After a recent visit, a DEP biologist found that no fish kill or substantial harm to other aquatic life had occurred. DEP initiated the investigation of the Boyle farm after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen. Pennsylvania law requires manure to be handled and land applied in accordance with technical standards established by the federal Natural Resource Conservation Service, and prohibits any discharge of manure to streams. Violating the law can result in fines, or other penalties. Pennsylvania's nutrient management program's main goal is to minimize surface and groundwater pollution from farms and to increase profitability through proper nutrient management.
Proper planning helps minimize the farm's impacts on water quality.