Ministry Protocols For Ontario Regulation Made Under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002

Draft for Discussion Purposes Only

August, 2002

Nutrient Management Plan Protocol

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Step 1: Define Your Farm Unit and Complete Farm Unit Declaration Form
3. Step 2: Nutrient Units and Putting your Farm Unit into a Category
4. Step 3: Nutrient Management Strategy
5. Step 4: Nutrient Management Plan
6. Ministry Approval of Strategies and Plans
7. Brokers and Intermediate Handlers
8. Other Nutrients
9. Nutrient Quality
10. Record Keeping
11. Appendices
    Farm Unit Declaration Form
    Broker Agreement
    Manure Application Agreement
    Nutrient Management Plan or Strategy Certification Form
12. References

1. Introduction

This document is an applicable protocol for the purposes of the regulation under the Nutrient Management Act for the Province of Ontario. It is meant to provide guidance on developing adequate management of and planning for nutrient application to agricultural lands. For an agricultural operation (as defined in the Nutrient Management Act) the following chart describes the steps to be taken in preparation of the necessary documents to demonstrate compliance with the regulation.

*Generator is defined in the regulation

2. Step 1: Define your Farm Unit and complete Farm Unit Declaration Form

All agricultural operations must declare all of their landbase, whether owned or rented, that is operated as one agricultural operation, into one or more Farm Units. A Nutrient Management Strategy and/or Plan must be completed for each Farm Unit. An individual agricultural operation may have several Farm Units. The agricultural operation is not required to own any or part of the landbase that is used for nutrient application and declared in a Farm Unit, but attached land lease or manure application agreements are required. There are no maximum Nutrient Unit restrictions on a Farm Unit. All properties on a Farm Unit must be reported on the Farm Unit Declaration Form.

A Farm Unit:

1. For agricultural operations that generate a prescribed nutrient:

• Can be no smaller than a single deed, or
• Can be no smaller than the landbase of a generating facility under a single continuous roof, or
• Must include all land receiving nutrients generated on the deeded property, as required by the Nutrient Management Strategy and/or Plan; whether or not the land itself is on the same deed, and
• Must include nutrient generating facilities on other deeds owned by the same person/corporation if the nutrients generated on these other deeds are utilized on the landbase of the first deed; and
• If nutrients are generated in different locations on your overall operation and those nutrients are not spread on the same landbase, then these different locations can be two or more separate farm units.

2. For agricultural operations who do not generate, but use nutrients

• The farm unit can be no smaller than a single field

The Farm Unit Declaration Form

The Farm Unit Declaration form is included in the appendix of this document. It includes the identity of the farm operator/owner and the specific geography of the landbase included in the unit. There is no ownership requirement for the landbase contained in the Farm Unit.

Farm Unit Identifier

OMAF will be devising a numbering system for the filing of approved/certified Farm Units.

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3. Step 2 - Nutrient Units and Putting Your Farm Unit into a Category

Farm Units that generate manure are divided into four (4) categories of size based on the total number of Nutrient Units of animals housed at one time, at the highest design capacity of the facilities:

The following table gives examples of animals per Nutrient Unit for generators of manure:

However, sometimes farm units that generate manure also use manure and other biosolids from others, so these materials must be included in the total number of Nutrient Units utilized on the farm unit.

The following table gives examples of manure and other biosolid weights or volumes per Nutrient Unit for users of manure and other biosolids:

The definition(s) of a Nutrient Unit (NU) for:

Generators of manure:

"The number of animals housed, or pastured, at one time on a Farm Unit, that generate enough manure to fertilize the same area of crop landbase under the most limiting of either nitrogen or phosphorus as determined using OMAF's NMAN software."

Users of manure and other biosolids:

"The weight or volume of manure and other biosolids used annually on a Farm Unit, that fertilizes the same area of crop landbase under the most limiting of either nitrogen or phosphorus as determined using OMAFRA's NMAN software."

1. Example A for calculating the number of Nutrient Units on a Farm Unit that generates manure

A dairy farmer has 72 Holstein cows (milking and dry, and considered as large-frame cows), with all 72 calves and heifers kept on the same farm. She also has two 40' x 300' x 2 story chicken broiler barns across the road. The entire operation is managed as one Farm Unit. How many Nutrient Units of manure does she generate?

