill the dugout from runoff or an irrigation canal be sure to locate the dugout upstream of any livestock area construct a berm around the dugout if filled from irrigation water to prevent potential runoff from entering water supply fence the dugout to prevent animals from entering the water supply install a pumping system with a floating intake aerate to prevent the water from becoming stagnant A dugout in the middle of a waterway becomes a sediment trap and silts in more quickly Wherever possible dugouts should be located beside the water runway and have a short water diversion channel connecting the
57. ch as moving cattle or operating loud equipment during the week and midday as opposed to weekends and evenings Confine activities to areas remote from neighbours if possible Use shelterbelts and windbreaks as noise barriers Reduce engine noise by gearing up and throttling down Prevent noise problems before they develop such as maintaining and repairing field equipment machinery and vehicles Avoid prolonged periods of idling equipment and vehicles near neighbours Replace loud equipment with more efficient and quieter equipment Locate loud building equipment such as grain dryer or ventilation fans on the opposite side of buildings away from neighbours 101 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Shelterbelts can help reduce dust smoke odour and noise concerns Courtesy of AAFRD 11 4 Preventing Managing and Resolving Conflict Conflict is a struggle between two or more people because of a real or perceived difference in needs or values Properly managed conflict can be productive because it can encourage people to examine issues more carefully deepen our understanding of problems open the door to new ideas and alternative solutions help foresee the consequences of proposed actions enable people to take risks and solve problems Learning the skills necessary to prevent manage and resolve conflict is important in t
58. d lead pipe Store in secure area Reuse except for asbestos Recycle except for asbestos Licensed landfill Dispose of asbestos as a hazardous waste Old vehicles and farm equipment Remove any fluids oil antifreeze fuel Use for parts or take to scrap dealers Automotive wastes lubricants antifreeze filters Store in secure area ensure no water can get into fluids and do not mix antifreeze with other automotive wastes Fuel dealers Dispose of as a hazardous waste Batteries Store in secure area where spills or leaks can be contained Recyclers Automotive batteries cannot be transported in bulk Battery collection Dispose of as a hazardous waste Pressurized tanks Return to supplier Tires Reuse Tire recycling depot or retailer Licensed landfill that will accept tires Used motor oils and filters Store in secure area Reuse as a lubricant or as road dust control see Section 8 8 Oil recycling depot Local fuel retailer Dispose of as a hazardous waste Unused pesticides see Section 8 6 Return unopened and leftover product to dealer Dispose of as a hazardous waste Pesticide containers and contaminated packaging see Section 8 6 Triple rinse or pressure rinse containers Do not reuse Take to pesticide container recycling depot or return to dealers where possible Organic wastes grass clippings trees shrubs and food waste
59. d using the right fuel for the season and performing regular maintenance Poor maintenance schedules can reduce the life of an engine by one quarter to one half A properly maintained engine gets 6 400 hours of operation before an overhaul is needed The average tractor gets less than 4 000 hours 10 3 Lighting The type of lighting you use depends on the application and environment Consider how much light is needed duration of lighting type of environment indoors outdoors temperature moisture dirt paint surfaces etc to determine the most efficient lighting for each situation General maintenance of light bulbs can be as simple as wiping the dirt off This small step allows the correct light level to be emitted through without additional lamps being added Lights come in various forms and each type of light has different characteristics see Table 10 1 Consider your lighting options High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen High Intensity Discharge HID lighting Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen 90 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads LIGHT TYPE APPEARANCE AP
60. d Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration 1 2 3 5 7 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development 4 6 10 11 12 Alberta Environment 8 Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services 9 Publication funded by Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Program AESA Editing Tracey Feist Ground Words Communications Design Geoff Kramer Perpetual Notion Inc x BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 1 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Introduction 1 0 2 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads A glossary of terms is listed at the end of the manual words defined in the glossary are highlighted in bold when they first appear in the main text 1 1 Purpose A beneficial management practice BMP is defined as any management practice that reduces or eliminates an environmental risk This manual has been designed to provide you an Alberta producer with information about beneficial management practices BMPs that deal with environmental risks on rural farmstead sites BMPs maintain or improve a farm s soil water air and wildlife habitat resources and therefore contribute to the farmstead s overall sustainability and to the economic and environmental health of the farm family as well as the surroundi
61. d with handling and storing fuel on the farm At present the Alberta Fire Code governs the storage and handling of petroleum products Although Alberta producers are exempt from the Code its standards are used as guidelines for producers to follow as beneficial management practices 6 1 Siting and Setup Proper siting and setup of your storage area is important in minimizing or eliminating risks associated with handling fuel see Figure 6 1 When determining fuel storage locations on your farm keep minimum separation distances from areas that could be affected by fire and fuel leaks and spills Prior to installing storage tanks or facilities ensure equipment such as tanks support stands and dispensers are in accordance with the Alberta Fire Code FIGURE 6 1 A WELL PLANNED FARM FUEL STORAGE SITE A Courtesy of Resource Management Branch British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Adapted 6 1 1 Minimum Separation Distances Fuel storage areas should be located well away from buildings trees ignition sources other fuel tanks water bodies and water sources to reduce environmental and safety risks Keeping the storage area free of vegetation and away from buildings and ignition sources helps reduce the danger to fuel tanks in the event of a fire Ignition sources include electric motors road traffic yard lights power lines cell phones air conditioning or heating units and garbage burning barrels The following diagram Fi
62. dard of Practice 1999 Handbook Website www municipalaffairs gov ab ca Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association Publications 780 489 7471 Private Onsite Waterwater Treatment System Owners Website www aowma com 87 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Energy Efficiency This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address energy efficiency on your farmstead 10 0 87 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 88 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Energy costs are a significant part of a farmstead s total operating budget The burning of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions By improving energy use on your farmstead you can help minimize or reduce your financial costs and environmental risks Before you can make energy efficiency changes on your operation you need to know how much energy you are actually using This can be accomplished by completing an energy audit 10 1 On Farm Energy Audit The purpose of an energy audit is to determine what energy costs are associated with your home and farm including what and where the energy is being used The first step is to look at the cost and consumption rate of electricity natural gas gasoline diesel and other energy sources from which a base cost assessment can be developed The
63. ding to Disasters in Canada Website www farmcentre com Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta General Inquiries 1 866 222 8265 Farm Tank Brochure Website www ptmaa ab ca 55 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Surface Water This chapter discusses beneficial management practices and environmental risks associated with surface water pathways in and around the farmstead 7 0 55 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 56 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Surface water flowing onto the farmstead is called run on and can be a result of runoff from adjacent land rainfall or snow melt Some surface water may be absorbed by the soil on the farm site However if the soil becomes saturated then water collecting on the soil surface will flow through the farmstead and become runoff If the water comes in contact with potential hazards such as pesticides fuel manure or sewage it can carry contaminants such as chemicals or nutrients with it as it travels Contaminated surface water should not be allowed to enter or adversely affect any water sources such as dugouts or wells or water bodies such as groundwater sloughs or streams Contaminated runoff should not be allowed to travel off farm site property Pathways which potentially allow contaminated water to reach water supplies
64. disposed of within 48 hours of death However the dead animal may be stored for more than 48 hours if stored less than a week in an enclosed structure with impervious walls and floors that have been constructed for the storage of dead animals outside during winter when the temperature is low enough to keep the dead animal completely frozen in a freezer in accordance with the directions of an inspector appointed under the Health of Animals Act or under the Livestock Diseases Act 8 5 1 Burial If carcasses are to be buried do it promptly to control odour insects and scavenging Screen the burial pit area from view with trees shrubs or fences and locate it some distance away from livestock and other farm areas see Figure 8 1 For more information refer to Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development s Livestock Mortality Burial Techniques document Agdex 400 29 2 Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animals Regulations contain the following guidelines for burial The total weight of carcasses in a burial pit must not exceed 2 500 kilograms 5 500 lb The pit must be 100 m 328 ft from wells waterways and high watermarks of lakes 25 m 82 ft from the edge of a coulee major cut or embankment 100 m 328 ft from any livestock facility including pastures that are not owned or leased by the owner of the animal 100 m 328 ft from a residence 300 m 984 ft from a prima
65. e Container Collection Program Pesticide Regulation Factsheets Pesticide Services Pesticide Storage Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines Pesticide Waste Disposal for Commercial Pesticide Applicators Services and Vendors Prevention of Water Contamination by Pesticides Direct all pesticide complaints or reports of spills releases to Alberta Environmental Response Centre at the 24 hour toll free line 1 800 222 6514 Website www gov ab ca env Pesticide Management www3 gov ab ca env protenf pesticide Alberta Transportation Publications 1 800 272 9600 Dangerous Goods and the Agricultural Industry Website www trans gov ab ca Queen s Printer Phone 780 427 4952 Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides Website www qp gov ab ca Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications 1 800 267 6315 Regulation of Pesticides in Canada Website www pmra arla gc ca 38 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CropLife Canada Publications 416 622 9771 Pesticide Safety Handbook Website www croplife ca 39 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Crop Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Fertilizer Storage Handling and Application This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address storage handling and application of fertilizers on the farmstead 5 0 39 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmen
66. e contamination or indirect contamination from soil and water In addition raw or inadequately cooked food in particular meat and eggs and non pasteurized fruit juices and dairy products can potentially infect people Pathogens can potentially transfer between animals and people through direct and indirect contact Common pathways of transmission include contact with animals animal manure contaminated animal products feed or equipment see Figure 2 3 Activities that potentially increase the risk of infection include working closely with livestock treating sick animals hunting or processing animal products for food Person to person transmissions can occur as well especially when infected people do not use proper hygiene such as washing hands before cooking or eating or after using the washroom Through proper management practices producers can minimize their risk of pathogen infection and the introduction of pathogens to the food chain and the environment Using proper personal hygiene food handling processing and cooking procedures can prevent transmission Good animal care sanitary livestock facilities and sound manure management practices will also significantly reduce or completely stop the transmission of pathogens from animals to people 8 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads FIGURE 2 3 AN EXAMPLE SHOWING PATHOGEN TRANSFER FROM CATTLE TO PEOPLE 2 2 3 Hydrocarbons Hydrocarbons are cur
67. e visibility on nearby roadways and may result in traffic accidents Smoke from burning brush or other farm wastes can create similar problems to dust Burning wastes on the farm has been a common practice for years but there are hazards associated with this practice Depending on the type of waste various by products can be produced while burning that can cause respiratory concerns for animals and humans As well the ash left behind can be contaminated with heavy metals that should be disposed of properly When burning wastes on the farm it is important to sort them and consider other disposal alternatives For more information on managing farm wastes refer to Chapter 8 in this manual GREENHOUSE GASES AND AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION Water vapour H2O carbon dioxide CO2 methane CH4 ozone O3 nitrous oxide N2O and halocarbons used in refrigerants are the main greenhouse gases in the atmosphere The trapping of heat by these gases controls the earth s surface temperature Emissions from human activities are important additional sources of greenhouse gases Increasing concentrations of these gases are believed to increase global warming Global warming may affect water quality and quantity and may result in problems such as more severe or extreme weather events like tornadoes droughts winter storms and more forest fires 12 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Dust generated from farming activi
68. e well may only tap into one aquifer and must have the casing sealed from the top of the aquifer to the surface To obtain a license contact Alberta Environment Part of the licensing process requires proof that water supplies are adequate for the farmstead s needs New water use must not have a negative effect on neighbouring household wells or wells that have a senior water license For assistance with the initial assessment of groundwater potential contact government agencies such as Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development AAFRD or Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration AAFC PFRA which have access to maps and water well data Local water well drillers can also provide valuable information Alberta Environment has a sliding scale of requirements for licensing depending on the amount of water uses For more information refer to the Groundwater Evaluation Guidelines at http www3 gov ab ca env water Legislation Guidelines GroundwaterEvaluation pdf 12 2 2 Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act The purpose of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act EPEA governed by Alberta Environment is to support and promote the protection enhancement and wise use of the environment The environment includes air land and water all layers of the atmosphere all organic and inorganic matter all living organisms the interacting natural systems that include
69. each of the above components Prohibited Releases The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act EPEA prohibits operators from releasing into the environment a substance in an amount concentration or level or at a rate of release that causes or may cause a significant adverse effect on the environment While significant is not defined in EPEA adverse effect is broadly defined to mean the impairment of or damage to the environment human health or safety or property For example if a farm operator spreads manure on land at a rate that will overload the nutrient levels in the soil or releases manure on land where the manure will run into a water body the operator is in violation of EPEA 110 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Help protect the environment by adopting BMPs Courtesy of Duane McCartney Alberta Environment can issue a substance release Environmental Protection Order EPO when a substance release into the environment is causing has caused or may cause an adverse effect These EPOs can be issued even if an operation is in compliance with legislation as they are intended to be remedial preventive in nature rather than punitive Generally these EPOs will direct an operator to develop a plan for dealing with the release and to implement the plan once it has been approved by Alberta Environment Alberta Environment can also issue an EPO to an individual responsible
70. ectious disease that can be spread by scavengers or insects it is best to dispose of these animals under the direction of a veterinarian Also natural disposal is not allowed under the Livestock Diseases Act if the animal is euthanized Here are the following guidelines for natural disposal under the Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation The animal is disposed of on property owned or leased by the owner of the animal The total weight of the carcasses disposed of at any one site must not exceed 1 000 kilograms 2 200 lbs There must be at least 500 m 1640 ft between disposal sites The site must be 500 m 1 640 ft from wells waterways and lake high watermarks 25 m 82 ft from the edge of a coulee major cut or embankment 400 m 1 312 ft from any livestock facility including pastures that are not owned or leased by the owner of the animal 400 m 1 312 ft from a residence 400 m 1 312 ft from a road allowance 400 m 1 312 ft from a provincial park recreation area natural area ecological reserve wilderness area or forest recreation area The site must not create a nuisance FIGURE 8 2 MINIMUM DISTANCE SEPARATIONS FOR NATURAL DISPOSAL 25 m 400 m RESIDENCE LIVESTOCK FACILITIES WATER BODIES 500 m WATER SOURCES COULEE 73 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 8 6 Pesticides 8 6 1 Proper Pes
