Butler County Conservation District officials are trying to keep streams clean by teaching farmers how to store manure properly. The district has received almost $350,000 from the state to conduct training and assistance for county farmers. Ronald Fodor, manager of the conservation district, said improperly spread and stored manure can contaminate groundwater. “What we’re trying to do is demonstrate to farmers the proper way to handle manure,” Fodor said. “In the winter time, it’s required to store the manure. It’s good to have a good schedule of spreading the manure.” Fodor said the Growing Greener grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection will be used to conduct demonstrations and educate workers on about 15 farms. While manure becomes harmful when it finds its way to streams and watersheds, Fodor said farmers must use it to have a successful crop. “Animal waste is very important for the crops, but often times, there’s too much waste, and you need enough land to spread,” he said. “Our aim is to improve water quality to keep the runoff out of the streams. When it rains, it runs downhill and sediment is the No. 1 pollutant by volume.” Doug Goodlander, director for nutrient management for the state Conservation Commission, said 801 approved nutrient management plans are in place in Pennsylvania. “There’s been a lot of concern about high intensity agriculture and the environmental impact that could have,” Goodlander said. “We have a very aggressive program through the use of conservation districts as our eyes and ears.” Goodlander said most of the high-intensity farms raise chickens and pigs. “Commonly, cattle farms have more land and aren’t considered high-density operations,” Goodlander said. Fodor said his district is trying to work with Armstrong County officials as well.

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