Thus, this farm generates enough manure to place it into Category IV.

2. Example B for calculating the number of Nutrient Units on a Farm Unit that both generates and uses manure or other biosolids

A swine farmer houses 1200 finishing pigs and generates manure, but also uses 250 tons of dry-bedded chicken manure for his field crops. How many Nutrient Units of manure does this farm generate and use?

Thus, this farm both generates and uses enough manure to place it into Category IV.

Note: For the purposes of stage 1 the only farms that are being put into categories are livestock operations who generate and use manure. It does not include users of nutrients who do not generate.

4. Step 3 - Nutrient Management Strategy

A Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) is a document that must be completed by all generators of nutrients including Intermediate Handlers. The purpose of the strategy is to provide an overall picture of the destination and characteristics of the nutrients generated to ensure that they are managed appropriately. A Nutrient Management Strategy is to be completed for the management of all nutrients generated or received at the farm unit.

A checklist is provided to ensure all the necessary components of a strategy are included. OMAFRA's NMAN program can be used to complete the components of a strategy. It is a nutrient management planning software designed to coordinate the adequate storage and application of nutrients based on the appropriate input variables.

A NMS for a Farm Unit should be reviewed annually and needs to be updated at such point that any of the following situations occur:

• the Farm Unit has an increase of 20% or more in the quantity of nutrients, excluding commercial fertilizers, required to be dealt with in the NMS;
• a change in ownership or control of the Farm Unit which affects the ability to implement the NMS;
• 3 years have elapsed since the date of the last NMS;
• if nutrients are to be directed to a new destination (ie not land applied);
• the quantity of nutrients going to any single destination changes by 30 Nutrient Units;
• a new generating facility or nutrient storage is planned.

For Category IV or III Farm Units the NMS must be provincially approved and a new approval is required on the updated strategy in the case of one of the above mentioned events.

Prescribed Nutrients

This is a list of prescribed nutrients.

• Manure produced by farm animals, including associated bedding material
• Washwaters from agricultural operations
• Fruit, vegetable and other on-farm processing by-products
• Leachates from on-farm feed storages
• Run-off from livestock yards and manure storages
• Greenhouse and nursery leachate
• Pulp and paper sludge
• Organic materials produces by intermediate handlers (for example, compost)
• Biosolids (for example, sewage sludge including treated sludge from septic tanks or soil amendments)
• Any other materials specified in an Applicable Ministry Protocol

Farm unit operator/owner (yy/mm/dd)

Note: One box on each line must be checked.

Description Of NMS Components

A. Nutrient Management Strategy Information

1. Nutrient Management Strategy Description and Farm Unit Declaration Form

This is a cover letter for the strategy and includes: the name and location of the generator and the Farm Unit Declaration Form, which demonstrates adequate landbase for the nutrients to be applied, name of each person and NMS number from whom nutrients are received. A summary of the destination of all nutrients (including those not land applied), and a summary of the size and type of livestock facilities and manure storages. It should also include any unusual details or issues requiring additional explanation and indicate if the strategy is new or a renewal.

2. Contingency Plan

A contingency plan is a written plan that outlines the requirements/actions (equipment, contacts and safety measures) to be taken as alternative options to the strategy's projected management. Alternative options must cover the following: handling, hauling, storage, breaks, improper weather conditions during proposed application period, excess production of nutrient and what steps are to be taken in the event of a spill. The phone number for the Action Centre (1-800-268-6060) and other affected parties should also be included.

3. Signed NMS Certification Form

The certification form serves as a sign-off document for the Nutrient Management Strategy preparer, the farm unit owner/operator and the reviewing authority. The form is available at the end of this document.

B. Farm Unit Information

4. Location Map(s)

This map serves to indicate where all properties in the farm unit, owned or leased are located. It also needs to show the location of buildings, storages, county roads, neighbours, nearby towns, and other local features. All maps and sketches provided should be presented with the direction north to the top of the page and include a north symbol on each map or sketch.