71. ed or non compromised product to the dealer for a refund If a product container is leaking overpack the container by packing it in a larger container with leak collection material such as kitty litter until it can be properly transferred to a good container Dispose of opened leftover product as a hazardous waste For more information refer to Chapter 8 4 1 1 Storage Facilities When storing pesticides ensure the facility Is secure with signs posted indicating the storage contents Is constructed to minimize or eliminate potential soil and water contamination by having curbs and an impermeable floor to contain spills and leaks Does not have a floor drain unless there is a proper holding tank for drainage collection If there is a tank it should be monitored regularly and the fluid disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste regulations 33 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Store chemicals in a secure facility with appropriate signage Courtesy of AAFRD 4 2 Large and Small Scale Pesticide Handling and Application Activities that may affect the environment in and around a farmstead could range from mixing and loading of field sprayers to applications in a livestock yard garden or surrounding field Whether dealing with large or small amounts of pesticides use the following guidelines to reduce contamination and toxicity risks Identify
72. egulation Agricultural Operation Practices Act AOPA Standards and Administration Regulation Safety Codes Act Private Sewage Disposal Systems Regulation Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice 1999 Water Act Water Ministerial Regulation Livestock Diseases Act Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation 7 4 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development AAFRD Publications 1 800 292 5697 Agricultural Operation Practices Act AOPA 2004 Reference Guide Agdex 096 1 Cattle Wintering Sites Agdex 420 580 2 Emergency Measures for Control of Wind Erosion Agdex 572 1 Getting to Know Your Local Watershed Agdex 576 8 Grassed Waterway Construction Adex 573 6 Introduction to Water Erosion Control Agdex 572 3 Introduction to Wind Erosion Control Agdex 572 2 The Standard Environmental Standards for Alberta s Livestock Industry Fact Sheets Quality Farm Dugouts Agdex 716 B01 Water Quality Fact Sheets Neil Crawford Alberta Government Library 780 422 7689 Beef Herd Management Reference Binder and Study Guide 807 1 book loan Keep a Clean Image Livestock and Water video loan Manure and Riparian Management in the 21st Century video loan Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca 62 BEN
73. el of fuel at the start and end of the 24 hour period Compare the measurements for signs of fuel loss These measurements will be more consistent if done at least 24 hours after fuel delivery Any trend of unexplained losses of fuel or increases may indicate a leak and should be investigated further You can also verify that a leak is occurring by using water sensitive paste on the tip of the stick If water can get into the tank fuel can get out of the tank Despite taking necessary precautions to prevent spills and leaks they do occur and must be dealt with effectively and efficiently If a spill does occur stop the flow as quickly as possible to prevent fuel from entering water bodies or sources and catching fire Fuel can ignite easily when it overflows a vehicle s tank and comes in contact with a hot exhaust system Use non combustible materials such as soil to contain the spill never use rags or sawdust to absorb it as these materials can easily catch fire Contact your local fire department if the spill is more than 50 litres 13 gallons If the spill is greater than 200 litres 53 gallons as a regulatory requirement you must report it to Alberta Environment by contacting their emergency department For contact information refer to For More Information at the end of this chapter 6 6 Transportation of Fuel The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations regulates the transporting of fuel on Alberta highways When transportin
74. ental risks by ensuring jugs are rinsed automatically and reduces the risk to the producer by eliminating handling of pesticide containers Empty pesticide containers must be disposed of properly and in accordance with provincial regulations Under Alberta s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act non refillable plastic or metal pesticide containers restricted commercial agricultural and industrial products must be disposed 74 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads of at a pesticide container collection site A list of pesticide container disposal sites in Alberta and operation hours are available from municipalities the AAFRD Crop Protection Manual Agdex 606 1 or Alberta Environment Paper and cardboard pesticide packaging that have not been contaminated with pesticides can be directed to a recycling centre Any cardboard contaminated due to a container rupture accidental spill or improper handling procedure should be disposed of as a hazardous waste Evidence of cardboard contamination should be obvious signs of exposure to liquid powder or granules or a strong chemical odour Do not burn paper bags or cardboard containers Some pesticide container sites have bins or separate areas for collecting these outer packaging materials Containers from topical parasiticides e g pour on compounds or powders for lice and mange should be returned to dealers for collection and disposed through prog
75. ential risks that may exist on your farm 4 1 Pesticide Storage The best way to eliminate any environmental risk associated with pesticide storage is to avoid storing pesticides on the farmstead If you cannot use the pesticide within a reasonable time then make arrangements with your supplier for storage or minimize the volumes you have by sharing the extra pesticide with your neighbours When storing or transporting pesticides the best practice is to keep the pesticide in the original container with all labelling clearly visible Always ensure the container is transported with secondary containment to catch any spills or leaks If you must store pesticides do so with the following guidelines in mind Store minimal amounts of product Storage time should not exceed the growing season Use secondary containment made of an impermeable material to contain possible leaks For example store chemical jugs in tubs or trays on storage shelves All original containers must retain manufacturers labels and any secondary containers must also be properly labelled detailing the contents and date Consult the pesticide label for specific storage instructions Do not store with or near food feed seed drinking water protective equipment or emergency response equipment Store and handle pesticides at a distance greater than 30 m 98 ft from a water body and 90 m 295 ft from a water well Return unopen
76. er s Guide An Introduction to Stand Alone Wind Energy Systems Stand Alone Wind Energy Systems A Buyer s Guide Website www nrcan gc ca 95 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Publications 1 800 387 2000 Infosearch 2001 Energy Efficiency at Your Fingertips There are several other publications available to help you become more energy efficient in these topic areas Appliances Energy Efficient Products Heating and Cooling Home Building R2000 Website www oee nrcan gc ca Prairie Swine Centre Inc Office 306 373 9922 Energy Efficiency in Barns Part 1 Energy Efficiency in Barns Part 2 Website www prairieswine usask ca 96 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 97 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Nuisance This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address nuisance concerns such as dust odour and noise on the farm 11 0 97 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 98 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads As agriculture and other land uses continue to compete for space in Alberta nuisance conflicts will increase Significant nuisances associated with farming operati
77. er and the soil is saturated Waterway A low path where surface water collects and flows Well cap A commercially manufactured device used to cover the top of a well casing This cap prevents surface water solid material or other substances from entering the well through the top of the well casing Well casing Steel plastic pipe or concrete tile installed as a lining when a well is constructed A casing serves to strengthen the well bore hole so it does not collapse It also prevents contaminants from entering a well and allows placement of a pump or pumping equipment Well pit Lined shallow excavation constructed around the top of the well casing of a drilled well It is no longer legal to construct a well pit in Alberta 126 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads AGDEX 090 1 PRINTED IN CANADA
78. er contamination and its effects are usually not recognized until groundwater quality is seriously affected and nearby wells have been contaminated Surface contaminants can enter a well directly through the top of the casing if there is not a proper well cap or through unsealed spaces along the outside of the casing Old and abandoned wells should be decommissioned or plugged to prevent the following problems downward movement of water in the well or well annulus surface contamination from reaching aquifers intermixing of water between aquifers of different water quality WHO IS RESPONSIBLE In Alberta responsibility for plugging a water well is defined by legislation The drilling contractor is legally responsible for immediately plugging a well that is not completed due to construction problems or inadequate yield The well owner is responsible for plugging the well when the well is no longer being used as a water supply the well is in a poor state of repair and the pumping equipment has been removed or cannot be repaired or replaced the well produces water that is unsuitable for drinking Unless you use the right plugging materials and have them properly placed in the well you will end up with a poorly sealed well that can allow contaminants to enter the groundwater It is generally best to hire a drilling contractor to complete the plugging of your well This person has the expertise and equipment to d
79. er levels in neighbouring wells wasted the resource and contributed to saline soil conditions in the overflow area Under the Water Act flowing wells must be controlled Ideally the flow should be shut off when the water is not in use The regulations require that the flow rate does not exceed either the water requirements of the well owner or 100 cubic metres per week 2 18 gal min whichever is smaller If the flow requirement exceeds 100 cubic metres per week the water use must be licensed Restricting the flow can be accomplished by a variety of methods Talk to a well driller or plumber about the most practical method for your situation 3 1 6 Old and Abandoned Wells A great number of rural residents rely on water wells While the exact number of abandoned wells in Alberta is unknown it is estimated to be in the tens of thousands Abandoned wells that are no longer used or maintained for future use pose a serious threat to the preservation of groundwater quality They are also a serious safety and environmental hazard for children and animals Old wells may be poorly constructed or have a rusted steel casing that can lead to the contamination of aquifers and neighbouring wells When the steel casing of an abandoned well starts to corrode holes will develop When this situation occurs surface contaminants or poor quality water from shallow aquifers may migrate into the deeper aquifers of nearby operating wells Unfortunately groundwat
80. farmstead should be made accessible to others who visit or work on the farm Emergency response teams should also have access to the plan to help them distinguish between response procedures for different situations In the case of spills with hazardous sources such as pesticides fuel fertilizer or livestock manure those living and working on the farmstead need to be responsible for minimizing environmental and safety risks by following these steps 1 Isolating the affected area 2 Wearing protective clothing 3 Ventilating the area 4 Stopping further leaks 5 Containing the spill area 6 Reporting the spill 7 Cleaning the spill 8 Decontaminating the spill area 9 Disposing and reclaiming the waste To ensure human health and safety protect the environment and prevent a more extensive problem report all spills immediately if entering or threatening a water body or source Reporting a spill provides information if clean up is required It also provides a record in case the incident is reported by someone else and leads to an investigation that may result in costly sample taking and associated chemical analyses to determine what has been spilled In the case of a non hazardous accidental spill it is always a good idea to carry a supply of fresh water and a clean pair of gloves to wear when cleaning up First it is important to read any product labels or contact the manufacturer for advice on clean up procedures most p
81. for the release of an offensive odour ordering an individual to among other things prevent minimize or remedy the offensive odour or destroy the cause of the odour This power does not apply to offensive odours from an agricultural operation that is carried on in accordance with generally accepted practices for that operation However there is no definition of generally accepted practices Whether an operator is following generally accepted practices will be decided by the Environmental Appeal Board or by a peer review board appointed by the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Development Within these regulations there are also provisions for impairing visibility on a highway or developed property due to emissions from activities such as burning debris Duty to Report The EPEA requires operators to report any releases that may cause an adverse effect to the environment A release must be reported immediately once it has been discovered Failure to report a release can result in significant fines Calling Alberta Environment s emergency response line 1 800 222 6514 is usually sufficient to report a release In some circumstances an operator will also be required to file a subsequent written report Typically when an operator reports a release Alberta Environment will require the operator to identify the steps to prevent harm to the environment and to prevent the release from reoccurring 111 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT
82. from potential contamination Alternative livestock watering systems such as nose pumps help protect water sources from contamination risks Courtesy of AAFRD 3 4 Pipelines Some rural residents are supplied with water from community pipelines which either deliver treated potable water or untreated raw water If the pipeline supplies treated water the major concern is maintaining the water quality once it is at the farmstead Most pipelines deliver a low volume of water often 1 2 gallons per minute to a cistern at the farm site It is important that the cistern be secure with a cover to prevent access by rodents insects children etc or contaminants from entering the water supply 28 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Clean and disinfect your cistern at least once a year 1 Drain and clean the tank 2 Inspect for cracks or leaks as water can leak both in or out 3 Fill the tank with potable water 4 Disinfect with 100 mg l chlorine solution with 8 litres of household bleach per 4500 litres 1000 gal of water 5 Run water out of each water line to get the bleach into the entire piping system 6 Let sit for at least 20 minutes 7 Drain the chlorinated water from the tank 8 Refill with potable water If your pipeline supplies untreated water to the farmstead make sure the water is treated appropriately so the water becomes suitable for home use Many treatment s
83. ft apply as close to ground as possible Irrigate where applicable following application 100 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Other BMPs to avoid odour nuisances and conflicts associated with other practices on the farm include Ensure the location of silage mortality composting or other odour producing practices are at adequate distances from neighbours Design compost facilities correctly to ensure proper composting of material in a timely manner Dispose of farm waste at proper waste management facilities Use shelterbelts to manage odour movement by wind to neighbours Tell neighbours or utilize signs in advance when odour producing activities are planned Time odour producing activities to minimize contact time with neighbours 11 3 Noise Another nuisance associated with farming operations is noise Many rural areas now have more non agricultural landowners than before and noise foreign to them from agricultural practices may become a nuisance These noise concerns often relate to the volume duration and or timing of farming operations The following BMPs could be used to minimize or prevent noise as a nuisance and resolve conflicts Advise neighbours in advance when noisy activities such as calving or weaning occurs and when planning to conduct loud operations such as harvesting and grain drying Time noisy activities su
84. g fuel in volumes less than 450 litres combined capacity of all containers diesel is unregulated The diesel tank requires only a flammable placard or sticker A gasoline tank is regulated and therefore a placard with the UN number shipping name and label are required When transporting more than 450 litres and less than 2 000 litres combined capacity of all containers of gasoline or diesel the tank requires one flammable liquid placard attached to the tank The UN number for diesel and gasoline are 1202 and 1203 respectively see Figure 6 4 1203 3 GAS 1202 3 DIESEL FIGURE 6 4 PLACARDS SHOWING FLAMMABLE SYMBOL CLASS AND UN NUMBER EMERGENCY PLAN Every farmstead needs an emergency plan which outlines the location of hazardous materials emergency equipment telephone numbers and necessary clean up instructions The plan gives those living on the farmstead guidelines to follow for minimizing potential environmental damage to the site as well as protects those living on the site and in the surrounding community For more information about emergency planning and the steps necessary to minimize environmental risk and ensure the safety of others refer to the Appendix 53 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 6 7 Legislation Producers should be aware of the following pieces of legislation that pertain to petroleum storage and handling and the potential environmenta
85. g pieces of legislation that pertain to nuisance issues For more information on legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Provincial Legislation Agricultural Operation Practices Act Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Substance Release Regulation 11 7 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Publications 1 800 292 5697 Agricultural Operation Practices Act AOPA 2004 Reference Guide Agdex 096 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Alberta Cow Calf Producers Manual 2004 Agdex 420 28 2 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Crop Producers in Alberta 2004 Agdex 100 25 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Dairy Producers in Alberta 2003 Agdex 410 28 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Feedlot Producers in Alberta 2002 Agdex 440 28 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Hog Producers in Alberta 2002 Agdex 420 28 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Poultry Producers in Alberta 2003 Agdex 450 28 1 Manure and Pasture Management for Horse Owners Agdex 460 27 1 Meeting Odour Head On Fact Sheets Ag Info 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Farmers Advocate Office Office 780 427 2433 Website
