Celebrating Stewardship Week!

As a part of the Guernsey county community  for 73 years, we want to remind you that each of us has a connection to natural resources. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is celebrating the 60th year of Stewardship week April 26 – May 3, 2015. The 2015 Stewardship Week is themed, “Local Heroes – Your Hardworking Pollinators”.
         
             “The world is all abuzz about pollinators! Pollinators play a critical role in our everyday lives, and it’s important that we work to protect their habitat.  While many pollinators may seem like just annoying insects, they are actually a very important part of the web of life upon which we all depend. Pollinators form the underpinning of a healthy and sustainable future for food and the environment, but they have shown disturbing signs of decline in recent years. When pollinators shrink in number, many plants either produce less seed or no seed at all. The bottom line is, when pollinators start disappearing, plants start disappearing.

Most plants depend upon pollinators to reproduce. While animals can travel and move around to find mates and reproduce, plants are rooted to one spot. Therefore, plants depend on pollinators to move pollen from their anthers to their stigma. On planet Earth there are more than 100,000 species of insects, including bees, flies, moths, butterflies and beetles that work hard as pollinators. There are also over 1,000 species of other animals such as birds, reptiles and mammals, including bats that pollinate plants.  Your local conservation district can assist you in maintaining or developing habitat for pollinators.

Birds,Bees,Flowers & Trees walk on the trail scheduled

Join Wildlife/Forestry Specialist Levi Arnold and Master Gardener Myron Dellinger for a mile long hike on the Great Guernsey Trail next Thursday, May 7th at 5:30pm. You'll see wildflowers, identify trees, and enjoy the migratory birds and wildlife visible from the trail. Bring your binoculars if you've got 'em! Call the office at 740-4352-0408 to let us know you are coming.

USDA Announces New Oak-Hickory Woodland Restoration Project

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Apr. 24, 2015 – If you own a woodland in southeastern Ohio, it most likely includes oak and hickory trees.  It is also likely you’ve noticed a new type of tree growing among the oaks and hickories, the showy and highly invasive non-native tree of heaven.  If you watch birds, it’s equally likely that you may now struggle to find a cerulean warbler, those small sky-blue birds that perch among the treetops.  Since 1966, the cerulean warbler population has declined by 70 percent, due primarily to the loss of the habitat they need to reproduce - oak-hickory forest.

In an effort to restore oak-hickory woodlands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources teamed up to create the ‘Collaborative Oak Management’ project in southeastern Ohio.  The project area includes the Wayne National Forest and Ohio State Forests, as well as privately held forest land.  Approximately 73 percent of the land within the Wayne National Forest is privately owned and interspersed within the forest boundaries.  However, the boundaries of private and public land don’t exist for invasive species and wildlife.  The Collaborative Oak Management project provides a mechanism to restore oak-hickory woodlands seamlessly across both public and private land.

The NRCS created a special Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) as part of the Collaborative Oak Management Project to help restoring oak-hickory woodlands owned privately.  Through EQIP, woodland owners in the project area can receive both technical assistance from professional foresters, and financial assistance to implement conservation measures recommended by the foresters.  Conservation measures that promote oak and hickory growth include the control of invasive plant and undesirable trees that out compete oaks and hickories.

Woodland owners in Adams, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Scioto, Vinton, Morgan, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross and Washington Counties may apply for the EQIP Oak Management Program.  Ohio NRCS allocated $300,000 for the EQIP Oak Management Program this year.  Guernsey county is not included this program.

Oak-hickory woodlands across the project area are at a tipping point in our life-times.  Private woodland owners, the U.S. Forest Service, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and NRCS have a chance right now to help the forest become a healthy oak-hickory forest instead of something else altogether.

Individuals interested in applying for the EQIP Oak Management program should make an appointment with the local NRCS conservationist to start the application process.  A list of county office telephone numbers is available on-line at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/oh/contact/local/.

To receive consideration for funding this year, apply by May 22, 2015.   If you are a Noble county landowner, call USDA-NRCS Guernsey/Noble District Conservationist Kim Ray at 740-432-5621 or stop by her office at 1300 Clark St, Unit 10 across from the hospital in Cambridge.

