Farmers and Asbestos
Agricultural workers and farmers are exposed to asbestos in farm equipment and building materials. Vermiculite, a mineral that’s safe in its pure form, can also pose a risk if asbestos contaminated the vermiculite mine. Asbestos has been found in vermiculite soil mixes and containers.
For more information on how agricultural workers are exposed to asbestos go to: The Mesothelioma Center Farmers and Asbestos
To find out where asbestos is in our environment go to: The Mesothelioma Center Environmental Effects
Agricultural Stream Restoration Opportunities
The Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District is currently partnering with the following companies to restore streams in the agricultural community. The companies have different methods of restoration, but all obtain the same results, which is the stabilization of the stream bottom and stream banks, which in turn reduces stream erosion. Funding for stream restorations is available through a grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). If you are interested in working with one of these companies, they will partner with the District and solicit a grant to fund the restoration at no cost to the landowner. If you have a stream on your property and are having issues with head cutting, streambank erosion, and or flooding, please contact us or the companies below to obtain recommendations.
For more information, click on the companies below.
Environmental Quality Resources, LLC
Before and After Examples:
Underwood and Associates – Cabin Branch
Ecotone LLC – Bear Cabin Branch
Wildlands Engineering, Inc. – Several Examples
Agriculture and Woodland Preservation Programs
Anne Arundel County continues a long standing commitment to preserve agricultural land and forest land in perpetuity through various County and State funded preservation programs. Goals of the programs are to promote agriculture and forestry as viable sectors of the local economy, encourage the use of best management practices to reduce runoff and promote healthy streams and discourage the loss of prime agricultural land and forest land to development.
Soil Testing Labs
The University of Maryland no longer has a soil testing lab but the University Extension Home and Garden Information Center maintains a list of recommended soil testing labs for you to choose from. The Soil Conservation District does not endorse a particular laboratory and the inclusion or exclusion of specific labs does not reflect a bias. All of the listed labs competently test soils and provide reports that include liming and fertilizing recommendations.
To See the Maryland Cooperative Extension List of Labs and Instructions
To See the list of Soil Testing Labs form the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website
Additional Instructions – Virginia Cooperative Extension
Additional Instructions – Oregon University Extension Service
A Farmer’s Guide to Environmental Permits
This guide serves as a quick reference to help farmers, lawn care professional, pest control specialist and businesses comply with Maryland’s environmental regulations. This guide is published as a public resource for general reference purposes ONLY. The information in this guide does not replace or supersede any applicable environmental laws or regulations and should not be considered as legally binding for compliance with local, state or federal requirements.
A Farmer’s Guide to environmental Permits
Using Chemicals to Control Aquatic Vegetation in Farm Ponds
To legally apply herbicides to your pond you need to obtain a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The District has been granted the authority by MDE to issue an emergency permit to approve the use of Copper Sulfate to control; filamentous algae, Cutrine to control filamentous and planktonic algae and Diquat to control submerged aquatic vegetation. To use any other chemical other than the three mentioned, a landowner needs to obtain a permit from MDE by filling out a form to request the use toxic substances (see below). To obtain the emergency permit to control aquatic vegetation contact us.
Request to MDE to use Toxic Substances for Aquatic Life Management Purposes
The District’s Emergency Toxic Material Permit
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Low Interest Loans for Agricultural Conservation (LILAC)
Low Interest Loans for Agricultural Conservation (LILAC) are available to help farmers install best management practices (BMPs) on their farms, purchase conservation equipment and adopt new technologies that help protect natural resources and safeguard water quality in streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.
The Maryland Income Tax Subtraction Modification for Conservation Equipment
The Maryland Income Tax Subtraction Modification for Conservation Equipment helps farmers offset costs associated with buying certain types of conservation equipment to control soil erosion, manage nutrients and protect water quality in streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The subtraction modification allows farmers to subtract eligible equipment purchases from taxable income on Maryland individual and corporate tax returns.
Certificate of Conservation Maryland Income Tax Subtraction Form
Poultry Manure Haulers and Spreading Services
The Manure Transport Program helps cover the cost of transporting manure to farms with low phosphorus fields or to alternative use facilities. Payments of up to $22.50 per ton are available to eligible farmers and manure brokers.
See List of Brokers Offering Services
University of Maryland Extension Anne Arundel County
University of Maryland Extension is a statewide, informal educational system, sponsored jointly by the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. University of Maryland Extension is administered through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) in College Park. We have access to many of the University of Maryland resources as well as campuses within the system.
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC)
AAEDC creates economic development strategies to support Anne Arundel County’s farm based businesses. They help market the county’s agri-businesses and engage the public to support locally grown, made and produced products. To learn more about their programs:
Farm Equipment Rental Program Information
Scrap Tire Disposal Program Information
Maryland White-Tailed Deer Management Plan 2020-2034
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are one of Maryland’s most recognizable wildlife species. Wildlife-watchers, photographers and hunters contribute millions of dollars each year to the state’s economy while pursuing deer, but, unfortunately, deer are also responsible for millions of dollars in damages annually to automobiles, agriculture, landscaping and young forests. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is charged with managing white-tailed deer in a way that balances the interests of those who support hunting as a management strategy and those who suffer economic loss from deer against the interests of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy experiencing deer in the wild. Finding common ground and sustainable population goals that reasonably satisfy all stakeholders is a challenging and complex process. In response to this need, the department created the first deer management plan in 1998 to help guide deer management. The plan was revised in 2009; this document represents the second revision and will guide deer management through 2034.