86. ging Water Pathways Water pathways can be managed by reducing the volume of water eliminating or minimizing potential hazards and controlling the movement of surface water within the farmstead see Figure 7 1 FIGURE 7 1 MANAGING SURFACE WATER PATHWAYS Follow these general guidelines to manage your water pathways Locate the farm site on higher ground than that which surrounds it to avoid or prevent potential run on from flowing onto the farmstead Locate potential hazards such as manure storage areas away from water flow pathways and potential flood zones on the farm site or protect storage sites so that contact with surface water is minimized or eliminated Divert run on waters around the farmstead using natural topography or man made structures such as ditches dykes berms or pipes to avoid water contact with manure sewage or other potential farm hazards to minimize water contamination Keep in mind that large scale diversions are regulated by the Alberta Water Act and these diversions may change water supplies and soil salinity patterns Reduce the amount of run on from flowing through yards Modify pathways to reduce the impact that surface water runoff may have for your particular situation For example designing and planting a vegetative filter strip in the pathway can slow down water movement and settle out suspended solids Another option to consider is a constructed wetland Constructed wetlands wil
87. gure 6 2 provides guidelines for distances when siting petroleum storage ROOF FOR WEATHER PROTECTION AND FUEL EVAPORATION REDUCTION ROD AND GROUND WIRE SELF CLOSING FUEL NOZZLE FUEL FILTER LOCKABLE FILLER CAP LOCKABLE PRESSURE VENT CAP TAMPER PROOF DRAIN COCK FIRE EXTINGUISHER IMPERMEABLE FLOOR BUMPER GUARD OIL OIL FUEL METER CLAMP TO METAL PART OF TRACTOR SECONDARY CONTAINMENT BONDING LINE 47 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads FIGURE 6 2 MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCES FROM FUEL STORAGE AREAS 6 1 2 Stands Typically many farm sites in Alberta have gravity fed tanks on stands 1 to 3 m 4 to 9 ft high These tanks tend to become unstable because of the weight of the fuel or they melt due to a fire resulting in a spill The best practice is to mount tanks at ground level or on solid concrete or steel supports no higher than 0 3 m 1 ft off the ground Supports should provide a minimum two hour fire resistant rating and be on a firm foundation to help prevent uneven settling Aboveground or gravity fed tanks located too close to trees increase fire hazards and damage from fallen trees Courtesy of AAFRD 1 m OTHER FUEL TANKS 3 m ANY BUILDING IGNITION SOURCE PROPANE 6 m 6 m 6 m GRASS AND WEEDS 30 m FORESTED AREA WATER BODY 50 m WATER WELL 30 m 48 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farm
88. has a 75 percent evaporation loss reduction compared to a dark coloured tank Locate a painted and pressure vented tank in the shade to further reduce evaporation losses by over 40 percent A shelter with a roof also helps reduce weathering of hoses and valves see Figure 6 1 Do not fill the tank to more than 90 percent of its capacity this practice reduces pressure in the tank and thus evaporative or spill losses 6 2 Dispensing Fuel Care and caution should be taken while fuelling vehicles farm machinery or jerry cans To reduce spills and avoid fires use the following procedures when dispensing fuels Ensure the dispenser unit is ULC and CSA approved with automatic shut off valves Use a hand or electric pump If using an electric pump it must be installed according to the Code of Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities Close the valves on tank discharges when they are not in use to prevent leakage through the hose or nozzle Never leave the area unattended even if automatic shut off nozzles are being used There is always the possibility of nozzles malfunctioning or getting knocked out of the tank 6 3 Fuel Tank Safety To prevent further fuel losses from occurring you need to regularly maintain and monitor storage facilities by taking the following additional precautions Protect tanks and piping against corrosion to prevent leaks Protect all pumps lines and t
89. he offences under the EPEA the intent to commit the offence must also be proven to obtain a conviction For those offences the due diligence defence does not apply Fines For strict liability offences an individual is liable for a fine of not more than 50 000 for each offence under the EPEA and a corporation is liable for a fine of not more than 500 000 for each offence Each day that a release or impairment occurs is treated as a separate offence For example a release from a catch basin occurring over two days would be treated as two offences and expose the corporation to a maximum fine of 1 000 000 Those offences that require proof of intent to commit the offence carry higher penalties a 100 000 maximum fine for individuals and a 1 000 000 maximum fine for corporations Pesticide Sales Handling Use and Application Regulation The EPEA regulates the sale use application handling storage transport and disposal of pesticides For example the regulations of this Act specify use of pesticides according to the directions specified on the label transportation and disposal of pesticides in a way that ensures they will not contaminate food or water storage of pesticides in their original containers or in other containers that are clearly marked responsibility of the user for cleanup and decontamination in case of accidental spills washing of pesticide contaminated material or sprayers is prohibited
90. igorous engineering site assessment to guard against surface water and groundwater pollution Licensed sites separate wastes such as construction materials paint containers batteries and household garbage In general licensed sites will have approval from Alberta Environment which also classifies landfills based on the type of waste material collected TABLE 8 1 CONTINUED TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE FARM WASTES 67 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Under the same Regulation prohibited debris which cannot be burned without a special permit includes animal manure wood or wood products containing wood preservatives waste materials from construction sites rubber including tires plastics including baler twine oil pesticides or any other chemical containers plastic or rubber coated materials including copper wire any waste that causes dense smoke offensive odours or releases toxic substances If using a burning barrel ensure to use proper ventilation and screens locate far enough away from combustible materials and never leave it unattended during use Remember there are other alternatives to burning waste reduce reuse recycle recover and finally proper disposal 8 1 Burning Most farmsteads have a burning barrel but burning waste not only poses a fire hazard it also releases many chemicals creating environmental risks Burning barrels do
91. is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gases Nitrogen can also be lost to the atmosphere as ammonia NH3 creating odours More discussion on greenhouse gases and odours can be found later in this chapter Too much nitrogen in water supplies in the form of nitrates NO3 can harm livestock and humans Drinking water with high nitrate levels may cause nitrate poisoning which reduces the amount of oxygen absorbed by body tissues In human babies this condition is known as blue baby syndrome causing the skin to turn a bluish colour particularly around the eyes and mouth Livestock show symptoms of nitrate poisoning by having problems standing up and staggering With prolonged exposure excessive nitrate levels can eventually be fatal Elevated nutrient levels particularly with phosphorus P degrade surface water quality by promoting excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae Algal blooms exhaust the supply of oxygen during growth and decomposition During decomposition microorganisms breakdown organic material removing dissolved oxygen from the water This reduction of oxygen can result in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms Some types of blue green algae can also release toxins deadly to livestock and humans during decomposition Algae can also block water intakes reduce the appeal of water bodies for recreation and give an unpleasant taste and odour to drinking water FERTILIZER COMPOST NUTRIENT PLANT UP
92. iscomfort that damage will result creates smoke odour noise or vibration which interferes with the reasonable and comfortable use of a person s property is found to be a nuisance at common law For more information on the Agricultural Operation Practices Act AOPA contact Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development AAFRD or the Natural Resources Conservation Board NRCB 12 2 6 Soil Conservation Act The Soil Conservation Act gives municipal councils the authority to protect land from soil loss or deterioration Under the Act each landholder has the responsibility to actively prevent soil loss or deterioration from taking place or if soil loss or deterioration is already taking place to stop it from continuing Each municipal council has the duty to ensure that each landholder in its jurisdiction fulfills this responsibility When agricultural practices cause or are likely to cause soil degradation a soil conservation officer usually an agricultural fieldman acting on behalf of the municipality s Agricultural Service Board may serve notice on the landholder advising him or her to take remedial action within a specified time The landholder may appeal this notice If the appeal fails then the landholder must comply with the notice If the remedial action is not done within the specified time the soil conservation officer and or others under the officer s direction may enter the property and perform the required
93. ish habitat is protected by the Fisheries Act Courtesy of AAFRD Liability of Directors and Officers If a corporation violates the Act any officer director or agent of the corporation who was involved with the incident even in a minor way is liable on conviction to punishment under the Act whether or not the corporation itself has been charged This situation is true regardless of whether the officer director or agent works for a large corporation or a small incorporated family farm Thus an officer director agent or an incorporated farm can by held personally responsible for violations of the Act if the officer or director directed or participated in the violation Strict Liability Offences Offences under the Fisheries Act regarding the deposit of deleterious substances or harmful substances into water frequented by fish are strict liability offences The courts are only concerned with whether the operator committed the offence not whether he or she intended to commit the offence or the morality of the actions If the operator did commit the deleterious substance action the courts will convict the operator unless the operator can show that at all times the water is not has not been and is not likely to be frequented by fish the operator acted with due diligence to prevent the commission of the activity at issue the operator reasonably and honestly believed in the existence of the facts that if true the opera
94. its Odour mitigation practices should focus on reducing the nuisance to neighbours by minimizing the frequency intensity duration and offensiveness of odours While research and development are underway to find solutions for odours the following factors should be considered To date no technology emerges as a clear choice for the industry because of costs real and perceived associated with implementation and long term operation of the technology The technology to completely prevent and remove odour either does not exist or is prohibitively expensive to install and or manage Many odour control technology studies have focused on mitigation of odour at a particular location of the operation or reducing emissions from a single source Effective odour control strategy for a livestock operation may require using more than one technology or management practice More research is needed to further evaluate the effectiveness of some of the odour control technologies that have been tested 2 2 7 Dust and Smoke Dust creates environmental problems and social concerns It may contain nutrients diseases seeds pollen and plant tissue as well as agrochemicals such as pesticides These materials can cause health problems such as respiratory problems and in the case of pesticides contaminate non target areas As well dust from road travel or farming activities such as tillage harvest or manure hauling can reduc
95. keep the septic field healthy and active There are other disposal options for greywater when it is separated from blackwater due to the low presence of pathogens Thus greywater can be used for irrigating but only on non food plants since there is a chance of contaminating plants used for food It can also be discharged below ground in a drip irrigation system where soil bacteria will filter any pathogens and nutrients out of the water Regardless of the disposal method separation distances for greywater from property edges wells water sources watercourses and buildings must be met and all runoff should be contained on the property 9 5 Legislation Producers should be aware of the following pieces of legislation that pertain to household wastewater management For more information on the legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Provincial Legislation Safety Codes Act Private Sewage Disposal Systems Regulation 86 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 9 6 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Environment Publications 780 427 2700 Guidelines for the Application of Municipal Wastewater Sludges to Agricultural Lands March 2001 Information Centre 780 427 2700 Website www gov ab ca env Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services 1 866 421 6929 Alberta Private Sewage Systems Stan
96. l hazards pathways receptors and combinations of these on your operation 2 Determine the likelihood that receptors would be at risk because of those hazards 3 Assess the level of effect these risks have to determine their seriousness and what level of action is required 4 Identify reasonable actions or beneficial management practices that are necessary to manage high risk situations This Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads will give you a start at dealing with environmental risks on your farm and provide you with some beneficial management practices or options to address them Listed at the end of this chapter are other manuals that provide more information about managing risks on other aspects of farming operations In Alberta a producer organization administers a program to help you identify and assess environmental risks on your operation For more information on doing a self assessment of environmental risks on your farm contact the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company AEFP Co Their contact information is in the For More Information section at the end of this chapter BIODIVERSITY ON THE FARMSTEAD Once you have identified and considered environmental risks on your farmstead you need to take a step back and look at the entire farmstead Biodiversity is one benefit of having a well managed farm The loss of biological diversity can decrease future land use opportunities and threaten sustainability as biodiver
97. l risks For more information on the legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Federal Legislation Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations Provincial Legislation Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act 6 8 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Environment General Inquiries 780 427 2700 Report spills or releases to the Alberta Environment Response Centre 24 hour toll free line 1 800 222 6514 Website www gov ab ca env Alberta Municipal Affairs Safety Services 1 866 421 6929 Alberta Fire Code Website www municipalaffairs gov ab ca Alberta Transportation Dangerous Goods and Rail Safety Branch 1 800 272 9600 Dangerous Goods and the Agricultural Industry Website www trans gov ab ca Safety Codes Council General Inquiries 1 888 413 0099 Website www safetycodes ab ca Canadian Standards Association CSA General Inquiries 1 800 463 6727 Canadian Electrical Code Part I 20th Edition Safety Standard for Electrical Installations Website www csa ca 54 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Canadian Farm Business Management Council Publications 1 888 232 3262 Planning for and Respon
98. l slow down water movement and contain it for a period of time allowing biological activity to help reduce nutrient levels Reduce water usage by fixing leaks and using water restrictors when appropriate to conserve water and reduce the volume of runoff FIELD SEPTIC FIELD BERM RUNOFF RUN ON REDIRECTED VEGETATIVE FILTER STRIP CLAY LINED CATCHBASIN STREAM 58 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Collect and store rainwater from roofs to water lawns and gardens or to wash objects on the farm site Collected rainwater can be made clean enough for these uses by simply settling particles separating solids aerating or any combination of these Contain and treat runoff that has come into contact with hazards Collect water that contains excess nutrients in a catch basin and use as fertilizer in the field Plant vegetative strips near riparian areas or ditches to settle sediments filter dilute and absorb nutrients Collect contain and properly dispose of water that has pesticides petroleum or other non biodegradable hazards appropriately 7 2 1 Manure Storage and Composting Operations Water that has come in contact with manure or compost can absorb nutrients of particular concern are phosphorus and nitrogen as well as pathogens These substances can contaminate clean surface water or groundwater supplies The Agricultural Operation Practices Ac
99. lassifications of dangerous goods Class 1 Explosives e g ammunition fireworks Class 2 Gases e g acetylene anhydrous ammonia propane Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquids e g diesel fuel gasoline Class 4 Flammable solids e g calcium sodium Class 5 Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides e g adhesives disinfectants nitrates Class 6 Poisonous toxic and infectious substances e g pesticides vaccines wood preservatives Class 7 Nuclear substances radioactive materials e g nuclear moisture gauges Class 8 Corrosives e g acids bleach Class 9 Miscellaneous products substances or organisms e g asbestos hazardous wastes If a product such as a fertilizer pesticide or fuel falls under one of these classes then the TDG Regulations must be followed The Act specifies that when shipping dangerous goods proper classification documentation and labelling are required Placards must have safety marks designed specifically for each dangerous good and must consist of the class shipping name and UN number Before you handle offer for transport or transport dangerous goods you must have a valid Dangerous Goods Training Certificate or must be under the supervision of an individual who has undergone training There are exemptions to the TDG Regulations applicable to the agricultural industry in terms of hauling between two properties personal use and limited quantities