Free Fishing Weekend

Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Residents can fish is all public waters without a fishing license May 2-3 as part of the state's annual free fishing weekend, ODNR announced this week.  An estimated 1.3 million people fish each year in Ohio, and the ODNR Division of Wildlife stocked more than 43 million fish in 2014, the department reported, noting that the sale of fishing licenses, along with the Sport Fish Restoration program, continue to fund Division of Wildlife fish management operations.

Athens students stencil neighborhood drains for Earth Day

A brigade of neon green-vested students and volunteers gathered at the corner of Second Street and Curran Drive in Athens Tuesday morning for a pilot project to stencil “No Dumping” signs on neighborhood storm drains in observation of Earth Day.
Teresa Caldwell, conservation education coordinator with Athens Soil and Water Conservation District, led the group and demonstrated how to effectively stencil the drains.

Read rest of article  HERE

White Pine seedlings available

We have about 400 white pine seedlings from our tree sale still available, first come, first served.  They are in bundles of 25 for $13.   Call the office at 740-435-0408 if you have need of them.

We are sold out of trees and berries.  We do still have a shitake mushroom kit, some of the fertilizer tabs, and both types of cover crops for gardeners (these make lovely gifts).  We also have some 100% cedar Bluebird and wren nestboxes, and birdfeeders of all types.

Harrison County Man Named Ohio's 2015 Outstanding Tree Farmer

CADIZ, OH – Alan Walter, owner of the Sycamore Hill Tree Farm in Harrison County, has been named the 2015 Ohio Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year by the Ohio Tree Farm Committee, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“Productive, sustainable tree farms are an important part of to Ohio’s economic and environmental health because they help improve air quality, provide habitat for wildlife and offer aesthetic appeal that attracts tourism dollars,” said Robert Boyles, ODNR deputy director and state forester. “We are pleased to recognize Alan Walter for being an outstanding example of woodland stewardship, and we hope that his efforts inspire other landowners in the long-term care of their properties.”

Walter has actively managed his 150-acre woodland since 1990. Forestry practices that improve the health and productivity of the woodlands include grapevine and multiflora rose control, thinning to release crop trees and selective timber harvesting. Walter has special interest in managing his woods while improving habitat for non-game wildlife species dependent upon early successional habitat, especially songbirds. He is active in the East Central Ohio Forestry Association, a regional group of woodland owners.

The Sycamore Hill Tree Farm has been certified since 1994 by the American Tree Farm System as meeting their standards for woodland stewardship. This designation shows that as a certified forest, significant effort has been made to provide a renewable resource in a sustainable manner while maintaining a healthy forest that protects water, wildlife and recreational values.

A public field day is planned for Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Sycamore Hill Tree Farm to highlight conservation practices with demonstrations, as well as forestry and wildlife experts.

The Ohio Tree Farm Program was organized in 1946, bringing foresters and landowners together to apply the American Tree Farm System standards of sustainable forest management. The system includes 1,700 woodland owners across the state committed to caring for their land under a comprehensive plan developed by a professional forester. Landowners interested in the American Tree Farm System may visit ohiotreefarm.org.

Ohio EPA offers grant writing workshops

Environmental Protection Agency: the Ohio Environmental Education Fund will host grant-writing workshops to help groups find funding for environmental projects and programs, the OEPA announced.  The free workshops, set to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 29 at Miami University's King Library, will be held in two sessions.  Grant Writing 101 will help participants identify foundations, corporations and government grant programs and approach different kinds of grant-makers while Grant Writing 102 will focus on the common mistakes applicants make and how to develop realistic objectives, activities and budgets, according to an OEPA release.  Registration is required and can be completed by sending an email to Dennis Clement at dennis.clement@epa.ohio.gov.

Farmers for Water website launched

The Water Quality Status Report provides a list of action items being taken by farmers, Farm Bureau and many collaborative partners to implement new farming techniques and best practices to protect water while farming productively. It emphasizes actions in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB), but water quality is a statewide issue and Farm Bureau is addressing it throughout the state. Farm Bureau also has established statewide partnerships to identify comprehensive solutions to complex water issues.  The report is available online at www.farmersforwater.org. Farm Bureau is publicizing its availability through print, broadcast and social media promotion.

