Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program

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 .

1. 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)

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. Site Assessment: Protecting Water Quality Around Your Home
2. Managing Household Trash: Waste Prevention, Reuse, Recycling, and Composting
3. Managing Hazardous Household Products
4. Storm water Management
5. Household Wastewater: Septic Systems
6. Yard and Garden Care
7. Drinking Water Well Management
8. 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.