5. Site Plan

A site plan should be drawn to locate and provide dimensions for all buildings and storages (existing and proposed). All existing livestock facilities on the farm unit and on other properties in the plan should be indicated, with dimensions. Old barns that do not currently house animals must be identified. If the old barn is used as a shed or storage, a "change of use" permit from your building official is required to demonstrate that the barn will no longer house animals. The site plan must show all manure storages (existing and proposed) and indicate type (liquid or solid, covered or open), including dimensions. Show all wells, surface water sources (i.e. streams, lakes, ponds) tile outlets, laneways, septic systems and any other physical features on or near the farmstead. Orient the sketch in the same direction as the location map (i.e. north to the top of the page).

6. Minimum Distance Separation II Calculations

A copy of the MDS II calculations issued or approved by the local building official must be enclosed for new and expanding livestock unless the strategy is being renewed and does not have a change in the livestock or facilities.

C. Nutrient Production and Storage

7. List all Nutrient Types and Quantities

All types of nutrient and the corresponding form (liquid, solid) must be listed. The volume of manure, biosolids and other liquids included in the strategy must equal or exceed the yearly volume of manure produced by all livestock and poultry facilities on the landbase of the Farm Unit or brought in from off-site. Volume can be documented using the calculations in the NMAN Software. When the NMS utilizes animal weights that are lower than the default NMAN values, a written explanation must be included to explain the lower weights.

8. Nutrient Storage

The manure storage either permanent or temporary, must meet the regulations in the Nutrient Management Act. The storage should contain manure, rainfall run-off from uncovered solid manure piles, milkhouse washwater, barnyard runoff and any other nutrient-containing solids or liquids generated in the operation.

9. Storage Freeboard

Liquid manure storages must have a minimum freeboard of 1 foot. This includes any gutters or channels being accounted for in the calculation of storage capacity. The only exception is a permanently covered non-slatted storage where 0.5 feet of freeboard is acceptable.

D. Nutrient Analysis of Manure

10. Nutrient analysis

A nutrient analysis for each manure type should have been completed within the last 3 years. The nutrient content of the tested manure should be within 30% of the NMAN data bank results, or else documentation must be included explaining differences in management practices or feed additives. The nutrient analysis must be included to determine suitability for application to agricultural land. If a test was not completed, the data bank average for the specific manure type and projected dry matter range calculated in the NMAN calculation is to be used.

Details regarding parameters to be measured and the methodology to be used will appear in a latter stage of the regulations.

11. Feed Additives

If manure nutrients were modified due to the use of feed additives, adequate information must be attached to verify that the feed additive was actually used, and to verify the effectiveness of the additive on the nutrient content of the manure.

E. Destination Information

12. Destinations for the nutrients

A list of the destinations of all the nutrients and the corresponding documentation is required in the Strategy. The destinations include:

• Nutrient Management Plans to show landbase for application, including signed land leases or manure agreements.
• List Nutrient Management Strategies that this strategy links to (because of a transfer of nutrients to either another Farm Unit that generates or an Intermediate Hauler).
• Broker Agreements.
• Include all non-land application methods of disposal being used.

For solid or for liquid (where all associated NMPs are obtained) nutrients, a broker arrangement is acceptable. The generator needs to include a signed broker agreement in their strategy (but does not need to have a nutrient management plan for land application of this material). It is understood that, as the time frames of the legislation progress, nutrient management plans will be required for all of the manure applied by the broker.

For all nutrient types, a generator could send the manure to a facility that treats (example: anaerobic digestor) or utilizes (example: mushroom compostor) the nutrient. The generator needs to include identification of this facility in his/her strategy (but does not need to have a nutrient management plan for land application of this material). This facility must have its own approved nutrient management plan and strategy.

13. Applicable NMAN Printouts

The summary and detailed NMAN printouts, or equivalents are to be submitted for OMAF review.

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5. Step 4 - Nutrient Management Plan

A Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is a document that provides the details regarding the management of materials containing nutrients that may be applied to agricultural lands. The plan is prepared in accordance with the regulations in the Nutrient Management Act. A plan is done for an entire farm unit and will contain all fields receiving nutrients. If the farm is also a generator of nutrients then a Nutrient Management Strategy is also required and may contain some of the components of the plan already. All NMPs must be renewed every three years or sooner in the event that one of the following situations occurs:

• The Farm Unit for which the NMP is prepared has an increase of 20% or more in the quantity of nutrients, excluding commercial fertilizers, required to be dealt with by the NMP;
• The Farm Unit for which the NMP is prepared has a change in its cropping system which results in a decrease of 20% or more in crop removal of nitrogen and phosphorus provided by the nutrients dealt with in the NMP; or
• The Farm Unit for which the NMP is prepared has a decrease in land available for the application of nutrients, excluding commercial fertilizer, of more than 10% provided the decrease in area is at least 2 hectares.