Conservation Easement Meeting

If you are interested in preserving your farmland or woodland for future generations to enjoy, there is a meeting on Wednesday evening that you should attend. Landowners in Belmont, Guernsey and Noble counties can learn about the conservation protection options available to them at an April 22 meeting in Buffalo, OH.
The meeting, which is sponsored by the area Farm Bureau office in cooperation with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and OSU Extension, will be held at 7 p.m. at the Mid-East Career Center, Buffalo Campus, 57090 Vocational Rd., Senecaville.  The meeting will be an opportunity for property owners to learn about the land-protection options available via conservation and/or agricultural easements.
The meeting is free and open to the public. The area Farm Bureau is providing this meeting as an introduction to land conservation and land trust programming.For more information on the meeting, contact Farm Bureau Organization Director Betsy Anderson at (740) 425-3681, banderson@ofbf.org or write to her at 100 Colonel Dr., Barnesville, Ohio 43713.

Terminating cover crops

Now that spring is finally here, it’s time to start thinking about terminating the cover crops that were planted last fall, mainly the annual ryegrass and cereal rye.

“To get the best kill on cereal rye and ryegrass, it must be actively growing,” said Beck’s Hybrids Agronomist Alex Johnson. “If your neighbors are mowing grass, that’s a good sign that the cover crops are ready to be sprayed.”

Read rest of this Ohio Country Journal article HERE  There is an audio interview of Alex Johnson as well.

Info on Eagles from ODNR-Div of Wildlife

As we go into prime eagle nesting season here in Ohio it might be timely to show a photo that would be helpful in aging sub-adult bald eagles. As they go through the 5-6 year process of becoming breeding adults many of these younger birds can be mistakenly identified as golden eagles or not recognized as eagles at all. The photo depicts different plumage for the sub-adults and the eagle in flight is likely a 1st year bird.

State Files Suit Against Army Corps' Cleveland Harbor Dredging Plan

The state of Ohio sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tuesday over the agency's plan to dredge the Cleveland Harbor and dump the waste in the open waters of Lake Erie.  Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Craig Butler and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director James Zehringer filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.  The state officials allege the Corps' dredging proposal violates the federal Clean Water Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the agency's statutory requirement to maintain the navigability of Great Lakes harbors.

 In addition, the lawsuit claims the Corps failed to prepare an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and is unlawfully delegating its authority to maintain navigable waters to a non-federal partner.  In the lawsuit, the state asks the court to order the Corps to dredge the full Cleveland Harbor federal channel without disposing of any waste into the open waters of Lake Erie and to prohibit the agency from requiring a non-federal sponsor to pay for disposal into a confined disposal facility.  The legal action comes less than a week after Gov. John Kasich signed legislation (SB 1) that seeks to ban the future dumping of dredged material in Ohio's portion of Lake Erie as part of a broader bill aiming to quell toxic algal blooms.

Since the early 1970s, the Army Corps has dredged the Cuyahoga River navigational channel and dumped the material in one of the on-land disposal areas designated for toxic dredge materials, Mr. DeWine's office said. Starting last year, however, the agency proposed dumping the material into the open waters of Lake Erie.  The Corps is refusing to dredge the last mile of a six-mile stretch of the Cleveland Harbor channel unless a non-federal partner agrees to pay the more than $1 million cost of confined disposal, the state said, asserting that Congress has already appropriated funds to fully cover those costs.  "The Corps' decision attempts to force the state to use its resources to pay for costs the federal government should cover, to accept the severe economic distress to Cleveland and all of Ohio if the Corps refuses to dredge this area, or allow the Corps to endanger Lake Erie further by dumping these toxins," Attorney General DeWine said. "We filed this lawsuit because this decision by the Corps is wrong for the health of Lake Erie, wrong for the economy of Cleveland, and wrong for the taxpayers of Ohio."

The state says dredge material from the final sixth mile of the shipping channel is heavily contaminated with carcinogenic toxins called PCBs. The chemical remains in fatty tissues and accumulates in fish and people as it moves up the food chain.  Increased toxic PCB levels in Lake Erie fish have already led to consumption advisories and any additional accumulation could lead to a significant crisis for Lake Erie anglers, according to the state.  "Based on the data our scientists have reviewed, we expect the Army Corps to dredge the entire navigation channel to keep the first six miles of the Cuyahoga River open for shipping traffic as required by Congress," OEPA Director Butler said.  "Further, as long as sediments pose a risk to Lake Erie, we will fight to protect the lake and Ohioans that rely on the lake by demanding that all sediment be disposed of in the Cleveland confined disposal facilities at full federal expense as supported by the Army Corps Federal Standard," he said.  OEPA issued a water quality certification on Mar. 31 allowing the Corps to dredge up to 225,000 cubic yards of material from six miles of the Cuyahoga River and deposit it in the designated confined disposal facilities. The permit complies with Gov. Kasich's executive order prohibiting the open lake disposal of dredge material in Lake Erie if it could result in higher toxins in fish or violate any international treaties or compacts.