100. le floor curbs and a sump Liquids from the sump can be used for future applications For mixing liquid fertilizers either have a backflow preventer on the water supply or ensure that there is a 15 cm 6 in air gap between the hose and water source or supply If possible use a closed handling system to transfer the fertilizer directly from the storage container to the applicator equipment so people and the environment are not exposed to the fertilizer 5 4 Anhydrous Ammonia Anhydrous ammonia is a corrosive compressed gas that is liquefied under pressure It can present significant health and safety risks if not handled and stored properly Handlers and applicators should ensure all equipment is inspected prior to use checking for properly functioning valves breakaway couplers and ensuring all high pressure hoses are free of cracks or wear It is also very important never to assume all pressure has been released from hoses when working around equipment or when connecting or disconnecting hoses Many regulations are in place to keep the use of anhydrous ammonia safe All equipment and parts used for storing transporting and applying anhydrous ammonia must be registered and inspected on a regular basis to meet strict design standards and pressure tests Under federal law anyone handling offering for transport or transporting anhydrous ammonia must also complete Transportation of Dangerous Goods TDG training every three years
101. ll allow bacterial action to resume more quickly during the warmer summer months It is not necessary to thoroughly scrub and flush the septic chamber until it is visibly clean The small amount of sludge that remains on the floor and walls will serve as microbial inoculants which will allow normal operation to resume as soon as possible Vacuum pumped sewage hauling trucks are available commercially to empty septic tanks This equipment is capable of doing an excellent job without spillage Current disposal options for solid wastewater material or septic tank contents consist of two kinds land application and wastewater treatment plants Where hauling distances make the delivery of the wastewater to a treatment plant not feasible land application is the most economic and viable option Disposal of private wastewater on agricultural land is an acceptable practice However disposing of municipal wastewater is regulated and must follow certain restrictions governed by Alberta Environment Always keep records indicating where when and how much wastewater was applied Land applications with such wastewater should occur between April and October of each year on soil with a pH gt 6 5 on slopes lt 5 percent on land with depth to water table gt 2 m 7 ft when wastewater can be injected or incorporated within 48 hours 85 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads EMERGENCY PLAN
102. lling out of province call 1 403 742 7901 iv BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads v BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Table of Contents 1 0 Introduction 1 1 1 Purpose 2 1 2 Background 2 2 0 Environmental Considerations 3 2 1 What is an environmental risk 4 2 2 Environmental Hazards 5 2 2 1 Nutrients 6 2 2 2 Pathogens 7 2 2 3 Hydrocarbons 8 2 2 4 Salts 9 2 2 5 Pesticides 9 2 2 6 Odours 10 2 2 7 Dust and Smoke 11 2 2 8 Other Chemicals 12 2 3 Environmental Pathways and Receptors 12 2 3 1 Water 13 2 3 2 Soil 14 2 3 3 Air 15 2 3 4 Humans and Livestock 15 2 4 Taking the Next Steps 16 2 5 For More Information 17 3 0 Farmstead Water Sources 19 3 1 Water Wells 20 3 1 1 Water Volume 20 3 1 2 Well Location 21 3 1 3 Well Construction 22 3 1 4 Well Pits 23 3 1 5 Flowing Wells 24 3 1 6 Old and Abandoned Wells 24 3 2 Dugouts 25 3 2 1 Management of Inflow Water into Dugouts 27 3 3 Natural Water Sources 27 3 4 Pipelines 28 3 5 Legislation 28 3 6 For More Information 29 vi BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 4 0 Pesticide Storage Handling and Application 31 4 1 Pesticide Storage 32 4 1 1 Storage Facilities 32 4 2 Large and Small Scale Pesticide Handling and Application 33 4 2 1 Mixing and Loading Lo
103. local businesses and hiring local youths hosting a farm tour picnic barbecue or potluck to generate goodwill and provide an opportunity for neighbours to ask questions about your operation in a relaxed atmosphere 11 5 Role of the Farmers Advocate The Alberta Farmers Advocate Office FAO receives nuisance complaints about non regulatory concerns like odour noise dust smoke or other disturbances resulting from agricultural operations Once a complaint is received the FAO staff will assess the situation and determine if the complaint is valid If it is valid then the Farmer s Advocate will take a proactive approach in mediating between the disputing parties by providing information support and possible resolutions to address the issues of concern When a complaint concerns an agricultural operation that is meeting the regulations the Farmers Advocate will provide the operator and complainant with possible solutions and systems to resolve their disagreement outside of the courts The resolution process can help identify practical ways the farmer can address neighbours concerns The process can also help complainants better understand what is involved in acceptable agricultural practices this perspective can be especially important for people who are new to living in rural areas 103 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 11 6 Legislation Producers should be aware of the followin
104. monia NH3 and hydrogen sulphide H2S gas levels Odour is generally considered a nuisance rather than a health risk to neighbours because of the degree of dilution and dispersion that occurs within short distances from the odour source Here the discussion includes human response to odour which is unique for each person and extremely variable and the environmental factors of the site which can be managed to reduce the environmental risk to air quality PESTICIDE IN FISH EATING BIRDS 25 PPM PESTICIDE IN LARGE FISH 2 PPM PESTICIDE IN ZOOPLANKTON 0 04 PPM PESTICIDE IN SMALL FISH 0 5 PPM PESTICIDE IN WATER 0 000003 PPM 11 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads It is difficult to evaluate odour and its effects for the following reasons Odour from manure is made up of about 160 compounds Humans have varied responses to these compounds The proportion and characteristics of odour contributed by each of the primary sources barns storages and land application are not well understood Research is underway to characterize odours released from each of these sources Odour intensity and offensiveness varies between individuals The combination of different odours can have positive and negative effects on intensity and offensiveness These effects are not easily predicted However there are management practices that can control odour within reasonable lim
105. mound resulting in a more effective wastewater treatment and extending the life of the system Packaged sewage treatment plant A packaged sewage treatment plant is a high tech septic tank that produces a higher quality effluent than a standard septic tank Air is stirred or bubbled into the waste to help breakdown the material resulting in sludge and a reasonably clear effluent The effluent is discharged to the final treatment component of the disposal system and the sludge is periodically pumped out Sand Filters Sand filters receive effluent from a septic tank and provide further treatment This additional treatment is achieved using a pressurized distribution system within the sand filter which intermittently discharges effluent evenly over the surface of the sand The sand provides an aerobic environment and contains bacteria that treat the effluent Once treated the effluent is then collected and pumped to a final disposal system Disposal field A disposal field system is an effective means of distributing effluent evenly within a soil covered trench containing void spaces Microorganisms living in the soil then use oxygen in these voids to breakdown the effluent into safer components Types of disposal fields include conventional system that uses perforated piping laid in gravel bedded trenches and usually sub surface weeping tiles to help distribute effluent in the soil see Figure 9 2 chamber system that uses pe
106. next step in the audit is finding where the energy is being used When looking at operation costs and efficiency it is necessary to conduct on farm inspections of all buildings doors lights windows equipment etc Insulation levels the hours lights are on ventilation settings and age of equipment all need to be taken into consideration when conducting the walk through This knowledge will give you a better understanding of energy use and loss on your farm Some important questions to ask when looking for energy problems and possible solutions include Have buildings and equipment been regularly maintained Can sealing of windows and doors be improved or should they be replaced Can insulation be added Can operating temperature be reduced Could automated controls help save energy Does equipment need to run as long Can more efficient equipment be installed On average farm costs can be reduced by 10 to 15 percent by practicing proper maintenance and making minor modifications to operation practices The actual cost savings will depend on how energy efficient the operation was before modifications were implemented For more information on conducting energy audits contact your local energy supplier 10 2 Field Operations Tractors and Equipment For farm equipment and other machinery that is used on your farmstead regularly scheduled maintenance helps maximize energy efficiency and reduce wear
107. ng Compact fluores cent T8 fluorescent T12 fluorescent Incandescent Mercury vapour Low pressure sodium High pressure sodium Metal halide Halogen 92 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 10 4 Homes and Buildings R 2000 construction is the most energy efficient to help prevent shell heating loss in homes and buildings on the farmstead Insulating buildings to recommended levels by using R20 R30 insulation for walls and R30 R40 for ceilings is helpful Thermopane windows also help decrease energy loss in the home as do tight fitting doors and windows sealed with caulking and weather stripping Installing a continuous air vapour barrier to keep outside air and moisture from entering a building will also be effective to reduce energy losses Energy can be lost through water heaters and furnaces so regular maintenance is crucial A dirty water heater can operate as low as 73 percent efficiency whereas a clean one operates at 90 to 95 percent Periodically drain your water heater to remove accumulated sediment from the tank Whenever possible use electricity outside of peak demand times 6 30 to 9 00 a m and 5 00 to 9 00 p m This decreases the load on the community s electricity system and decreases overall electricity costs 10 5 Shelterbelts Energy conservation is a growing public concern Shelterbelts can provide a reduction in energy consumption because the
108. ng is where water emerges from a defined location Stewardship Stewardship can be defined as an individual s responsibility to manage resources and to ensure resources are sustained or enhanced for future generations Surface water All water found on the ground surface such as lakes ponds sloughs wetlands dugouts rivers creeks temporary streams canals and drainage ditches Sustainable Practices that provide a flow of goods and or services over a long period of time without degrading the environment or lowering productivity ULC and CSA approved Tested and approved for safety by the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada ULC and the Canadian Standards Association CSA Some items such as chemical storage containers must have ULC approval 125 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Vegetative filter strip Vegetation planted along or around a sensitive area to slow down the movement of water to help settle out solids and filter contaminants by providing oxygen to microbes that transform contaminants into less harmful forms Water body Any location where water flows or is present Water bodies include lakes wetlands aquifers rivers and sloughs Water source A developed or natural structure containing raw or potable water that is used for a specific purpose Water table Upper level of the soil zone where all spaces between the soil particles are filled with wat
109. ng landscape and community Since the farmstead is the heart of your operation it is important to learn how to identify areas of potential risk This manual offers you options for managing those areas of risk so that your farmstead remains the key to the health of your family your livestock and the environment Each farm is unique Not all beneficial management practices provided in the manual are suited to every situation or farmstead site You will need to consider your site s specific environmental risks and review the various options available to address those risks Then you can choose those options best suited to your needs and adapt them to the specific conditions on your farm More information on beneficial management practices to address environmental risks associated with crop and livestock production can be found for specific commodity groups A series of Beneficial Management Practices manuals for Alberta producers are listed at the end of Chapter 2 1 2 Background Agricultural producers in Alberta value the environment and feel strongly about their role as stewards of the land They also understand that for their farm to remain productive and for Alberta s agricultural industry to be competitive in world markets they need to safeguard environmental quality The competition for land and water resources has increased in recent decades as Alberta s population and economy have grown This trend makes it increasingly important fo
110. nificant water body if possible GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE SURFACE RUNOFF INFILTRATION AQUIFER EVAPORATION EVAPOTRANSPIRATION PRECIPITATION SHALLOW SUBSURFACE FLOW 14 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads The following factors that affect water pathways should be considered when developing action plans to reduce risks Most runoff comes from spring snow melt and presents a great risk to surface water potentially contaminating it as the soil is still frozen and water infiltration is limited Infiltration of water is slower in fine textured soils clay increasing the amount of runoff from these soils into surface water Infiltration of water is faster in coarse textured soils sand increasing the amount of water that will infiltrate the soil and reach groundwater Long and steep slopes will increase the speed at which water will travel reducing water infiltration rates and capture of hazards Packed soils and paved surfaces as found in farmsteads will reduce infiltration and increase surface water runoff Permanent vegetation cover within the pathway will slow water down and can in turn capture hazards both dissolved and in soil particles Depending on the hazard this approach may be a form of treatment reducing the risk 2 3 2 Soil Soil is made up of four major components organic matter mineral particles water and air Soil can be
111. ntainment and cleanup equipment ready such as an absorbant material like kitty litter Have a cell phone or two way radio available if possible for emergencies Prevent backflow from the sprayer to the water source Never place a hose into the sprayer tank or container below the water line Install backflow preventer devices on all water lines leading to the storage area and pad Fit spray equipment with an operational backflow preventer 4 3 Cleaning and Maintaining Application Equipment To reduce or eliminate risks associated with equipment problems plant damage or animal toxicity it is important to clean and maintain all chemical application equipment This practice ensures pesticide efficacy as well as reduces risks associated with cracked hoses and leftover residue Any chemical residues in spray containers or tanks can potentially contaminate other pesticides used in other applications When preparing for the next pesticide application Inspect and perform regular maintenance checks on all equipment Calibrate application equipment Clean and rinse all parts of the application equipment thoroughly with water or other solution as advised by the product label Designate sites to clean flush and rinse the equipment Dispose of the rinsate according to product label directions If possible apply rinsate directly to treatment area If you cannot apply it on the treatmen
112. o a proper job 25 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 3 2 Dugouts Dugouts are often used on farmsteads as a water source If the site has a low poor quality groundwater supply dugouts may be used exclusively or in combination with a well If a farmstead has both the well water is usually saved for household use because it is typically of better quality Dugouts are usually filled by surface water and can provide good quality water for livestock and irrigation purposes However there is a greater risk of contaminants entering the dugout as many are typically filled by spring runoff or water from irrigation canals creeks rivers or lakes Some dugouts are groundwater filled and may pose a higher risk of groundwater contamination and should be managed accordingly It is important to always monitor a dugout s water quality Dugout fenced to protect water quality Courtesy of AAFRD Generally dugouts have high levels of organic matter but surface runoff high in particulate matter and plant nutrients increase these levels This situation results in significant algae and weed growth eventually resulting in poor water quality Thus it is important that dugouts be monitored maintained and treated to avoid water quality issues Traditionally dugout water was not treated or treatment consisted of a combination of chlorination rapid sand filtration and or granular activated carbon filtration Ho
113. o be identified based on site specific characteristics and you need to identify receptors and pathways based on the potential chain of events The rest of this chapter outlines more specific hazards and provides information on potential pathways and receptors that may exist on your operation By reading the remainder of this chapter you will be better equipped to identify potential risks on your operation 2 2 Environmental Hazards Many different hazards exist on a farmstead and when managed properly they pose little or no threat to the environment and your family s health Outlined in the table below Table 2 1 are some examples of potential hazards and their possible sources that may exist within a farmstead TABLE 2 1 POSSIBLE SOURCES OF HAZARDS ON A FARMSTEAD HAZARDS SOURCES Nutrients Soil inorganic fertilizer manure silage household wastewater compost materials bales organic residues Pathogens Household wastewaters manure livestock mortalities animal health care products Hydrocarbons Gasoline diesel kerosene lubricants oil Salt Feed supplements manure inorganic fertilizer hydrocarbons pesticides household wastewater groundwater Pesticides Agricultural household garden Noise Loud machinery and equipment Odour Manure inorganic fertilizers silage livestock mortalities decomposing plant and animal residues Dust and Smoke Vehicle and machinery traffic burning residues or wastes Other
