Many farmers fear regulations will increase cost and drive them out of business. More and more state and federal governments are requiring nutrient management plans, tougher regulations and more accountability in waste handling. However, most will agree voluntary control is less costly and more productive than governmental control and regulations. To make it work, every one of us needs the commitment and dedication. A few flagrant offenders gives all of agriculture a bad name.
Regulations are one way to help ensure that everyone knows what the minimum standards are.
See Extension Circular 819-11, Georgia Agricultural Waste Regulations. Water is the world's most abundant resource, but only one percent of water is suitable for drinking. The average person in the U.S. uses about 180 gallons of water per day. We all live in a watershed down stream from someone else. Growing concern about waste handling coincides with the public concern about environmental quality.