Director Zehringer said a healthy Lake Erie is vital to Ohio's travel and tourism industry because it supports a world-class fishery and provides economic opportunities for many small businesses.  "We're obligated to take the necessary steps to protect our state's greatest natural resource and enhance recreational opportunities. Keeping the sediment out of our lake helps maintain this economically critical waterway and the health of Lake Erie's fish population for our charter boat captains and all of Ohio's anglers," he said.

The Corps did not respond to a request for comment prior to deadline.

Ag is Cool Creative Expression competition by ODA

The Ohio Department of Agriculture  announced it will begin accepting entries for the 2015 "Agriculture is Cool!" Creative Expressions contest. Ohio children enrolled in school or home schooled during the 2014-2015 academic year have until June 5, 2015, to capture their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is cool for their chance to win prizes including tickets to the Ohio State Fair. For additional information about the contest, a complete copy of the rules and entry forms visit http://www.agri.ohio.gov/AgIsCool/

Hear about Andy's successful stocker calf operation

Unique pond clinic - see a trickle irrigation system in use raising market vegetables and fruits

SB1 to be signed by Governor Kasich on Thursday

(131st General Assembly)
(Substitute Senate Bill Number 1)

AN ACT


To amend sections 6109.10 and to enact sections 903.40, 905.326, 905.327,
1511.10, 1511.11, 3745.50, and 6111.32 of the Revised Code and to amend
Section 333.30 of Am. Sub. H.B. 59 of the 130th General Assembly to require
applicators of fertilizer or manure to comply with specified requirements, to
establish requirements governing dredged material and phosphorous testing by
publicly owned treatment works.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio:

SECTION 1. That section 6111.03 be amended and sections 903.40, 905.326, 905.327,
1511.10, 1511.11, 3745.50, and 6111.32 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 903.40. (A) No person, for the purposes of agricultural production as defined in
section 905.31 of the Revised Code, shall apply manure obtained from a concentrated animal
feeding facility issued a permit under this chapter unless one of the following applies:

(1) The person has been issued a livestock manager certification under section 903.07 of
the Revised Code.
(2) The person has been certified under this section to apply the manure by the director of
agriculture.
(B) The director shall issue, renew, and deny certifications for the purposes of division
(A)(2) of this section in the manner established in sections 905.321 and 905.322 of the Revised
Code and rules adopted under the latter section for the certification of fertilizer applicators.
Procedures, requirements, and other provisions that are established in those sections and rules
apply to the certification of persons under division (A)(2) of this section. For purposes of that
application, references in sections 905.321 and 905.322 of the Revised Code to "fertilizer" are
deemed to be replaced with references to "manure."
Sec. 905.326. (A)(1) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no person in the
western basin shall surface apply fertilizer under either of the following circumstances:

(a) On snow-covered or frozen soil;
(b) When the top two inches of soil are saturated from precipitation.
(2) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no person in the western basin shall
surface apply fertilizer in a granular form when the local weather forecast for the application area
contains greater than a fifty per cent chance of precipitation exceeding one inch in a twelve-hour
period.
(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply if a person in the western basin applies
fertilizer under any of the following circumstances:

Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


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(1) The fertilizer is injected into the ground.
(2) The fertilizer is incorporated within twenty-four hours of surface application.
(3) The fertilizer is applied onto a growing crop.
(C)(1) Upon receiving a complaint by any person or upon receiving information that would
indicate a violation of this section, the director or the director's designee may investigate or make
inquiries into any alleged failure to comply with this section.