114. oday s society The most important thing producers can do to reduce the risk of conflict associated with nuisances is to ensure communication with neighbours is open honest and thorough To communicate with your neighbour effectively take the matter seriously listen to and acknowledge concerns be diplomatic and ask questions to identify the real issues apologize admit mistakes and when others make mistakes help them save face shift the emphasis to mutually acceptable solutions and offer to look into the matter promptly respond to complainants with information they need to relieve their concerns take responsibility and steps to mitigate damage or eliminate problems stay on top of on going problems while keeping neighbours informed of on going progress on the farm 102 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Host a tour for your neighbours to help them understand your operation Courtesy of AAFRD Be a Good Neighbour Being a good neighbour helps to build trust and understanding when problems arise Practices to strengthen your relationship with your neighbours include getting to know them and letting them get to know you and your farming operation being friendly and helpful to neighbours in need getting involved in the community by supporting local charities and community groups such as sports teams and youth groups supporting
115. on Labelled sealed containers can also be taken to Class II landfills that accept medical waste OTHER ANIMAL HEALTH CARE PRODUCTS Items including antibiotics parasite treatments vaccines implants and banned drug products need to be disposed of immediately after use In addition to returning those products back to the place of purchase you can take them to a hazardous waste facility to be disposed of properly Regularly consult your supplier or veterinarian about products that may have been banned 70 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 8 5 Livestock Poultry and Farm Animal Mortalities Livestock and animal deaths may occur no matter how well an operation is managed Disposing of dead animals quickly and effectively is important to reduce the risk and spread of disease Carcasses can be a source of disease if scavenged by wildlife or pets Some of these diseases can then be passed back to livestock or even humans Carcasses are also unsightly odourous and a breeding site for flies The choices for disposal under Alberta Agriculture s Livestock Diseases Act Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animal Regulation are burial incineration composting rendering natural disposal except for animals that have been euthanized with drugs and chemicals or if the animal is known or suspected to have died from an infectious or reportable disease The dead animal should be
116. ons include dust smoke odour and noise Rural residents should consider how to best deal with and minimize these nuisances 11 1 Dust and Smoke Dust and smoke can be a concern for both rural residents and agricultural producers Dust from traffic activities whether from farming operations or road travel and smoke from burning farm wastes can potentially create a nuisance for your neighbours Practices to minimize or eliminate these nuisances will help lessen the conflicts that can occur For more information regarding proper burning of debris refer to section 8 1 of Chapter 8 The following BMPs can be used to minimize or eliminate dust as a nuisance Reduce speed when driving near farmsteads or country residential homes and use the least travelled route during times of heavy traffic volumes Inform neighbours when and for how long farm related traffic volumes are going to increase during busy periods Be aware of the effect heavy traffic may have on your neighbours and if possible adjust your road travel accordingly This practice may mean a reduction in farm related traffic in morning at night and on weekends Wet down gravel or dirt roads with water or oil during times of heavy traffic For more information on applying oil to your roadways in accordance with regulations refer to Chapter 8 Pave roadways in front of yard if possible Use shelterbelts or windbreaks to reduce dust movement
117. ons provide more information to help you better identify the environmental risks and potential receptors on your farm 13 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 2 3 1 Water Within a farmstead water can be found in various locations including permanent water bodies such as creeks dugouts ponds lakes sloughs and groundwater aquifers Water bodies can also include intermittent water resulting from runoff created by snow melt and rainfall Although these waters exist temporarily they can serve as pathways that can transport hazards to receptors The water cycle in Figure 2 5 demonstrates water movement and outlines how surface water and groundwater are interconnected FIGURE 2 5 WATER CYCLE When water has a specific use it can be considered a receptor and therefore becomes a concern Specific uses include domestic or livestock consumption irrigation recreation and habitat for aquatic life How a water source is evaluated will also depend on the connection between the surface water and groundwater at the site and the potential for water to move offsite If water moves offsite whether above or below ground the concern is that you no longer have control of it and the hazard it may carry To effectively reduce environmental risks the goal is to manage water pathways This could include controlling the movement of water and providing an opportunity for the hazard to be treated before flowing into a sig
118. ontent and plant nutrient needs Using soil tests to ensure proper amounts of nutrients are applied can help you reduce the level of environmental losses associated with excessive nutrients and extra costs associated with high application rates Many factors may affect the amount of nutrients available in the soil These factors include plant type soil type and soil moisture as well as climatic factors such as rainfall temperature and sunlight Management factors that affect fertilizer nutrient availability include nutrient sources application methods broadcasting versus banding and timing spring versus fall 5 6 Legislation Producers should be aware of the following pieces of legislation that pertain to fertilizers and the environmental risks associated with their use For more information on legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Federal Legislation Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act Provincial Legislation Agricultural Operation Practices Act Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act 43 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 5 7 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Publications 1 800 292 5697 Managing Nitrogen to Protect Water Quality Agdex 576 1 Minerals for Plants Animals and Man Agdex 531 3 Protect Groundwater Qualit
119. ows and material cycling Escherichia coli E coli E coli are bacteria found in the intestines of humans and warm blooded animals and are necessary for a number of important functions including digestion However different strains present a health risk such as E coli O157 H7 produce powerful toxins causing severe illnesses such as bloody diarrhea fever vomiting and kidney failure Gearing up and throttling down A driving technique used to improve tractor fuel efficiency and reduce noise level The driver reduces the engine speed and shifts up a gear to maintain the same ground speed Giardia A single celled microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of humans and animals The dormant form is excreted in the stool of infected animals and humans presenting health risks Greenhouse gases Water vapour carbon dioxide ozone methane nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons that contribute to the greenhouse effect trapping heat in the earth s atmosphere Greywater The relatively clean wastewater that does not contain human or animal wastes but wastes from water used in tubs sinks or washing machines 123 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Groundwater Water found below the ground surface This water is free to move by gravity soaking into the ground from wetlands lakes or precipitation The upper surface of the groundwater forms the water table Habitat The envi
120. r air soil human animal or any combination Pitless Adaptor A mechanical device used to provide frost free sanitary well connections that are designed to replace pump houses and well pits 124 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Pressure rinse A method to rinse pesticide containers properly Water is sprayed under high pressure against all inside surfaces of the container and the rinsate is added to the sprayed tank Receptor A receptor is something that has the potential to be affected usually in an adverse way by a given hazard Rinsate Wastewater from cleaning the inside of product containers or chemical application equipment Riparian area Riparian areas are lands adjacent to surface water bodies where the soil and vegetation are strongly influenced by water Riparian areas stay greener longer and produce more forage than uplands partly due to soils and mostly due to an elevated water table Runoff Water that moves across the land as overland flow or that moves laterally in an unsaturated zone as interflow or subsurface flow Run on Water that flows onto a given area Secondary containment Any structure such as a dike built around a chemical storage area to hold 110 percent of its maximum volume Seepage Seepage is the slow movement of water through the soil from a large undefined area into or out of a surface or subsurface water body In contrast a spri
121. r everyone including farmers to manage these resources wisely Analyzing the location of any farmstead is a critical first step in improving the health of the operation s environment By understanding how the farmstead fits into the landscape producers can identify potential contaminants foresee possible pathways for those contaminates to travel and predict where those contaminants might end up Understanding the farmstead s layout will ultimately assist in making appropriate management decisions While some physical properties of a site such as slope soil type water table and climate may be beyond a producer s control management decisions can be influenced by these physical properties Factors that can be managed include water supply storage locations of potential contaminants and run on and runoff control of surface waters An emergency plan can also be developed to manage risk Managing risk and adopting BMPs suited to your farmstead are important in building and maintaining an operation that is economically sound as well as socially and environmentally responsible BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 3 CHAPTER Environmental Considerations This chapter discusses environmental risks on a farmstead in more detail and introduces the steps to assessing those risks 2 0 4 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Environmental risks may occur
122. rams operated by manufacturers 8 7 Treated Seed Practices to properly store and dispose of treated seed include the following If you are treating bulk seed on the farm treat only as much as you need for immediate use For temporary storage on the farm place the seed in a secure sealed container If you have leftover treated seed that cannot be returned to a dealer plant the seed at a rate not exceeding three times the normal seeding rate or contact a regional sanitary landfill for authorization to bring the seed to the landfill for immediate burial 8 8 Used Oil for Road Surfaces Used oil can be recycled or used to control dust but only in accordance with Alberta Environment s Guidelines for the Application of Used Oil to Road Surfaces These guidelines allow used oil to be applied for dust control under the following conditions The applicator must have permission from the land owner or municipality responsible for the road The oil must meet certain specifications for maximum contents of things like arsenic cadmium lead etc These components are listed in the guidelines but fortunately most waste oil from typical diesel or gasoline engines contains less than these limits so farmers are not obligated to send their oil in for testing The application of the oil must be more than 25 m from surface water including sloughs or a domestic water supply The application rate cannot
123. re Extinguisher Fuel Tank Septic Field E G E G Livestock Pen Livestock Shelter Pesticide and Fertilizer Storage 119 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Alberta Farm Safety Program 780 427 4231 Handling Pesticides Are You Protected Safe Handling of Agrochemicals Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Municipal Affairs Fire Commissioner s Office 780 427 8392 Field Technical Services 1 866 421 6929 Fire Safety Publications Website www municipalaffairs gov ab ca Sustainable Resource Development Publications 780 427 2700 FireSmart Manual Protect Your Home From Wildfire 3rd Edition SRD 025 IC Forest Fire Line 310 FIRE 3473 Website www srd gov ab ca Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company Office 1 866 844 2337 Emergency Farm Plan Tube Website www albertaefp com 120 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 121 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Glossary of Terms Abandoned well An unused well left unattended and not maintained for future use Application rate The recommended amount of fertilizer manure or pesticide applied
124. receive unwanted organisms such as moulds or bacteria which can produce deadly toxins if the plant material is not at optimum moisture conditions for producing silage Depending on silage moisture levels leachate may occur from the storage area or from runoff due to precipitation If the silage cover is in good condition precipitation should not be contaminated and can simply be directed away from the silage storage area If leachate does occur it should be collected in a non metallic vented storage area Deadly gases such as hydrogen sulfide can form if the leachate mixes with manure on site Treat the leachate using aeration dilution or neutralization methods or use as a fertilizer in the field When fertilizing fields with silage leachate use amounts that will not burn crops deplete soil oxygen levels or migrate into watercourses Another option is to use silage leachate as added moisture when making compost Aerobic composting bacteria use the nutrients in the leachate and the pH is returned to non acidic values 7 2 5 Diposal Field Systems Both run on and runoff should be considered when operating or locating septic systems such as disposal fields or open discharge systems These systems rely on aerobic oxygen using bacteria in the soil to filter nutrients so they do not leach into groundwater If the field becomes waterlogged from excessive run on or use then the bacteria cannot get enough oxygen When this occurs nutrient levels ma
125. red Individuals should seek the advice of appropriate professionals and experts as each situation may differ from those set out in the manual The guidelines are intended to provide management options for farmstead and acreage owners of various sizes and types Individuals should not extract portions of this publication nor draw inference without considering all aspects of the farmstead and operation Any level of government should not adopt these guidelines literally into legislation in whole or in part All information including descriptions of or references to products persons websites services and publications is provided entirely as is and the authors make no representations warranties or conditions either expressed or implied in connection with the use of or reliance on this information This information is provided to the recipient entirely at the risk of the recipient and because the recipient assumes full responsibility the publishers shall not be liable for any claims damages or losses of any kind based on any theory of liability arising out of the use of or reliance on this information including omissions inaccuracies typographical errors and infringement of third party rights For More Information If you have comments or questions about this manual or would like more information you can e mail duke gov ab ca or call the Ag Info Centre at 310 FARM 310 3276 between 8 00 am and 5 00 pm MT Monday to Friday If ca
126. relate to potential environmental effects of agricultural practices and provide a foundation to ensure that agriculture is operating in a sound and responsible manner Your operation must meet the legal requirements described in the acts and regulations This manual is aimed at producers who are striving for excellence in farmstead stewardship Therefore many of the practices described in the previous chapters go beyond the basic legal requirements to help you reach your goals for an environmentally and economically successful operation Copies of Alberta s acts and regulations are available online or in hard copy from the Queen s Printer For contact information please refer to For More Information at the end of this chapter 12 1 Federal Legislation 12 1 1 Fisheries Act Deleterious Substance The Fisheries Act is administered by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and prohibits anyone from depositing or permitting the deposit of anything into any type of water frequented by fish which can have a deleterious or harmful effect on the fish Further the Act prohibits anybody from depositing a deleterious or harmful substance in any place under any condition where the substance may enter any water frequented by fish It defines the phrase water frequented by fish very broadly to include all internal waters of Canada This definition includes any creek river stream lake or slough frequented by fish including a creek th
127. rently the world s main source of heat and power Fuels and lubricants contain hydrocarbons that can be hazardous to the environment Human health risks are also associated with these products but this manual focuses on environmental risks Additional information on health risks can be found in Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS available from your fuel delivery company Products containing hydrocarbons such as gasoline diesel and kerosene can be explosive and very volatile The build up of vapours in an area can be toxic to humans or livestock Thus when working with fuels work in a well ventilated area and follow all safety precautions such as wearing goggles gloves coveralls and masks Fuels can potentially contaminate water bodies and water sources by moving quickly over and through the soil Fuel can flow over the soil surface with runoff into surface water bodies or migrate downwards through the soil into groundwater supplies It only takes a few litres of gasoline to severely pollute a farmstead s drinking water The water may smell and taste fine but may still be contaminated even though the amount of contaminant is small Most soil and water contamination occurs when there is a fuel spill or a leak INFECTED WITH PATHOGEN INGESTION OF PATHOGEN INDIRECT CONTACT WITH PATHOGEN DIRECT CONTACT WITH PATHOGEN PATHOGEN IN COW MANURE 9 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 2 2 4 Salts