For Category IV or III Farm Units the NMP must be provincially approved and a new approval is required on the updated plan every three years or in the case of one of the above mentioned events, whichever happens sooner.

Doing an NMP

The following information regarding the preparation and components of a nutrient management plan can be completed using OMAFRA's NMAN computer program. The program and the manual are attached in the appendix of this document.

OMAFRA intends to develop a short version Nutrient Management Plan.

The first step in completing a NMP will be to check to confirm the short version criteria and determine if your farm unit could qualify for this plan instead of a full NMP.

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Full NMP Components

Farm Unit Owner/Operator Checklist

Farm unit operator/owner (yy/mm/dd)

Note: One box on each line must be checked.

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Description of NMP Components

A. Nutrient Management Plan Information

1. Written Description of the Farm Unit

This section includes a description of the operation resulting in the generation or receipt of nutrients. It must have the summary details of the operation including: the quantity and types of prescribed nutrients brought onto the farm and the associated NMS from where they came from, a list of any temporary or permanent nutrient storage facilites, a list of fields, total acres, and intended nutrient application rates per field. This description must include the Farm Unit Declaration Form, the identity and contact information for the owner/operator, the farm name or identifier and the geographic location of the Farm Unit. It may also contain any unusual details or issues requiring additional explanation. This cover letter should indicate if the plan is new or a 3-year renewal.

2. Leases and Agreements

Manure Application Agreements with other farmers for land to be included in the plan must be attached. Land ownership must be identified on the Farm Unit Declaration Form. Land Lease Agreements for land included in the plan must be included.

3. Contingency Plan

A written plan that outlines the requirements (equipment, contacts and safety measures) to be taken when alternate options to the strategy's projected management are required. Alternative options must cover the following: handling, hauling, storage, breaks, improper weather conditions during proposed application period, excess production of nutrient and what steps are to be taken in the event of a spill. The latter of which needs to include the phone number for the Action Centre (1-800-268-6060) and other affected parties.

4. Signed NMP Certification Form

The certification form serves as a sign-off document for the Nutrient Management Plan preparer, the farm unit operator/owner and the reviewing authority. The form is located in the appendix of this document.

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B. Farm Unit Information

5. Site Plan

This map serves to indicate the location and boundaries for all properties in the Farm Unit. Maps showing the location of individual fields utilized under a manure application agreement within the plan must also be included. The map should have information including the field identifier (ie name or number) and if the field is soil conditioned and it requires a Certificate of Approval then that must be noted and a copy of the approval attached. The map should show the location of all known used and unused wells, tile inlets and outlets, and other surface water features.

Maps should clearly mark other features such as the location of farm buildings, nutrient storage facilities, county roads, neighbours, nearby towns, and other local features. All maps and sketches provided should be presented with the direction north to the top of the page and include a north symbol on each map or sketch.

6. Livestock Numbers

The number of livestock and/or poultry in the NMP must be equal to or greater than standard OMAFRA housing capacity guidelines. If the numbers are less than the guidelines, then a written explanation must be included to verify why fewer animals are in the barn.

NMPs are approved according to the capacity of the barn and not the number of animals currently housed in the barn. This is to ensure that sufficient landbase exists for the capacity of the farm should the operator choose to fill the barn and expand the size of their herd.

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C. Manure Production and Storage

7. Animal Weights

When the NMP utilizes animal weights that are lower than the default values in NMAN, a written explanation must be included to explain the lower weights.

8. Manure Volume

The volume of manure, biosolids and other liquids included in the plan must equal or exceed the yearly volume of manure produced by all livestock and poultry facilities on the landbase of the plan or brought in from off-site.

The fields included in the NMP cannot be used for the application of manure or biosolids that are not included in the NMP.

