The Legislative Assembly has passed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act which establish buffer zones around watercourses in the province. Beginning April 1 of the year 2000, agriculture and forestry activities will be limited within a 10 meter buffer zone and intensive livestock operations must eliminate livestock waste and liquid runoff into streams. Beginning April 1, 2001, further restrictions apply 50 meters beyond the buffer zone on agricultural land with an average slope of five percent or greater.
"The establishment of buffer zones will have a very positive impact on improving surface water quality, conserving our soils and protecting the environment," said Technology and Environment Minister Mitch Murphy. "The amendments are a direct response to the recommendations of the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship and reflect this government's commitment to improve the quality of our water resources."
Under the amendments, producers can maintain and renew grasses in the 10 meter buffer, and after 2001, in the additional 50 meter buffer, fall tillage is prohibited and a winter cover crop must be established or mulch applied. Only selective cutting of trees is allowed in the 20 and 30 meter forested buffer zones.
"Prince Edward Island is the only province in Canada to legislate buffer zones, which demonstrates our goal of becoming a leader in the sustainable management of our resources," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill. "I am pleased to note that the major farm organizations, including the Federation of Agriculture, have endorsed this legislation."
Mr. Hammill said the provincial government, through the new Agriculture and Environmental Resources Conservation (AERC - pronounced ARK) program provides financial and technical assistance to help producers comply with the legislation and make their farm operations more productive and sustainable. A total of one million dollars is available in each of the next three years to support on-farm conservation projects, including manure storage, facilities for the storage of fuels and pesticides, soil erosion projects, and the establishment of hedgerows and riparian zones. As of early June, 54 applications have already been received under the program.
"The establishment of buffer zones and the on-farm conservation program are important components of the new Food Strategy which is all about producing high quality food from sustainable production systems," said Mr. Hammill.
Mr. Murphy said the establishment of buffer zones will reduce stream contamination and result in significant benefits to fish and shellfish habitats, along with other environmental benefits.
For more information contact:
Clair Murphy, Technology and Environment, 368-5036
Wayne MacKinnon, Agriculture and Forestry, 368-4888