128. result in visible runoff of oil beyond the traveled portion of the road Application of oil is limited to two times per year EMERGENCY PLAN Every farmstead needs an emergency plan which outlines the location of hazardous materials emergency equipment telephone numbers and necessary clean up instructions The plan gives those living on the farmstead guidelines to follow for minimizing potential environmental damage to the site as well as protects those living on the site and in the surrounding community For more information about emergency planning and the steps necessary to minimize environmental risk and ensure the safety of others refer to the Appendix 75 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 8 9 Legislation Producers should be aware of the following pieces of legislation that pertain to wastes and the environmental risks associated with their storage and disposal For more information on the legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Federal Legislation Fisheries Act Health of Animals Act Provincial Legislation Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Substance Release Regulation Waste Control Regulation Livestock Diseases Act Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation 8 10 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Pu
129. resulting in lower heat costs Courtesy of PFRA 10 6 Alternative Energy Sources Renewable energy resources are great alternatives to fossil fuels Alternative technologies include wind solar geothermal and small hydro based power sources Today s renewable energy technologies involve biomass based products such as wood straw grasses manure corn wheat based ethanol or biodiesel When considering alternative energies you first want to reduce your energy consumption It is easier to save a watt than it is to produce a watt Alternative energies can benefit many farmsteads as the cost tends to be less expensive than conventional sources over the long term They also produce fewer greenhouse gases which benefits the environment It is up to you to determine which technology best suits your farmstead The key is to look for alternatives that are practical reliable cost effective and environmentally sustainable 10 7 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Publications 1 800 292 5697 First Steps to Energy Management Save Time and Money Agdex 818 2 Shelterbelts in Alberta Shelterbelt Varieties for Alberta Wind Power Uses and Potential Agdex 767 2 Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca 94 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmstead
130. rforated structures to provide void spaces for storage and movement of effluent and an interface with the exposed soil surface for infiltration gravel substitute that is a conventional disposal field in which gravel is replaced with an alternate media having characteristics that provide void spaces and performance similar to gravel 81 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads SOIL LAYER SEPTIC TANK SAND LAYER PERFORATED PIPE SEPTIC TANK PERFORATED PIPE DISPOSAL FIELD TRENCHES FIGURE 9 2 CONVENTIONAL DISPOSAL FIELD SYSTEM Treatment mounds Treatment mounds are built above grade to overcome limits imposed by proximity to water tables bedrock or by highly permeable or impermeable soils see Figure 9 3 Effluent pumped to the mound then drains through a layer of sand in which aerobic bacteria exist to treat the effluent FIGURE 9 3 TREATMENT MOUND SYSTEM 82 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads SEPTIC TANK EFFLUENT LINE DISCHARGE OUTLET EFFLUENT LINE RECEIVING PIT BERM LAGOON CLEANOUT Open discharge systems An open discharge system discharges effluent on to the ground surface so the effluent evaporates and absorbs into the soil as a method of treatment see Figure 9 4 The system must contain the effluent on the property and protect the soil at the outlet from erosion Alternative designs for open discharge sys
131. roducts have a 1 800 customer service number on the label Disposing of all absorbent materials must be done in an approved landfill If the spill is large evacuate the area and notify Alberta Environment through their Emergency Response Centre at 1 800 222 6514 Mapping out your farmstead site may be a good first step to identifying potential hazardous areas see Figure 1 The following diagram outlines where all buildings are located in proximity to roads dugouts fuel tanks corrals or animal shelters Main power poles with transformers and breakers should also be included In addition be sure to include anything that can become a hazard on the map compressed gas storages oxygen acetylene and air tanks fuels and oils electrical gas and water shutoffs water well locations including abandoned and unused wells and water sources including dugouts 118 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads fertilizer and pesticide storages as well as mixing and loading areas compost and manure storage areas farm waste storage areas septic systems fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers FIGURE 1 FARMSTEAD MAP OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND SOURCES Dugout Trees Twp Rd 243 Waterway Machine Shed House Trees Water Well Main Power Pole with Transformer and Breaker Electrical and Gas Shutoff Driveway Fire Extinguisher Fi
132. ronment in which a plant or animal lives Hazard A source of contamination that has the potential to cause a negative effect Impermeable Restricted movement of liquids gases or odour through a given material Infiltration The downward movement of water through cracks joints and pores in soil and rock Leaching The downward movement of water carrying dissolved or suspended substances through the soil profile Minimum Distance Separation MDS The absolute minimum distance established as a setback or buffer to reduce nuisances and environmental risks between sources of contamination or hazards such as sewage or manure storage facilities and any receptors such as adjacent land residences water bodies or water sources Nuisance Any activity that arises from unreasonable unwarranted or unlawful use of a person s own property causing obstruction or injury to another person or the public The activity creates smoke odour noise or vibration resulting in annoyance inconvenience discomfort and or damage as well as interferes with the reasonable and comfortable use of a person s property Nutrient An element essential for plant or animal growth Major nutrients include nitrogen phosphorus carbon oxygen sulphur and potassium Organic Matter Comprised primarily of plant residues at various stages of decomposition Pathway A pathway describes how a hazard travels from a source to a receptor Pathways can be wate
133. rovincial Legislation Agricultural Pests Act Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Weed Control Act EMERGENCY PLAN Every farmstead needs an emergency plan which outlines the location of hazardous materials emergency equipment telephone numbers and necessary clean up instructions The plan gives those living on the farmstead guidelines to follow for minimizing potential environmental damage to the site as well as protects those living on the site and in the surrounding community For more information about emergency planning and the steps necessary to minimize environmental risk and ensure the safety of others refer to the Appendix 37 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 4 8 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Publications 1 800 292 5697 Crop Protection the Bluebook Agdex 606 1 How Herbicides Work Biology to Application Agdex 606 2 Protect Groundwater Quality Minimize the Risks Agdex 576 5 Neil Crawford Alberta Government Library 780 422 7689 Impacts of Farm Inputs video loan Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Environment Publications 780 427 2700 Disposal of Treated Seed Focus on Pesticides Guidelines for Mobile Pesticide Storage Facilities Pesticid
134. rows of trees and shrubs around the perimeter of a farmstead provide additional protection for farmyards or livestock facilities from adverse weather conditions Shelterbelts reduce wind speeds resulting in lowered heating and maintenance costs Therefore planting new shelterbelts or improving existing ones can produce economic benefits for the farm According to Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration AAFC PFRA research indicates a typical farmhouse can reduce its heating costs by up to 30 percent with a correctly constructed shelterbelt The optimal design for a windbreak of this type depends on the farm location and the site Shelterbelts are most effective when planted across prevailing wind directions For increased sheltering effects plant shelterbelts closer together for maximum wind erosion control plant the rows less than 200 m 660 ft apart Besides reducing energy losses shelterbelts also provide other benefits on the farm increase aesthetics and property value control snow drifting by trapping snow decrease evaporation and improve water absorption increase soil moisture reduce wind and water erosion provide dust odour and noise barriers store carbon provide wildlife habitat and biodiversity 93 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Shelterbelts provide additional protection from windy conditions
135. rs Pesticide containers must be manually triple rinsed or pressure rinsed and dried before disposal at a pesticide container site Currently most producers use triple rinsing and in most cases this practice leaves plastic metal or glass pesticide containers more than 99 percent free less than 1 ppm of residues Follow these steps for manual triple rinsing your containers 1 Empty container contents into sprayer tank and drain in a vertical position for 30 seconds 2 Add water to container to about 1 5 full 3 Shake container thoroughly empty into sprayer tank and drain for 30 seconds 4 Repeat procedure two more times it should only take about 5 minutes in total 5 Puncture or break open triple rinsed container so it cannot be reused Note Do not puncture unrinsed containers as pesticide from unrinsed containers is concentrated and will leak exposing persons handling the containers and the environment to the concentrated pesticide 6 Dispose of all plastic and metal containers at a pesticide container collection site Instead of using the triple rinse procedure producers can eliminate steps with a pressure jug rinser Pressure rinsers direct water from a pressurized source against the inner sides of the container which effectively washes the pesticide residue into the spray tank Pressure rinsers also have the added advantage of rendering containers useless by automatically puncturing them This method reduces environm
136. ry highway 100 m 328 ft from a secondary highway 50 m 164 ft from any other road 71 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Apply quicklime to the carcass in sufficient quantities to control flies and odour The pit must be covered with minimum of 1 m 3 ft of compacted soil wooden or metal lid that is designed to exclude scavengers The bottom of the pit must be at least 1 m 3 ft above the seasonal high water table FIGURE 8 1 MINIMUM DISTANCE SEPARATIONS FOR BURIAL PITS 8 5 2 Incineration The Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animal Regulation state that dead animals may be disposed of by incineration on your property However this practice must follow the Substance Release Regulation or the Code of Practice for Small Incinerators available from Alberta Environment 8 5 3 Composting Composting carcasses is an effective way of disposal and can be done in a bin system designed for composting in a windrow system or open compost pile Examples of bin designs are available in Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development s Swine and Poultry Mortality Composting documents Agdex 440 29 1 and Agdex 450 29 1 A windrow or open compost pile must be 100 m 328 ft from wells or other domestic water intakes streams creeks ponds springs and lake high watermarks 25 m 82 ft from the edge of a coulee major cut or embankment 100 m 32
137. s Wells for Farm Water Supplies Website www agr gc ca pfra 30 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Department of Fisheries and Oceans Publications contact your regional office Alberta Operational Statement Culvert Maintenance Isolated Ponds The Fish Habitat Primer Prairies Edition Website www dfo mpo gc ca Health Canada Publications 1 800 635 7943 Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality Website www hc sc gc ca The Groundwater Centre Office 1 800 GEO WELL 436 9355 Website www groundwatercentre com 31 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Pesticide Storage Handling and Application This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address storage handling and application of pesticides on the farmstead 4 0 31 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 32 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Pesticides provide producers with effective means to control weeds and pests such as insects and rodents as well as bacteria fungi parasites and pathogens If not managed properly pesticides can pose serious environmental and health safety risks Understanding potential hazards associated with pesticides and properly storing handling and applying them can minimize or even eliminate any pot
138. s Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development AgTech Centre Publications 403 329 1212 AgTech Centre Innovator Series Energy Free Water Fountains Report 706 Field Study of Electrically Heated and Energy Free Automated Livestock Water Fountains Focus On Alternative Energy series Focus On Alternative Fuels series Canada Plan Service Publications 780 422 4844 9700 Fan Ventilation Principles and Rates 9702 Troubleshooting Livestock and Poultry Ventilation Problems 9705 Selecting Fans for Livestock Buildings 9710 Fresh Air Inlets 9750 Ventilation and Heating Small Livestock Rooms Website www cps gov on ca Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Publications contact your regional office Basic Shelterbelt Establishment Guidelines for Prairie Livestock Facilities Energy Savings and Farmyard Shelterbelts Livestock Powered Water Pumps Planning Farm Shelterbelts Planting and Care of Shelterbelts Shelterbelts Help Cut Heating Costs Solar Powered Water Pumping Systems for Livestock Watering Spacing Recommendations for Farmstead Shelterbelts Wind Powered Water Pumping System for Livestock Watering Website www agr gc ca pfra Natural Resources Canada Publications 1 800 387 2000 Heating your Building with Solar Energy Photovoltaic Systems A Buy
139. should be carefully assessed to evaluate the levels of environmental and safety risks that exist If the levels of risk are too high then actions are necessary to reduce those risks 7 1 Surface Water Pathways When locating new or evaluating existing storage areas animal facilities water sources buildings septic fields and other facilities on farmsteads keep in mind the pathways of natural water flow Consider not only surface water run on but also surface water runoff pathways especially if the water could contain contaminants Surface water run on into the farmstead area is occasionally an advantage when used to fill a dugout but if run on flows through potentially contaminated areas it becomes an environmental risk Where surface water run on and runoff occur the site must be managed to prevent contamination of watercourses and groundwater To do this effectively individual characteristics of each water pathway must be considered as each pathway is different and will pose different levels of risk 7 1 1 Water Pathway Characteristics The topography of the area slope steepness and length affects how fast surface water will flow through pathways on the farmstead For instance the steeper the hill the more energy the water has and the faster it flows This situation creates greater potential for runoff to cause erosion and move contaminants into water supplies or beyond property lines Soil types also affect water pathways
140. sity is an important part of various ecological processes Biodiversity helps ensure that the environment can handle hazards For instance having a well vegetated water pathway with a wide variety of plant and soil microbe species can act as a buffer to manage hazards that may exist This also slows water down as it cycles in its natural system and allows the environment to filter out hazards as they pass through the system If there are many plants of the same species the chance that a species will survive if a hazard affects its growth is reduced With a diverse number of species there is a greater chance that at least one or a combination of more will survive and be able to reduce risks due to the hazard 17 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 2 5 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Publications 1 800 292 5697 Ammonia Emissions and Safety Agdex 086 6 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Alberta Cow Calf Producers Manual 2004 Agdex 420 28 2 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Crop Producers in Alberta 2004 Agdex 100 25 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Dairy Producers in Alberta 2003 Agdex 410 28 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Feedlot Prod
141. steads 6 1 3 Secondary Containment As a safety precaution secondary containment that contains 110 percent of the maximum volume of the storage tank is recommended Installing a double walled tank or using a diking system can accomplish this goal Double walled tanks provide excellent protection against leaks and also provide thermal insulation reducing extreme changes in fuel temperature Each double walled tank has a space between two walls that will contain 10 percent more volume than the storage capacity of the tank A dike is an impermeable spill containment area or berm constructed of earth steel concrete solid masonry or synthetic liner that will also hold 110 percent of the tank capacity If there is more than one tank then the containment area must hold 110 percent of the largest tank or the capacity of the largest tank plus 10 percent of the total volume of the remaining tanks whichever is greater 6 1 4 Evaporation Losses due to evaporation vary with the type of storage fuel and management practices to prevent evaporation Fuel losses range from minimal in underground tanks to maximal in poorly located or maintained overhead tanks The heating of aboveground tanks from the sun causes the fuel to evaporate volatilize into the atmosphere The more the fuel temperature changes the greater the potential for fuel losses and risk of contamination due to condensation Evaporation losses are greater for gasoline than diesel because
142. switches etc Class D involves burning metals such as aluminum magnesium sodium etc Each type of fire requires a different type of fire extinguisher Pressurized Water used for Class A fires but not for Class B C and D fires Dry Chemical used for Class ABC fires These include Type ABC and Type BC fire extinguishers Carbon Dioxide CO2 used for Class B and C fires but not for class A and D fires These extinguishers do not leave harmful residues behind like dry chemical extinguishers Metal or Sand used for Class D fires but not Class ABC fires The most common extinguishing agent in this class is sodium chloride but there are a variety of other options Fire extinguishers should be accessible in the case of an emergency and should be checked and maintained on a regular basis When storing and handling fuel on your farm ensure a dry chemical such as a 40 pound Type BC or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is located close enough to the fuel storage site yet far enough away that the intensity of a fire would not stop you from getting it if necessary 51 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads FIGURE 6 3 SAMPLE FUEL INVENTORY CONTROL SHEET A Fuel Inventory Sample Fuel Inventory Control Sheet TANK 1 Fuel Type Fuel Dips cm 97 Actual Volume L 2 054 Previous Actual Volume 1 710 Deliveries 500 Present Volume 2 210 Usage 162
