MAEAP Helps Michigan Farmers Reduce Pollution Risks
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program provides resources to farmers to implement conservation practices on their land. Farms that become verified are recognized as environmental stewards in their community and gain access to funding and technical assistance. There are over 6,000 verified farms in the state!
Verifiers work with local MAEAP technicians to walk farmers through the verification process. In 2023, farmers implemented 2,744 conservation practices and greatly reduced the amount of sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reaching Michigan’s waterways (MAEAP FY2023 report).
The Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative (CTAI) provides conservation and engineering assistance to landowners, allowing them to receive federal cost-share dollars for implementation of engineered conservation practices. These practices may include pest management, nutrient management, prescribed grazing, irrigation water management, and tree/shrub establishment.
Other MAEAP Programs
Abandoned Wells
Abandoned wells pose a health risk by acting as a conduit for contaminated surface water to move directly down into drinking water aquifers. Environmental risk assessments and financial assistance from MWSP have resulted in the closure of more than 7,000 unused/unusable wells.
Clean Sweep
Unused and unwanted pesticides are properly disposed of through the MWSP sponsored Clean Sweep program. Since 1996, more than 3.9 million pounds of chemicals have been removed from circulation and properly disposed of at collection sites. Contact a Clean Sweep site near you for collection locations and schedules.
Agricultural Spill Response
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) provides a 24-hour hotline (800-405-0101) for assistance with agricultural pollution emergencies. Quick, effective response greatly reduces environmental risks. MWSP staff coordinate any follow-up requirements with the the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and other regulatory agencies.
Groundwater Quality Monitoring
This water testing is designed to evaluate pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer contamination in Michigan’s groundwater. Over 20,000 water well samples have been screened for nitrates, nitrites and triazines at no charge to the well owners.
Agrichemical Container Recycling
The container recycling program minimizes the loss of pesticides to groundwater by promoting proper pesticide container rinsing procedures. Properly rinsed containers are recycled through a partnership with agricultural businesses across the state.