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D. Nutrient Analysis of Manure

9. Nutrient Analysis

A nutrient analysis for each manure type should have been completed within the last 3 years. The nutrient content of the tested manure should be within 30% of the NMAN data bank results, or documentation must be included explaining differences in management practices or feed additives. If a test was not completed, the data bank average for the specific manure type and projected dry matter range calculated in the NMAN calculation is to be used.

Details regarding parameters to be measured and the methodology to be used will appear in a latter stage of the regulations.

When using NMAN the quantity of each manure type will be noted and this can be cross-referenced with the NMS and attached land arrangement agreements. If not using NMAN this information should still be included.

10. Feed Additives

If manure nutrients were modified due to the use of feed additives, adequate information must be attached to verify that the feed additive was actually used, and to verify the effectiveness of the additive on the nutrient content of the manure.

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E. Field Information

11. Field Sketch Features

Field sketches must show the location of water features, including:

• surface water sources (creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc)
• surface inlets (riser pipes, catchbasins, sink holes, etc)
• tile outlets and tile access points for monitoring such as catchbasins
• wells (both used and unused) that are in the field or within 100 feet of all field boundaries (including wells on the farm property).
• wetlands

Any nearby buildings or buildings within the fields should be included on the field sketches. as well as the field slopes within 500 feet of the above mentioned water features. Where steep slopes exist beside water features, the setbacks should start from the upper edge of the slope or bank beside the water (even when the sloped area is wooded or thickly vegetated). Where little slope exists beside the water, setbacks may include vegetated or wooded areas, depending on topography and drainage conditions.

All features which present the opportunity for manure to leave the property, or to directly enter the groundwater should have manure application setbacks (including the distance of the setback) clearly identified on the map. Setback distances are shown in the "Field Output" and "Field Summary" sections of the NMAN software.

The minimum manure application setback from drilled wells with a casing depth of 100 feet or more is 50 feet. For all other wells, the setback is 100 feet. These setbacks should be marked on the maps for all wells.

Areas which flood regularly must not receive manure and must be deducted from the available area for manure. Field slopes within 500 feet of all surface water sources, surface water inlets and wells must be indicated. If there are no wells, water sources, surface water inlets or tiles, the field sketches must have a written comment to indicate that they are not present. e.g. "This field is not tiled."

12. Land Available For Spreading

Setback distances to water features identified in the Field Sketch details should be subtracted in the calculation of the land base available for spreading. Thus "Tillable Area" and "Available Area for Manure" often differ. Area can be calculated by knowing that one acre equals roughly 43500 square feet (1 hectare= 10,000m²).

13. Soil Samples

Soil samples are to have been analyzed by an OMAFRA accredited lab within the last 3 years. For plans being renewed, it is expected that all fields be soil tested in the last 3 years. A single soil sample should represent 25 acres or less. The soil test summary should be included in the plan documents.

14. Phosphorous Test

The default phosphoros test level of 101 ppm is to be used only if this plan was completed at a time when a soil test could not be taken (i.e. frozen ground). The sodium bicarbonate test is to be used to determine the plant available phosphorus level of the soil.

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F. Cropping Practices

15. Yield Documentation for Continuous Cropping

Documentation supporting stated yields is required for fields where the same crop is grown continuously for 3 or more years on the same field and the estimated yield exceeds township averages. Crop insurance records are suitable documentation.

16. Yield Documentation for High Yields

Documentation supporting stated yields is required for fields where the estimated crop yields exceeds 120% of the township average. Crop insurance records are suitable documentation.

17. Proper Crop Balances

Agronomic balances based on crop rotation, crop yields and crop removal must be completed for nitrogen and phosphorous.

If the nitrogen agronomic balance is exceeded by 15 lbs/ac, a crop removal balance for nitrogen needs to be completed. This balance must show that for each acre no more than 30 lbs of nitrogen is applied over crop removal and no more than a total of 200 lbs of nitrogen is applied.

If the phosphate agronomic balance is exceeded by 15 lbs/ac, a crop removal balance for phosphate needs to be completed. This balance must not exceed 70 lbs/ac if manure is applied every year, 170 lbs/ac for bi-yearly applications or 270 lbs/ac if the manure is applied once every three years. In addition, a phosphorous index is to be completed and accounted for if the soil test level exceeds 30 ppm.