(2) After receiving a complaint by any person or upon receiving information that would
indicate a violation of this section, the director or the director's designee may enter at reasonable
times on any private or public property to inspect and investigate conditions relating to any such
alleged failure to comply with this section.
(3) If an individual denies access to the director or the director's designee, the director may
apply to a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the premises is located for a
search warrant authorizing access to the premises for the purposes of this section.
(4) The court shall issue the search warrant for the purposes requested if there is probable
cause to believe that the person is not in compliance with this section. The finding of probable
cause may be based on hearsay, provided that there is a reasonable basis for believing that the
source of the hearsay is credible.
(D) This section does not affect any restrictions established in Chapter 903. of the Revised
Code or otherwise apply to those entities or facilities that are permitted as concentrated animal
feeding facilities under that chapter.
(E) As used in this section, "western basin" means land in the state that is located in the
following watersheds identified by the specified United States geological survey hydrologic unit
code:
(1) St. Marys watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100004;
(2) Auglaize watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100007;
(3) Blanchard watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100008;
(4) Sandusky watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100011;
(5) Cedar-Portage watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100010;
(6) Lower Maumee watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100009;
(7) Upper Maumee watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100005;
(8) Tiffin watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100006;
(9) St. Joseph watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100003;
(10) Ottawa watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100001;
(11) River Raisin watershed, hydrologic unit code 04100002.
(F) Notwithstanding section 905.31 of the Revised Code, as used in this section, "fertilizer"
means nitrogen or phosphorous.
Sec. 905.327. (A) The director of agriculture may assess a civil penalty against a person that
violates section 905.326 of the Revised Code. The director may impose a civil penalty only if the
director affords the person an opportunity for an adjudication hearing under Chapter 119. of the
Revised Code to challenge the director's determination that the person violated section 905.326
of the Revised Code. The person may waive the right to an adjudication hearing.

(B) If the opportunity for an adjudication hearing is waived or if, after an adjudication

Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


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hearing, the director determines that a violation has occurred or is occurring, the director may
issue an order requiring compliance with section 905.326 of the Revised Code and assess the
civil penalty. The order and the assessment of the civil penalty may be appealed in accordance
with section 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(C) A person that has violated section 905.326 of the Revised Code shall pay a civil penalty in
an amount established in rules. Each day during which fertilizer is applied in violation of section
905.326 of the Revised Code constitutes a separate violation.
(D) The director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that
establish the amount of the civil penalty assessed under this section. The civil penalty shall not
be more than ten thousand dollars for each violation.
(E) For purposes of this section, "rule" means a rule adopted under division (D) of this
section.
Sec. 1511.10. (A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no person in the western
basin shall surface apply manure under any of the following circumstances:

(1) On snow-covered or frozen soil;
(2) When the top two inches of soil are saturated from precipitation;
(3) When the local weather forecast for the application area contains greater than a fifty per
cent chance of precipitation exceeding one-half inch in a twenty-four-hour period.
(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply if a person in the western basin applies manure
under any of the following circumstances:
(1) The manure is injected into the ground.
(2) The manure is incorporated within twenty-four hours of surface application.
(3) The manure is applied onto a growing crop.
(4) In the event of an emergency, the chief of the division of soil and water resources or the
chief's designee provides written consent and the manure application is made in accordance with
procedures established in the United States department of agriculture natural resources
conservation service practice standard code 590 prepared for this state.
(C)(1) Upon receiving a complaint by any person or upon receiving information that would
indicate a violation of this section, the chief or the chief's designee may investigate or make
inquiries into any alleged failure to comply with this section.

(2) After receiving a complaint by any person or upon receiving information that would
indicate a violation of this section, the chief or the chief's designee may enter at reasonable times
on any private or public property to inspect and investigate conditions relating to any such
alleged failure to comply with this section.
(3) If an individual denies access to the individual's property, the chief may apply to a court of
competent jurisdiction in the county in which the premises is located for a search warrant
authorizing access to the premises for the purposes of this section.
(4) The court shall issue the search warrant for the purposes requested if there is probable
cause to believe that the person is not in compliance with this section. The finding of probable
cause may be based on hearsay, provided that there is a reasonable basis for believing that the
source of the hearsay is credible.
(D) This section does not affect any restrictions established in Chapter 903. of the Revised

Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


4


Code or otherwise apply to those entities or facilities that are permitted as concentrated animal
feeding facilities under that chapter.

