New Environmental Management Regulations

On February 28, 2019, the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management (CPAEM) replaced the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation (AWCR). What does this mean, and how does it affect us?

To put it simply, the provincial government has put new regulations into effect which will significantly affect how producers use, store and manage fertilizer and manure sources of phosphorus and nitrogen.

The new regulations are the end result of a process that began over a decade ago. In 2005, the BC Ministry of Agriculture conducted the Fraser Valley Nutrient Study in the Fraser Valley, as well as a similar survey in the Okanagan Valley. In both cases, high soil levels of nitrogen and phosphorus were confirmed.

The goal of the CPAEM is to ensure that agricultural practices are “consistent with the protection of safe and clean water and air.” In other words, the new regulations are meant to prevent air and water pollution caused by excess phosphorus and nitrogen. To that end, existing regulations within both the Agricultural Land Commission Act and the Environmental Management Act have now been replaced by the new Code (CPAEM). It affects fruit and vegetable producers directly.

Exactly what changes to phosphorus and nitrogen management depends on locations, size and type of farming activity. The approach is both science-based and risk-based. If you farm in a “high risk area”, and/or farm during “high risk conditions”, the conditions for you will be more stringent. High risk areas include places with excessive precipitation, those in which the local aquifer is vulnerable, and other factors that increase the possibility of adverse impacts on the environment or human health. High risk conditions may include the degree to which a farm field slopes toward a watercourse, chance of flooding, and others. To determine whether you are in a high-risk situation, the government will develop interactive maps on a website for you to use.

To help you manage your nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, you may be expected to take frequent soil samples, use environmentally responsible and sustainable agricultural practices, and complete a Nutrient Management Plan, among others. Records of the crops, their nitrogen and phosphate requirements, date, location and rate of fertilizer and manure applications, yields, and other information must be documented and retained.

You can find more information about the new regulations directly on the government's website.