The NMAN Software completes all of these crop balance calculations for the user including a Nitrogen Index and Phosphorus Index value.

18. Manure Application Rates and Methods

The manure application rates must not exceed recommended maximum levels for the soil type and slope. Application methods and setbacks must meet the regulations specified in the Nutrient Management Act.

19. Applicable NMAN Printouts

The full plan, including summary and detailed NMAN printouts, or equivalents for the first year of the plan are to be submitted for third party review by OMAFRA. The summary pages for the 2^nd and 3^rd year of the plan are also to be submitted for review. In some cases, summary pages are not required if the plan clearly shows a balanced crop rotation is present.

20. Sufficient Landbase

If the manure application frequency is every 2, 3, 4 or 5 years, sufficient landbase is required so that manure can be spread each year as specified.

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6. Ministry Approval of Strategies and Plans

Y (Yes), N (No) or NA (Not Applicable) must be checked on all of the following points to have a complete plan.

A. Nutrient Management Plan Information	Y	N	NA
1. A written description of the farm unit and the plan is included, giving an overview of the livestock operation and the fields used for the nutrient management plan.
2. A contingency plan has been included.
3. A signed OMAFRA-approved nutrient management certification form is included.
B. Farm Information	Y	N	NA
4. A map of the properties in the plan is included, showing the location of the livestock facilities, fields in the plan, county roads, and other local features.
5. A layout of the farmstead is included, showing existing and proposed livestock and poultry buildings, manure storages, farmstead wells, and the closest neighbour's home with dimensions. Note: Building plans will only be reviewed to verify livestock or poultry housing capacity.
6. The number of livestock or poultry listed in the plan is greater than or equal to the OMAFRA housing capacity guidelines, or adequate information is provided to verify the housing capacity used.
7. MDS II calculations approved by the local municipality have been included if this plan involves new, expanded or remodeled facilities. The livestock and poultry numbers in the plan correspond to the numbers used in the MDS II calculations. Note: Distances and zoning are to be verified by the municipality.
C. Manure Production and Storage	Y	N	NA
8. Documentation supporting animal weights is attached when the average animal weight is less than the default MSTOR value.
9. The plan indicates adequate manure storage as defined in the regulations
10. The liquid manure storage has a minimum freeboard of 1 ft. The only exception is a freeboard of 0.5 ft for a permanently covered non-slatted storage.
11. The volume of manure, biosolids and other liquids included in the plan equals or exceeds the yearly volume of manure produced by all livestock and poultry facilities on the landbase of the plan or brought in from off-site.
D. Nutrient Analysis of Manure	Y	N	NA
12. A nutrient analysis for each manure type was completed in the last 3 years. The nutrient content of the tested manure is within 30% of the data bank results. If a test was not taken, the data bank average for the specific manure type and projected dry matter range was used.
13. Adequate information is attached to verify the effect of feed additives on the nutrient content of the manure.
14. Landbases under a lease or manure agreement are properly documented.
E. Field Information	Y	N	NA
15. Documentation shows that properly approved hauling equipment is available to transport manure when the distance from the manure storage to the field exceeds a 20 km radius.
16. Sketches of fields are attached showing the approximate location of .
a. surface water sources and surface water inlets.
b. wells in fields or on farmstead.
c. houses and wells within 100 ft of field boundary.
d. all manure application setbacks (including the setback width) from surface water sources, surface water inlets and wells (50 ft setback from drilled wells with at least 100 ft of casing, 100 ft setback from all other wells).
e. field slope within 500 ft of all surface water sources, surface water inlets and wells.
f. tile outlets and tile access points for monitoring.
If there are no wells, surface water sources, surface water inlets or tiles, the sketch must have a written comment to indicate that they are not present.
17.Setback distances to surface water sources, including any areas up-slope from a surface water inlet, are accounted for in the calculation of the tillable land base available for spreading. All setbacks from surface water sources should begin at the edge of the cropped land, taking into consideration drainage and topographic features.
18. Soil samples were taken within the last 3 years and analyzed by an OMAFRA-approved lab. A single soil test should cover an area of 25 acres or less. The default phosphorous test level of 101 ppm was used only if this plan was completed at a time when a soil test could not be taken.
19. A sodium bicarbonate test was used to determine the phosphorus level of the soil.
F. Cropping Practices	Y	N	NA
20. Documentation supporting stated yields is attached for fields where the same crop is grown continuously (3 or more years) on the same field and the estimated yield exceeds township averages.
21. Documentation supporting stated yields is attached for fields where the estimated crop yields exceeds 120% of the township average.
22. Cropping Information is included to show that:
a. crop removal nitrogen balance is less than +30 lbs/ac when the agronomic nitrogen balance is greater than +15 lbs/ac.
b. less than 200 lbs/ac of nitrogen was applied when the agronomic nitrogen balance is greater than +15 lbs/ac.
c. the crop removal balance of P2O5 does not exceed +70 lbs/ac for yearly application; +170 lbs/ac for bi-yearly application; and +270 lbs/ac for application once every three years, if the P2O5 agronomic balance is greater than +15 lbs/ac.
d. the Phosphorous Index is completed and accounted for if the soil test level is above 30 ppm.
23.The manure application rates are below recommended maximum levels for the soil type and slope.
24. The full plan, including summary and detailed NMAN printouts, MSTOR printouts, or equivalents are included for the first year of the plan. The summary pages for the 2nd and 3rd year of the plan are included (in some cases, summary pages for the 2nd and 3rd year are not required if the plan clearly shows a balanced crop rotation is present)
25. If the manure application frequency is every 2, 3, 4 or 5 years, sufficient landbase for those years is included in plan.

