The state's existing program to control manure pollution is voluntary for most operations in the state and allows practices that contribute to water pollution. Agriculture, the second leading source of pollution to Pennsylvania's rivers and streams, is also contributing to the degradation of the Chesapeake Bay's famed shellfish and fish stocks through Pennsylvania's tributaries. Poultry, pork and dairy production have been a part of Pennsylvania's economy for many years. Recently, the governor has laid out the welcome mat for very large hog facilities and the number of hogs in the state is growing. 2 Efforts to meet this goal could be impeded by the nutrient pollution from new factory farms locating in the watershed.
Agriculture is the second leading source of impairment to Pennsylvania's rivers and streams.
Siltation and nutrient pollution are the primary agricultural pollutants. 3 Pennsylvania is only now developing a permitting process for factory farms in compliance with the Clean Water Act. In some parts of Pennsylvania, citizens are worried about pollution from nitrates and the contamination of their drinking water supply. 7 Lancaster's Conestoga River has the highest concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus of any Susquehanna tributary monitored by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. 8 Many of Pennsylvania's surface waters, including Chesapeake Bay tributaries, are also contaminated with nitrates and other animal-related pollutants.