No no, not "pharmacist." Rather, Farm*A*Syst. F*A*S is an acronym for a free drinking water protection program for farms. Here in Bennington County, the program is sponsored by the Bennington County Conservation District and is implemented by me, BCCD's agricultural resource specialist. The F*A*S program includes both free water testing and farm practice assessments.
Free water testing of farm wells and springs provides information on common water pollutant levels. If the tests identify a problem, we'll assist the landowner in trying to determine the cause of the contamination and work with the landowner to find the best solution.
Free assessments also review common farm practices and identify recommendations for improvement. By taking the lead in preventing pollution, farmers can protect the health of family members, help avoid possible additional regulation, and protect the environment.
Finally, we'll help devise solutions to whatever problems we uncover ?solution the farmer is comfortable with. And did I say free? Yes! The water testing, assessments and recommendations are free to all Vermont farmers.
The well water quality testing covers bacteria, nitrates and common pesticides. The tests identify whether these contaminants are present, and if so, at what levels. If bacteria, nitrates or pesticides are identified, we'll help determine if features such as manure storage areas, septic systems or barnyard runoff might be the source.
The assessments rank farm practices that can impact drinking water (like milkhouse waste treatment, fertilizer storage/use and barnyard protection) and are completed jointly by F*A*S staff and the farmer. Since soil type affects risk of groundwater pollution, a detailed survey of the site, soil and subsurface conditions are part of the assessments.
Finally, recommendations regarding farm water quality issues are prioritized from these assessments. The recommendations detail possible improvements like re-grading around the wellhead, relocating manure storage, designing a manure composting system, or improving milkhouse waste treatment.
The F*A*S program can also document what you're doing right. For example, Integrated Pest Management, the practice of using as little pesticides as possible, will minimize their seepage into ground water. Quickly incorporating spread manure on crop fields helps to prevent erosion of soil and nutrients into our surface waters. Storing silage in a protected bunker with a leachate collection system helps keep excess nutrients from our drinking water.
The F*A* S program will also help implement recommendations selected by each farm family. We'll make connections with appropriate partners such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets or UVM Extension. We can also research and recommend appropriate cost-share programs or other funding sources for the chosen practices.
Who is eligible to participate? F*A*S is provided to agricultural producers in Vermont no matter your size and no matter what you produce. (If you are not a farmer but have a water quality concern related to farming, please call me about options.)
Too good to be true? Not this time. Remember that conservation districts are entirely non-regulatory. We can offer the carrots of assistance and guidance without the stick of penalties. Call soon to schedule an appointment. Space is limited.
Sylvia Harris is works in the five Southern Vermont conservation districts. Her responsibilities include helping farmers protect groundwater resources, assisting in the state's watershed planning efforts and advising the agricultural community on accepted agricultural practices (AAP's). Contact her at 802-254-5323, ext. 105, or , or call BCCD at 442-2275.
This column appeared in the Bennington Banner in November 2008, as one of the BCCD's Conservation Currents pieces, a bi-weekly feature written by BCCD board and staff members since August 2006.