In 2010, MDA began the revision process to reflect current activities,
interagency water protection programs and implementation work, and to better
align it with current water resource conditions and programs. MDA
convened a multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee and conducted a detailed
analysis of issues related to nitrates in groundwater. The revisions were based
primarily on input from the Committee with consideration for past NFMP
implementation experience, input from related programs, increased knowledge
about occurrences of elevated nitrate in groundwater, and advances in
agricultural technology and management practices.
The revised NFMP includes the following:
- An emphasis on
prevention of groundwater contamination by promoting fertilizer Best Management
Practices (BMPs) and other beneficial practices;
- Extensive testing of
private wells in areas with row crop agriculture and vulnerable
groundwater;
- A new phased approach
to assessing and prioritizing areas with nitrate contamination in
groundwater, with guidance for determining each phase;
- An emphasis on
involving local farmers and communities in problem solving for local
groundwater concerns; and,
- Consideration of
alternative land management and cropping practices in highly vulnerable
areas.
To assist the public in understanding these issues and the
NFMP, MDA will be hosting a series of public meetings across the
state during the month of September. Locations and times of the meetings, the
revised plan, and other supporting information will be posted on the MDA
website: www.mda.state.mn.us
The public comment period will end November 1, 2013 .
