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Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program |
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The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) is designed to reduce the risks of
groundwater contamination associated with the use of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers.
The MGSP is voluntary, locally driven and designed to address the concerns of individuals
by maintaining a focus on the financial and technical constraints which drive real world
decisions. The program is funded through fees that are assessed on sales of pesticides and
nitrogen fertilizers.
There are 3 major benefits to participating in the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship
Program .
- A free on farm assessment of groundwater contamination risk. This is done through a
series of fact sheets and work sheets called Farm-A-Syst. (FAS)
- The whole process is confidential and the FAS book stays on the farm. Certified
pesticide applicators can earn up to 9 renewal credits by completing a Farm-A-Syst and Field-A-Syst.
- Emergency Plan Tubes for storing directions in case of an accidental or natural
disaster and Anti-Backflow Devices free to participants.
Cost Share Once a farmer completes a FAS and decides to make changes to
reduce the risk of groundwater contamination on his farm he is eligible to apply for cost share on MGSP practices.
For more information regarding the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, contact
Amy Gillhouse, Groundwater Technician at the Monroe Conservation District office
734-241-7755 Ext 3 or the Lenawee Conservation Distict office 517-263-7400 Ext. 117,
or E-mail to amy.gillhouse@mi.nacdnet.net
Also read Amy's report: Choosing to Close an Abandoned Well
Michigan Groundwater Stewardship AmeriCorps Program offers a Home Assessment Guide
This is a self-assessment program you can use to evaluate your home and property for pollution and health risks. In every home, potential pollution sources exist that can affect the health of your family, your community, or the environment. Drinking water, for example, can be affected by many contaminant sources: poorly maintained septic or sewage systems, leaky fuel tanks, fertilizers, pesticides and hazardous household products.
Home*A*Syst chapters cover essential topics that every home owner or resident should understand. Each chapter contains key points, along with tables or worksheets of assessment questions, to help you understand which risks apply to your situation.
These chapters include:
- Site Assessment: Protecting Water Quality Around Your Home
- Managing Household Trash: Waste Prevention, Reuse, Recycling, and Composting
- Managing Hazardous Household Products
- Storm water Management
- Household Wastewater: Septic Systems
- Yard and Garden Care
- Drinking Water Well Management
- Liquid Fuels: Safe Management of Gasoline, Heating Oil, Diesel and Other Fuels
For more information regarding the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, contact
Aistis Tumas, AmeriCorp Educator at the Monroe Conservation District office
734-241-7755 Ext 3 or the Washtenaw Conservation Distict office 734-761-6721 Ext. 101,
or E-mail to Aistis.tumas@gmail.com
All Conservation District programs and services are offered on a non-discrimination basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.
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