143. t 29 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 3 6 For More Information All Alberta government offices may be reached toll free by dialing the Rite Line 310 0000 Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development Publications 1 800 292 5697 Aerating Dugouts with Compressed Air Agdex 716 B36 Algae Control for Ponds Agdex 485 716 2 Dugouts for Farm Water Supplies Agdex 716 B30 Farm Water Supply Requirements Agdex 716 C01 Float Suspended Intake Agdex 716 B34 Hydrated Lime for Algae Control in Dugouts Agdex 716 B37 Quality Farm Dugouts Agdex 716 B01 Water Wells that Last for Generations Agdex 716 A10 Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Environment Publications 780 427 2700 Prevention of Water Contamination by Pesticides Water Act Fact Sheets Groundwater Information Centre 780 427 2770 Website www gov ab ca env Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Publications 613 759 6610 The Health of Our Water No 2020E Water Wells Maintaining a Valuable Prairie Resource Website www agr gc ca pfra Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Publications contact your regional office Dugouts for Farm Water Supplies Rural Water Quality and You Information Sheets Shelterbelts for Dugouts Water Quality Matters Fact Sheet
144. t AOPA includes standards for the siting and construction of solid and liquid manure storages as well as compost storage areas to protect water quality Surface water control systems are constructed to prevent runoff from leaving these storage areas For more information refer to the AOPA Standards and Administration Regulation listed at the end of this chapter 7 2 2 Animal Facilities Planning the livestock yard to minimize the amount of run on using topography roofs gutters trenches or water diversions will keep the yard drier and reduce the runoff produced Siting of short term and long term animal facilities is regulated in AOPA The livestock yard should be sloped for drainage and runoff should be diverted to a collection area to be stored A two stage collection system works well with the first shallow basin being used to settle out solids with the runoff continuing on to a deeper holding basin This runoff along with the solids taken from the shallow settling basin can be spread on fields as fertilizer since it is full of nutrients It may also contain pathogens of which some are killed with time by sunlight or soil bacteria An alternative would be to use vegetative filter strips or constructed wetlands to settle sediments and reduce nutrient losses into nearby water resources A clean water inlet pipe collects clean run on water upslope of a livestock yard and discharges it below the yard through a drain outlet Co
145. t area then Apply it on land away from surface water water wells septic systems gardens shelterbelts and other environmentally sensitive areas Use it as mix water for later applications when the same chemical is being applied Apply it on areas requiring pesticide control 35 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Dispose of rinsate away from environmentally sensitive areas Courtesy of AAFRD 4 4 Transporting Pesticides The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act applies when transporting pesticides on public roads However it is best to have your local vendor deliver pesticides to the place of use If delivery is not an option safely secure all pesticides before and during transportation Never leave pesticides unsupervised in a vehicle unless the chemicals are located in a place inaccessible to the public or in an enclosed compartment of the vehicle Remember to never transport pesticides with food feed household furnishings toiletries clothes bedding or similar items 4 5 Custom Applicators A beneficial management practice is to hire a custom applicator to reduce risks with pesticide application Custom pesticide applicators have attended and passed a pesticide applicator course and may lawfully offer pesticide services to others As a producer you have the legal responsibility to ensure that any pesticide application performed on your property does not harm adjacent
146. t could damage containers or spill fertilizer This could mean a locked fenced area 5 2 Liquid Fertilizer Storage To properly store liquid fertilizer you need to Inspect all tanks valves and plumbing used for large liquid fertilizer storage regularly Ensure that you have adequate secondary containment to hold any spills or leaks Use sight gauges and lock on valves on large storage containers Use proper procedures and precautions when loading fertilizer at all times Courtesy of PFRA 41 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 5 3 Fertilizer Mixing and Loading When mixing and loading fertilizers it is inevitable that a spill will occur Using proper clean up procedures and precautions to minimize spills you will reduce or eliminate environmental risks Follow these guidelines for proper fertilizer mixing and loading Never leave filling procedures unattended Ensure loading takes place at least 30 m 98 ft away from a well or surface water Clean up spills when they occur For dry fertilizer if you use a permanent mixing and loading area the mixing pad should be impermeable Sweep up any spilled dry fertilizer and store it in a clean container until it can be used For liquid fertilizer if you use a permanent mixing and loading area ensure that any spills or leaks can be collected and contained The mixing pad should have an impermeab
147. tal Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 40 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Fertilizers are organic and inorganic forms of nutrients that are used to support plant growth Types of fertilizers include solid fertilizers such as granules crystals and pellets liquid fertilizers and anhydrous ammonia a compressed gas that is liquefied under pressure The potential hazards in fertilizers are the nutrients and salt concentrations within them Two main concerns regarding fertilizer on the farm are the storage of the product and their use within the farmstead area 5 1 Dry Fertilizer Storage To properly store dry fertilizer you need to Avoid storing fertilizers with drinking water food fuel seed animal feeds or protective equipment to prevent contamination Locate storage facility more than 100 m 330 ft from water wells and more than 20 m 60 ft from surface water bodies Store on an impermeable surface such as sealed concrete For field operations storage should be in a building or epoxy lined bin Post signs stating the contents of the storage facility for large fertilizer amounts in case of an emergency or fire Maintain and monitor the storage area checking regularly for fertilizer leaks and spills Ensure the storage facility is secure when storing large amounts of fertilizer Building or storage bins should be separate from all other activities tha
148. tems exist depending on the slope of the land and size of system components FIGURE 9 4 OPEN DISCHARGE SYSTEM Sewage lagoon Sewage lagoons are shallow artificial ponds that are lined prevent the downward movement of effluent into the soil and groundwater see Figure 9 5 This sewage system stabilizes effluent overtime by providing an environment that allows for evaporation and breakdown of sewage components by bacteria and algae FIGURE 9 5 SEWAGE LAGOON 83 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Cesspools Cesspools are covered underground containers or pits for the temporary storage of liquid waste and sewage They exist on older farm sites but are not considered acceptable by today s standards The liquid portion of the sewage is disposed of by seeping or leaching through a perforated liner into the surrounding soil while the sludge is retained to undergo partial decomposition before occasional removal Over time a bio mat accumulates on the walls plugging off its leaching surface making it inoperable This result could cause a cesspool to overflow allowing untreated effluent to pose environmental and health safety risks Where cesspools were excavated to depths that entered water tables the high water tables would infiltrate into the cesspool causing them to overflow as well as wash the bio mat away from its wall surfaces Then as the water table receded the poorly treated effluent wo
149. th Care Products 69 8 4 1 Disposing of Veterinary Wastes 69 8 5 Livestock Poultry and Farm Animal Mortalities 70 8 5 1 Burial 70 8 5 2 Incineration 71 8 5 3 Composting 71 8 5 4 Rendering 72 8 5 5 Natural Disposal 72 8 6 Pesticides 73 8 6 1 Proper Pesticide Disposal 73 8 6 2 Pesticide Container Disposal 73 8 7 Treated Seed 74 8 8 Using Oil for Road Surfaces 74 8 9 Legislation 75 8 10 For More Information 75 9 0 Household Wastewater Management 77 9 1 Proper Design and Siting of a Private Sewage Treatment System 78 9 2 Types of On site Private Sewage Systems 78 9 3 Wastewaters and Associated Concerns 83 9 4 Maintaining On Farm Sewage Systems 84 9 4 1 Septic Tank Maintenance 84 9 4 2 Greywater Options 85 9 5 Legislation 85 9 6 For More Information 86 viii BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 10 0 Energy Efficiency 87 10 1 On Farm Energy Audit 88 10 2 Field Operations Tractors and Equipment 88 10 3 Lighting 89 10 4 Homes and Buildings 92 10 5 Shelterbelts 92 10 6 Alternative Energy Sources 93 10 7 For More Information 94 11 0 Nuisance 97 11 1 Dust and Smoke 98 11 2 Odour 99 11 3 Noise 100 11 4 Preventing Managing and Resolving Conflict 101 11 5 Role of the Farmer s Advocate 102 11 6 Legislation 103 11 7 For More Information 103 12 0 Legislation 105 12 1 Federal Legislation 106 12
150. ticide Disposal Pesticides that are no longer usable are considered hazardous wastes and cannot be disposed of in approved Class II landfills or by burning To use up and dispose of excess or unwanted pesticides Return unopened or non compromised product to the dealer for a refund Offer opened and unused leftover pesticide supplies in original containers with product labels attached to other potential users such as neighbours or the municipality for use according to label directions Consider using up smaller quantities for weed control according to label directions along fence lines and other areas difficult to access with large spray equipment Contact the nearest hazardous waste depot for disposal 8 6 2 Pesticide Container Disposal Unrinsed containers have the potential to contaminate soil groundwater and surface water which can be toxic to fish and wildlife as well as fill valuable space in landfills Also these containers impede the processing and recycling of other empty pesticide containers as they have to be emptied exposing workers to the residue Residues can be transported into the atmosphere during storage processing shipping and energy recovery or they can contaminate end products from plastic recycling processes In addition it is estimated that 6 to 7 percent of product can be left in unrinsed containers This amount of material can treat to 1 acre of land and can save you several dolla
151. ties can increase environmental risks Courtesy of PFRA 2 2 8 Other Chemicals All chemicals found on the farm are potential hazards to the environment if not managed and disposed of properly There are other farm chemicals besides pesticides that need to be managed with the same care and responsibility Some of these other chemicals include animal and human pharmaceuticals expired banned and unused antibiotics vaccines etc cleaning solutions stain removers disinfectants aerosols paints stains adhesives automotive fluids antifreeze transmission fluids etc freon from refrigerants and air conditioning units For further information on how to deal with hazardous chemicals refer to Chapter 8 2 3 Environmental Pathways and Receptors After reviewing farmstead environmental hazards it is necessary to look at pathways and receptors as the final requirements to defining a risk A receptor is something that has the potential to be affected usually in an adverse way by a given hazard The pathway describes how that hazard travels from a source to a given receptor Pathways can include water air soil humans animals or any combination of these Remember that some pathways can also be considered receptors depending on the chain of events when a hazard is released Water soil and air pathways can become quite complex and intertwined making it easy to overlook a potential risk The following secti
152. to a specific area for example 1 kg per hectare 0 9 lb per acre Aquifer A geologic formation or stratum that yields significant quantities of water Aquifers are the source of water for wells and springs Backflow The unwanted reverse flow of liquids into a piping system Beneficial Management Practice BMPs Any agricultural management practice that mitigates or minimizes negative effects and risks to the environment by maintaining or improving water land and air quality and biodiversity Bioconcentration Accumulation of a substance in the tissue of an organism Biodiversity Biological diversity the variety of living organisms ecosystems and ecological processes Biomagnification A cumulative increase in the concentration and toxicity of a persistent substance in successively higher levels of the food chain Biosecurity Any action or practice involving precautions to reduce the risk of introducing diseases to a farm site or region where they do not already exist Bollards Barriers constructed of a sturdy material such as steel piping filled with cement set up close to facilities such as fuel tanks or buildings to guard against collision damage Buffer zone An area of land adjacent to a water body or sensitive area such as a riparian area that is developed or conserved to reduce erosion intercept pollutants and provide wildlife habitat The buffer zone is undisturbed or left in permanent vegetation
153. to quantify the effects odours have on people it is very important to be aware of the nuisance as it can potentially create conflicts among neighbours The following BMPs related to livestock production and manure storage and handling could be used to minimize or prevent odour as a nuisance and to resolve conflicts Locate manure or compost storages a minimum distance of 150 m 492 ft from neighbouring residences Compost solid manure to reduce or eliminate odour during spreading Select fields to avoid odour movement by wind into nearby neighbours yards or spread manure when the wind is blowing away from your neighbours Use lagoon covers or natural crusts to reduce odour losses during the warm season Notify neighbours of when and for how long odour producing activities will occur Time manure lagoon agitation just prior to spreading to minimize duration of odour contact time with neighbours Alter spreading times to avoid spreading on weekends evenings and holidays to minimize odour contact with neighbours Spread manure during midday when odour dispersion is best and avoid spreading on hot humid days when there is little air movement Avoid applying high rates of manure and apply below the plant canopy when possible Incorporate manure as quickly as possible after spreading or use injection systems Reduce spreader deflection angle on liquid broadcasters to reduce dri
154. tor s conduct would be rendered innocent Fines An individual or incorporated farm is liable to a fine not exceeding 1 000 000 for the operator s first deleterious substance offence and to a fine not exceeding 1 000 000 or to imprisonment for a term of not exceeding three years or to both for any subsequent deleterious substance offence 108 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 12 1 2 Pest Control Products Act The Pest Control Products Act specifies the responsibilities of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency PMRA of Health Canada for registration of pesticides for use in Canada In terms of user responsibility as stated on the product label anyone using a pest control product has the responsibility to read the label and follow the directions including the following before purchasing a pesticide to determine if the product will control the pest problem and if it can be applied in a safe manner before mixing the pesticide with other products or additives to ensure product compatibility before spraying to determine the required precautions during spraying and to follow those precautions 12 1 3 Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations The Dangerous Goods and Rail Safety Branch of Alberta Transportation administers the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods TDG Act for the province The legislation identifies nine c
155. tures Sharps include needles syringes scalpel blades slides coverslips pipettes broken glass and empty or expired pharmaceutical containers There are risks of needle stick injuries or cuts when these materials are not handled or disposed of properly Certain drugs or vaccines may cause reactions or infections if they are present on broken glass or used needles that break the skin Blood on used needles collection tubes or other equipment may contain viruses or bacteria that can cause illness following a cut or needle stick injury Currently no regulations cover the disposal of sharps in agriculture To safely dispose of sharps Separate sharps from other waste Use a labelled puncture proof container with a sealed lid for needles and surgical blades Special containers can be obtained from many local veterinary clinics Containers must be labelled clearly as containing sharps and must not be used for recycling Do not use containers that allow easy access to the contents Ensure children or animals cannot remove the lid A plastic jug with a narrow mouth or a pail with a narrow opening in the lid also works well Use another pail or rigid container for pharmaceutical bottles and syringes Do not burn disposal containers Use disposal facilities that are set up to accept the waste This may include a local vet clinic hospital or waste disposal company Contact a local vet clinic or hospital for informati
156. two This set up allows you to control the water that flows into the dugout while unwanted or contaminated water can be redirected to bypass the dugout For more information on planning designing and operating dugouts refer to AAFRD publications listed at the end of this chapter Knowing your daily water requirements helps you determine the best dugout size for your farmstead Other things to know dugout purpose age size approximate water volume potential problems with seepage quality or inadequate runoff 27 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 3 3 Natural Water Sources Natural water sources exist on many farmsteads and include undeveloped springs lakes wetlands creeks and sloughs These may be locations where water flows year round intermittently or seasonally Managing for healthy water sources ensures a sustainable water supply for the future The concern when dealing with natural water sources is the distance of potential hazards such as pesticides fertilizers or manure to the water source For example when animals have direct or limited access to a spring or creek the risk for contamination increases Animals may affect the quantity or outflow of the water source Creating pasture riparian areas and other buffer zones allows you to manage and maintain water quality Offsite livestock watering systems such as solar and nose pumps will also protect water sources