(E) As used in this section, "western basin" has the same meaning as in section 905.326 of the
Revised Code.
Sec. 1511.11. (A) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, the chief of the division
of soil and water resources may assess a civil penalty against a person that violates section
1511.10 of the Revised Code. The chief may impose a civil penalty only if the chief affords the
person an opportunity for an adjudication hearing under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to
challenge the chief's determination that the person violated section 1511.10 of the Revised Code.
The person may waive the right to an adjudication hearing.

(B) If the opportunity for an adjudication hearing is waived or if, after an adjudication
hearing, the chief determines that a violation has occurred or is occurring, the chief may issue an
order requiring compliance with section 1511.10 of the Revised Code and assess the civil
penalty. The order and the assessment of the civil penalty may be appealed in accordance with
section 119.12 of the Revised Code.
(C) A person that has violated section 1511.10 of the Revised Code shall pay a civil penalty in
an amount established in rules. Each day during which manure is applied in violation of section
1511.10 of the Revised Code constitutes a separate violation.
(D)(1) The owner or operator of a small agricultural operation or a medium agricultural
operation may apply to the chief for an exemption from the prohibition established in division

(A) of section 1511.10 of the Revised Code. If the chief or the chief's designee determines that it
is appropriate, the chief or the chief's designee may issue such an exemption as follows:
(a) For a medium agricultural operation, for a period ending not later than one year after the
effective date of this section;
(b) For a small agricultural operation, for a period ending not later than two years after the
effective date of this section.
(2) The chief shall establish the form of the application for an exemption in rules adopted
under division (E) of this section.
(3) The chief or the chief's designee shall approve or deny an application for an exemption
submitted under division (D)(1) of this section not later than thirty days after an application has
been submitted.
(4) The chief or the chief's designee may deny an application for an exemption or revoke an
exemption approved under division (D)(3) of this section if the chief or the chief's designee
determines that the owner or operator is not in substantial compliance with this chapter and rules
adopted under it other than violating division (A) of section 1511.10 of the Revised Code.
(5) An owner or operator that has been issued an exemption under this section is not subject to
civil penalties assessed for a violation of division (A) of section 1511.10 of the Revised Code
during the exemption period.
(6) An owner or operator that has an initial application for an exemption that is pending the
chief's review is not subject to civil penalties assessed for a violation of division (A) of section
1511.10 of the Revised Code.
(E) The chief shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that

Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


5
establish both of the following:

(1) The amount of the civil penalty assessed under this section. The civil penalty shall be not
more than ten thousand dollars for each violation.
(2) Requirements governing the application form for an exemption submitted under division
(D) of this section. The rules shall require the form to include all of the following:
(a) A statement from the applicant affirming that the applicant understands the provisions of
sections 1511.10 and 1511.11 of the Revised Code;
(b) A statement from the applicant affirming that the applicant understands that the applicant
must be in compliance with procedures established in the United States department of agriculture
natural resources conservation service practice standard code 590 prepared for this state except
procedures that are in conflict with this section and section 1511.10 of the Revised Code;
(c) A place for the applicant to explain the reasons for the necessity for the exemption;
(d) A place on the form that provides information on programs that may assist an applicant
with methods to comply with division (A) of section 1511.10 of the Revised Code;
(e) A place on the form that provides the applicant an opportunity to request technical
assistance or information from the chief or the applicable soil and water conservation district to
assist the applicant to comply with division (A) of section 1511.10 of the Revised Code.
(F) As used in this section:
(1) "Small agricultural operation" means an agricultural operation in the western basin that
stables or confines fewer than any of the numbers of animals specified in divisions (Q)(1)(a) to
(m) of section 903.01 of the Revised Code.
(2) "Medium agricultural operation" means an agricultural operation in the western basin that
stables or confines any of the numbers of animals specified in divisions (Q)(1)(a) to (m) of
section 903.01 of the Revised Code.
(3) "Western basin" has the same meaning as in section 905.326 of the Revised Code.
Sec. 3745.50. (A) The director of environmental protection shall serve as coordinator, or
designate a coordinator, of harmful algae management and response. The director or the
director's designee shall develop plans providing for coordination that may include, but are not
limited to, the actions and items specified in divisions (B) and (C) of this section.