G. Comments

H. OMAFRA Review

I, ____________________________________________, have reviewed the Nutrient Management Plan as submitted and confirm that it meets the Nutrient Management review criteria of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. This review is based on the information supplied by the applicant. __________________________________________________________________ Signature / Date

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7. Brokers and Intermediate Handlers

Broker

A broker as defined in the regulations, must ensure signed Broker Agreements with the generator are in place. A broker:

• May mix, transport, store and land apply nutrients
• Does not generate a new nutrient product
• Can handle solid nutrients
• Can take liquid nutrients from a Category IV Farm Unit provided that they have a copy of and follow the NMP for all farms receiving the nutrients;
• Must have copies of all Strategies and Plans of Farm units that it takes nutrients from;
• Must have copies of the NMP of Farm Units that receive nutrients from them; and
• Must adhere to the limitations outlined in the regulation;

The broker must ensure:

• copies of broker agreement are given to all Farm Units involved
• that they meet all storage and hauling regulations for nutrients and any runoff
• that a license or certification to parallel the biosolid haulers is obtained, in the future
• that land applied nutrients are applied according to a NMP.

Intermediate Handler

An intermediate handler is considered to be any operation who generates a nutrient product with different nutrient characteristics (nutrient content, density, volume) than the incoming nutrient source (compost, mushroom, any other secondary treatment ie anaerobic digestion). An intermediate handler can accept solid or liquid manure.

An intermediate handler must:

• do their own NMS
• link to the generator's NMS
• record all off-farm sourced materials required and approved for the processing of nutrients
• ensure adequate approvals and certificates are obtained for any processing methods or applications

Other secondary treatment processes and products will either be outlined in the Regulation for Alternative Technology or subject to the review process for alternative technologies as defined by OMAFRA.

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8. Other Nutrients

Not developed yet.

9. Nutrient Quality

This section will be developed in Stage 2 regulations. Details will be inserted at that time.

10. Record Keeping

A constantly updates set of records will be required that meet the regulations in the Nutrient Management Act for Record Keeping. They will provide a log of actual versus planned nutrient management for reference and notification to the owner/owner operator when a major change has occurred that may require the update and resubmission of a strategy or plan. Details will follow at a later stage.

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Appendices

Contents

1. NMAN (latest version) to be added later in the fall of 2002
2. NMAN manual to be added later in the fall of 2002
3. Farm unit declaration form
4. Manure application agreement
5. Broker agreement
6. Nutrient Management Certification form

Appendix C: Farm Unit Declaration Form

To be completed for each Farm Unit

All agricultural operations must declare all of the landbase, whether owned or rented, that is operated as one agricultural operation into one or more Farm Units. A Nutrient Management Strategy and/or Plan must be completed for each Farm Unit. An individual agricultural operation