UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Proposed changes to Pennsylvania's nutrient management regulations would affect the handling of manure exported from concentrated animal operations, concentrated animal feeding operations and agricultural operations voluntarily participating in the state nutrient management program, explains a specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

The proposed new regulations would require signed agreements between manure importers and exporters, says Charles Abdalla, associate professor of agricultural economics. "Either an approved nutrient management plan or a nutrient balance sheet with some spreading restrictions would be required for importing farms," he says. "Increased record-keeping requirements also are proposed. Finally, commercial manure haulers and brokers would have to be certified if they are part of the implementation of a nutrient management plan."

These and other proposed revisions will change the way agricultural nutrients are managed, Abdalla says, affecting important sectors of the state's agricultural economy, rural communities and water quality. The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission currently is inviting farmers and all concerned citizens to comment on the proposed revisions. The public comment period will end on Nov. 5.

"The window of opportunity to shape these important agricultural-environmental regulations soon will be closed," Abdalla says. "Now is the time to take action by sharing your thoughts on the proposed changes with the conservation commission. In addition to submitting your individual comments on the proposed changes, you can tell other farmers, neighbors and community members about the proposed rules and encourage them to submit before time runs out."

To help citizens quickly understand the proposed changes and participate in the public comment process, Penn State Cooperative Extension has developed a free guide titled "Shaping New Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act Regulations: A Guide to the Proposal and Comment Process."

Citizens also should be aware that the Environmental Quality Board concurrently is proposing changes to water quality regulations affecting concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and other agricultural operations. To learn more, see the guide, "Make Your Voice Heard: Commenting on Proposed Water Pollution Regulations for CAFOs and Other Agricultural Operations," also offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Individuals can get both publications at Penn State's Nutrient and Water Policy Web site: http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu. Single copies of the free guides also are available by contacting your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or by calling the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center at 814-865-6713.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Charles Abdalla at 814-865-2562 or cabdalla@psu.edu.

Writer/Editor: Gary Abdullah Office 814-863-2708 FAX 814-863-9877