(B) The director or the director's designee shall consult with the directors of agriculture,
health, and natural resources and representatives of local governments, publicly owned treatment
works, and public water systems to implement actions that do both of the following:
(1) Protect against cyanobacteria in the western basin and public water supplies;
(2) Manage wastewater to limit nutrient loading into the western basin.
(C) The director or the director's designee shall develop and implement protocols and actions
that may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Analytical protocols for monitoring of cyanobacteria at water intake structures of public
water systems, testing for cyanobacteria in Lake Erie, and establishing public health advisory
levels and public notification protocols if trigger levels of cyanotoxins are detected;
(2) Provisions on training, testing, and treatment and other support regarding cyanobacteria
identification, sampling, treatment techniques, algaecide application, public notification, and
source water protection for employees of publicly owned treatment works and public water

Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


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systems;

(3) Protocols requiring public water systems to notify the environmental protection agency if
any of the following occurs:
(a) Cyanotoxins are detected in finished drinking water.
(b) Cyanobacteria are detected in their source water.
(c) Application of an algaecide is anticipated to the source water.
(D) As used in this section, "western basin" has the same meaning as in section 905.326 of the
Revised Code.
Sec. 6111.03. The director of environmental protection may do any of the following:

(A) Develop plans and programs for the prevention, control, and abatement of new or existing
pollution of the waters of the state;
(B) Advise, consult, and cooperate with other agencies of the state, the federal government,
other states, and interstate agencies and with affected groups, political subdivisions, and
industries in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. Before adopting, amending, or
rescinding a standard or rule pursuant to division (G) of this section or section 6111.041 or
6111.042 of the Revised Code, the director shall do all of the following:
(1) Mail notice to each statewide organization that the director determines represents persons
who would be affected by the proposed standard or rule, amendment thereto, or rescission
thereof at least thirty-five days before any public hearing thereon;
(2) Mail a copy of each proposed standard or rule, amendment thereto, or rescission thereof to
any person who requests a copy, within five days after receipt of the request therefor;
(3) Consult with appropriate state and local government agencies or their representatives,
including statewide organizations of local government officials, industrial representatives, and
other interested persons.
Although the director is expected to discharge these duties diligently, failure to mail any such
notice or copy or to so consult with any person shall not invalidate any proceeding or action of
the director.

(C) Administer grants from the federal government and from other sources, public or private,
for carrying out any of its functions, all such moneys to be deposited in the state treasury and
kept by the treasurer of state in a separate fund subject to the lawful orders of the director;
(D) Administer state grants for the construction of sewage and waste collection and treatment
works;
(E) Encourage, participate in, or conduct studies, investigations, research, and demonstrations
relating to water pollution, and the causes, prevention, control, and abatement thereof, that are
advisable and necessary for the discharge of the director's duties under this chapter;
(F) Collect and disseminate information relating to water pollution and prevention, control,
and abatement thereof;
(G) Adopt, amend, and rescind rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code
governing the procedure for hearings, the filing of reports, the issuance of permits, the issuance
of industrial water pollution control certificates, and all other matters relating to procedure;
(H) Issue, modify, or revoke orders to prevent, control, or abate water pollution by such
means as the following:

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(1) Prohibiting or abating discharges of sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes into the
waters of the state;
(2) Requiring the construction of new disposal systems or any parts thereof, or the
modification, extension, or alteration of existing disposal systems or any parts thereof;
(3) Prohibiting additional connections to or extensions of a sewerage system when the
connections or extensions would result in an increase in the polluting properties of the effluent
from the system when discharged into any waters of the state;
(4) Requiring compliance with any standard or rule adopted under sections 6111.01 to
6111.05 of the Revised Code or term or condition of a permit.
In the making of those orders, wherever compliance with a rule adopted under section
6111.042 of the Revised Code is not involved, consistent with the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, the director shall give consideration to, and base the determination on, evidence
relating to the technical feasibility and economic reasonableness of complying with those orders
and to evidence relating to conditions calculated to result from compliance with those orders, and
their relation to benefits to the people of the state to be derived from such compliance in
accomplishing the purposes of this chapter.