157. uantity of water from the well gather as much information about all wells used and unused on the farmstead that you can including the following number of wells located on the farmstead well type purpose construction date s depth casing size well yield in gallons per minute supply or quality problems location of the well in proximity to potential environmental hazards If you do not have copies of the original water well driller s reports you can obtain them from the Groundwater Information Center For contact information refer to For More Information at the end of this chapter 3 1 1 Water Volume Aquifers are recharged by precipitation or infiltration from surface water bodies normally in the spring and early summer when precipitation exceeds evaporation and transpiration rates of plants Shallow water table levels will naturally fluctuate seasonally increasing in the spring and decreasing over the rest of the year as the water is used by plants discharged to springs or recharging deeper aquifers Water levels in deeper aquifers will fluctuate less and only show changes after long periods of drought or water use Water pumped out of wells will reduce the levels further It is extremely important that the volume of water being pumped from the well does not exceed the recharge capacity of the aquifer supplying the well This situation can potentially make the groundwater unavailable
158. ucers in Alberta 2002 Agdex 420 28 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Hog Producers in Alberta 2002 Agdex 440 28 1 Beneficial Management Practices Environmental Manual for Poultry Producers in Alberta 2003 Agdex 450 28 1 Biosecurity Considerations for Ag Tourism Ventures Agdex 888 7 Dryland Saline Seeps Types and Causes Agdex 518 12 Emergency Measures for Control of Wind Erosion Agdex 572 1 Introduction to Water Erosion Control Agdex 572 3 Introduction to Wind Erosion Control Agdex 572 2 Manure and Pasture Management for Horse Owners Agdex 460 27 1 Nitrate Poisoning and Feeding Nitrate Feeds to Livestock Agdex 400 60 1 Watercourse Improvement and Gully Restoration Agdex 573 5 Water Quality Fact Sheets Ag Info Centre 310 FARM 3276 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Environment Publications 780 427 2700 Pesticides in Surface Waters Facts at your Finger Tips Pub 1 10011 Information Centre 780 427 2700 Website www gov ab ca env 18 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Publications 613 759 6610 Agriculture and Climate Change The Health of Our Air Website www agr gc ca Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Contact your regional office Water Quality Matters Fact Sheets Website www
159. uld migrate into the water table and cause potential contamination to other water sources such as water wells The construction of cesspools is no longer permitted 9 3 Wastewaters and Associated Concerns Certain wastewaters on a farmstead need to be handled properly Backwash from iron filters and water softeners garborator wastes from the kitchen grease and oils all need special attention Backwash water from iron filters Wastewater from iron filters should not be discharged into the septic system Iron filters typically discharge a significant volume of water that needs to be accounted for in design otherwise it may overload the system Also the iron removed from the water supply and then discharged with the backwash water can have a negative effect on the capability of the soil to absorb water Backwash water from a water softener Using sodium salts in a water softener may be harmful to a sewage disposal system Increased sodium levels may reduce the effectiveness of the septic tank by negatively affecting microbial activity As well high sodium in the effluent may reduce the ability of the soil to absorb and move the effluent especially in the presence of clay As the wastewater from these systems is not considered contaminated it can be discharged on top of the ground in a location on the property that the owner considers suitable Garborator Wastes A garbage grinder commonly known as a garborator will increase the amount
160. urtesy of AAFRD 59 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Eroded waterway Construction of grassed waterway New grassed waterway Constructing grassed waterways or vegetative strips can help control water erosion and treat water Courtesy of AAFRD 60 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 7 2 3 Disposal Sites for Mortalities Be aware of the risks involved in handling dead animals and the runoff coming from burial or compost sites as it may contain pathogens as well as nutrients The runoff should be stored and used as fertilizer on fields where there will be no contact with animals Proper disposal of dead animals is important to control disease transfer and to limit scavenging by wildlife as outlined in the Livestock Diseases Act Arrange for pickup by a rendering plant burn in an approved incinerator or compost or bury mortalities as outlined in the Destruction and Disposal of Dead Animal Regulation For more information refer to Section 8 5 of Chapter 8 7 2 4 Silage Storage Silage leachate or runoff contains many nutrients When large quantities are released into water bodies or soil oxygen can be depleted killing bacteria fish or plants Silage leachate is also acidic and may corrode metals or concrete or dissolve soil minerals such as iron and manganese into soil water which can then enter groundwater Surface water and groundwater may also
161. using items for the same or different purposes Recycling composting and recovering energy as alternatives to waste disposal Disposing of items only when other options are not possible Finding out what services are available in your community is your first step to waste management Waste programs vary across Alberta with municipalities developing management strategies that work best for their particular circumstance and location The Government of Alberta is responsible for provincial waste standards and guidelines but Alberta s municipalities manage on the ground operations of municipal and regional landfills as well as community waste diversion efforts Many local community groups and non government organizations devote a tremendous amount of time to promoting waste reduction and recycling programs The following table Table 8 1 outlines options for managing different farm wastes To ensure facilities will accept your waste take the necessary steps or precautions prior to delivery For more details on how to manage your wastes contact the organizations listed in For More Information at the end of this chapter TABLE 8 1 TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE FARM WASTES T 65 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads ITEM ON SITE STORAGE OR TREATMENT REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE OR RECOVER DISPOSAL Restricted use materials insulation treated lumber asbestos composite products an
162. ust also have a soil test that is no older than three years before applying manure on any field They can apply manure as many times as necessary in the three years after the soil test as long as the manure application will not result in exceeding nitrogen limits Nuisance it is important that producers understand the common law of nuisance as it may affect them The common law of nuisance is an individual s unreasonable interference with a neighbour s use and enjoyment of their land If a producer participates in such activities that create offensive odours excessive noise or dust the courts may force him or her to pay damages to the neighbour as compensation for the nuisance and potentially force the producer to shut down To protect producers from nuisance claims AOPA states that a producer will not be liable in court for any nuisance resulting from the producer s operation nor will the producer be prevented from carrying on operations by a court injunction or order This holds true only if the producer has not contravened the local land use bylaws and has followed generally accepted practices for similar agricultural operations The act defines a nuisance to include an activity which arises from unreasonable unwarranted or unlawful use by a person or the person s own property which causes obstruction or injury to the right of another person or the public and produces such material annoyance inconvenience and d
163. wage Disposal Systems Regulation for Alberta 9 2 Types of On site Private Sewage Systems The first step to ensuring that your sewage system is working properly is to know what type of system you have On site private sewage systems can include one or a combination of the following Holding tank A holding tank is an approved watertight receptacle for the collection and temporary storage of sewage until it can be pumped out Mobile equipment is used to empty the tank and the sewage is disposed of in an acceptable manner Septic tank The septic tank is a digestion chamber comprised of two steps in which sewage is retained and effluent is discharged see Figure 9 1 The first chamber settles out the solids producing a sludge layer which is pumped out after a certain time period The second chamber receives the effluent from the first chamber which is then stored and intermittently discharged to an effluent treatment and disposal system FIGURE 9 1 SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM 80 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads GRAVITY DISTRIBUTION VERSUS PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION OF EFFLUENT A gravity distribution system may overload and provide soil microbes with more food than they can consume The soil may also become saturated under a gravity distribution system and is not favourable for aerobic microbes to treat the sewage Pressure distribution provides a more even dispersion of effluent in a disposal field or
164. wever better water treatment systems exist today and include conventional treatment systems involving chemical coagulation Coagulation is the process of adding chemicals to the dugout water to reduce turbidity dissolved organic compounds and colour The chemicals cause small particles to bind together forming larger particles that can be removed from the water either through sedimentation or direct filtration This treatment can occur in dugouts or coagulation cells that treat a six to twelve month supply of household water Dugouts that are only filled by spring runoff should be designed to hold at least a two year water supply plus any additional evaporation and seepage losses unless an alternative water source can be used to fill the dugout in a drought year Dugouts in irrigated areas or adjacent to rivers or lakes must be at least large enough to supply water from the time the water is not available in the fall until water flows again in the spring 26 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads The size of a dugout required for a livestock operation varies with the water requirements of the operation the refill frequency of the dugout and assessments of seepage and ice thickness Seepage losses from dugouts do occur and are variable Dugout evaporation ranges from 15 percent in northern Alberta to 30 to 50 percent in southern Alberta while dugouts used for winter water supplies will lose approximately 25 per
165. www agric gov ab ca farmersadvocate Sustainable Resource Development Publications 780 427 6807 FireSmart The Home Owners Manual No I 189 Website www srd gov ab ca 104 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Canadian Farm Business Management Council Phone 1 800 232 3262 Farming with Neighbours A Guide for Canadian Farmers on Preventing and Resolving Community Conflicts over Farming Practices Website www cfbmc com Canada Plan Service Publications 780 422 4844 10704 Odour Control for Livestock Facilities Website www cps gov on ca 105 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Legislation This chapter provides an overview of the legislation that pertains to environmental risks on a farmstead 12 0 105 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 106 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads LEGAL REQUIREMENTS The information in this chapter is provided for general information only It is not intended as legal advice Refer to the acts and regulations and consult a lawyer for legal advice on specific legal rights and requirements More information on the environmental requirements under these acts can be obtained from government departments and agencies consultants and lawyers A number of provincial and federal government acts
166. y Minimize the Risks Agdex 576 5 Neil Crawford Alberta Government Library 780 422 7689 Fertilizer and the Environment video loan Impacts of Farm Inputs video loan Ag Info Centre 1 866 882 7677 Website www agric gov ab ca Alberta Transportation Publications 1 800 272 9600 Dangerous Goods and the Agricultural Industry Website www trans gov ab ca Canadian Association of Agri Retailers Publications 204 989 9300 Fertilizer Storage and Handling Website www caar org Canadian Fertilizer Institute Publications 613 230 2600 Canadian Fertilizer Industry Storage and Handling Guidelines 2001 Website www cfi ca 44 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 45 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads CHAPTER Fuel Storage and Handling This chapter discusses beneficial management practices that address storage and handling of all petroleum products on the farm 6 0 45 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 46 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads Diesel gasoline lubricants and oils are used extensively on farms today In Alberta there are at least 250 million litres of diesel and gasoline storage Financial increasing costs environmental potential for spills and leaks and safety potential fires concerns are associate
167. y but more energy efficient LIGHT TYPE APPEARANCE APPLICATION COMPARISON EFFICIENCY COMMENTS T12 fluorescent Tubular Most common lengths 1 m 4 ft and 2 m 8 ft Offices large interior lighting areas Last up to 20 times longer than incandescent Cooler than halogen and incandescent save on air conditioning More energy efficient than incandescent Typically most 1 m 4 ft draw 40 W energy saver T12 draw 32 W but put out less light most 2 m 8 ft draw 60 to 75 W 70 CRI Low maintenance costs The 12 represents the diameter of the tube 12 8 1 5 1 5 Same socket pins as T8 Ballast alters the electric current flowing through the tube activates the gas causing it to glow Low pressure sodium Only emit light in the yellow portion of the visible spectrum Outdoor lighting Of high pressure and metal halide most energy efficient lowest CRI Less popular over the years because more emphasis has been put on CRI ability TABLE 10 1 DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHT AND EFFICIENCIES L Keep a list of all electric motors in use and record the preventative maintenance measures performed on each to be sure they are checked cleaned and lubricated regularly Fuel efficiency can be improved with fuel saving measures such as maintaining tires at the lowest correct pressure for the load to be carrie
168. y can use funnels spill proof or stop flow spouts or nozzles Hand pumps are also available to eliminate or reduce spills and leaks 6 5 Monitoring for Fuel Losses To avoid spills and catch leaks it is recommended that fuel tanks be monitored at least every 2 weeks The best way to determine if there is a leak is through a visual inspection when walking around the tank looking for rust spots stains on the ground or cracks breaks or bends in the hose Another way to determine if fuel losses are occurring is to maintain inventory records An example of a fuel inventory control sheet is included in Figure 6 3 If the tank is equipped with a meter an ongoing inventory record kept for a minimum of two years or as long as the life of the tank should be updated when fuel is used and added to the tank The expected volume is compared to the actual volume This amount is obtained from fuel dipping which is measuring the amount of fuel in a tank with a dipstick or tape Do not dip tanks immediately after fuel delivery allow time for fuel agitation to subside JUST IN CASE OF A FIRE To effectively fight a fire first you need to know what type of fire you are dealing with Class A involves ordinary combustibles such as wood paper cloth plastic etc Class B involves flammable and combustible liquids such as grease gas oils paints etc Class C involves electrical equipment such as appliances computers breakers motors
169. y increase and reach groundwater or surface water The bacteria may also end up in the groundwater or clog soil pores Overloading a septic field also creates risks associated with increased runoff For more information refer to Chapter 9 The pathways to and from the septic systems should be studied carefully keeping in mind that rainwater from roofs patios and driveways should not discharge into the same area Any runoff that has been in contact with the area should be collected and used as fertilizer EMERGENCY PLAN Every farmstead needs an emergency plan which outlines the location of hazardous materials emergency equipment telephone numbers and necessary clean up instructions The plan gives those living on the farmstead guidelines to follow for minimizing potential environmental damage to the site as well as protects those living on the site and in the surrounding community For more information about emergency planning and the steps necessary to minimize environmental risk and ensure the safety of others refer to the Appendix 61 BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads 7 3 Legislation Producers should be aware of the following pieces of legislation that pertain to managing surface water For more information on the legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Federal Legislation Fisheries Act Provincial Legislation Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Waste Control R
170. ystems are available for a variety of water problems Check with a AAFC PFRA or AAFRD water specialist or health inspector to determine what options may be best for you Any community pipeline system should be protected from backflow and cross connections that may originate at a farm This precaution usually involves backflow prevention devices that are specified by the utility that supplies the water These are designed to keep contaminated water from being pumped or sucked into the pipeline Shallow buried pipelines that are not designed for year round use are more susceptible to contamination and breaks Proper backflow prevention is strongly recommended for farms that use these shallow buried pipelines to supply water to livestock pastures Prevention may be as simple as maintaining an air gap at the float valve or installing a special backflow preventer As mentioned previously it is very important to test all farm water sources on a regular basis including water supplied from community pipelines as potential contamination of the water source may occur at different points along the pipeline 3 5 Legislation Producers should be aware of the following pieces of legislation that pertain to water sources and the potential environmental risks For more information on the legislation refer to Chapter 12 of this manual Federal Legislation Fisheries Act Provincial Legislation Water Act Environmental Protection and Enhancement Ac

beneficial management practices - Alberta Agriculture and Rural

Contents

Download Pdf Manuals

Related Search

Related Contents