(I) Review plans, specifications, or other data relative to disposal systems or any part thereof
in connection with the issuance of orders, permits, and industrial water pollution control
certificates under this chapter;
(J)(1) Issue, revoke, modify, or deny sludge management permits and permits for the
discharge of sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes into the waters of the state, and for the
installation or modification of disposal systems or any parts thereof in compliance with all
requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and mandatory regulations adopted
thereunder, including regulations adopted under section 405 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, and set terms and conditions of permits, including schedules of compliance, where
necessary. In issuing permits for sludge management, the director shall not allow the placement
of sewage sludge on frozen ground in conflict with rules adopted under this chapter. Any person
who discharges, transports, or handles storm water from an animal feeding facility, as defined in
section 903.01 of the Revised Code, or pollutants from a concentrated animal feeding operation,
as both terms are defined in that section, is not required to obtain a permit under division (J)(1)
of this section for the installation or modification of a disposal system involving pollutants or
storm water or any parts of such a system on and after the date on which the director of
agriculture has finalized the program required under division (A)(1) of section 903.02 of the
Revised Code. In addition, any person who discharges, transports, or handles storm water from
an animal feeding facility, as defined in section 903.01 of the Revised Code, or pollutants from a
concentrated animal feeding operation, as both terms are defined in that section, is not required
to obtain a permit under division (J)(1) of this section for the discharge of storm water from an
animal feeding facility or pollutants from a concentrated animal feeding operation on and after
the date on which the United States environmental protection agency approves the NPDES
program submitted by the director of agriculture under section 903.08 of the Revised Code.

Any permit terms and conditions set by the director shall be designed to achieve and maintain
full compliance with the national effluent limitations, national standards of performance for new


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sources, and national toxic and pretreatment effluent standards set under that act, and any other
mandatory requirements of that act that are imposed by regulation of the administrator of the
United States environmental protection agency. If an applicant for a sludge management permit
also applies for a related permit for the discharge of sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes
into the waters of the state, the director may combine the two permits and issue one permit to the
applicant.

A sludge management permit is not required for an entity that treats or transports sewage
sludge or for a sanitary landfill when all of the following apply:

(a) The entity or sanitary landfill does not generate the sewage sludge.
(b) Prior to receipt at the sanitary landfill, the entity has ensured that the sewage sludge meets
the requirements established in rules adopted by the director under section 3734.02 of the
Revised Code concerning disposal of municipal solid waste in a sanitary landfill.
(c) Disposal of the sewage sludge occurs at a sanitary landfill that complies with rules adopted
by the director under section 3734.02 of the Revised Code.
As used in division (J)(1) of this section, "sanitary landfill" means a sanitary landfill facility,
as defined in rules adopted under section 3734.02 of the Revised Code, that is licensed as a solid
waste facility under section 3734.05 of the Revised Code.

(2) An application for a permit or renewal thereof shall be denied if any of the following
applies:
(a) The secretary of the army determines in writing that anchorage or navigation would be
substantially impaired thereby;
(b) The director determines that the proposed discharge or source would conflict with an
areawide waste treatment management plan adopted in accordance with section 208 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act;
(c) The administrator of the United States environmental protection agency objects in writing
to the issuance or renewal of the permit in accordance with section 402 (d) of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act;
(d) The application is for the discharge of any radiological, chemical, or biological warfare
agent or high-level radioactive waste into the waters of the United States.
(3) To achieve and maintain applicable standards of quality for the waters of the state adopted
pursuant to section 6111.041 of the Revised Code, the director shall impose, where necessary and
appropriate, as conditions of each permit, water quality related effluent limitations in accordance
with sections 301, 302, 306, 307, and 405 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and, to the
extent consistent with that act, shall give consideration to, and base the determination on,
evidence relating to the technical feasibility and economic reasonableness of removing the
polluting properties from those wastes and to evidence relating to conditions calculated to result
from that action and their relation to benefits to the people of the state and to accomplishment of
the purposes of this chapter.
(4) Where a discharge having a thermal component from a source that is constructed or
modified on or after October 18, 1972, meets national or state effluent limitations or more
stringent permit conditions designed to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable
standards of quality for the waters of the state, which limitations or conditions will ensure

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protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife in
or on the body of water into which the discharge is made, taking into account the interaction of
the thermal component with sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes, the director shall not
impose any more stringent limitation on the thermal component of the discharge, as a condition
of a permit or renewal thereof for the discharge, during a ten-year period beginning on the date
of completion of the construction or modification of the source, or during the period of
depreciation or amortization of the source for the purpose of section 167 or 169 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, whichever period ends first.

(5) The director shall specify in permits for the discharge of sewage, industrial waste, and
other wastes, the net volume, net weight, duration, frequency, and, where necessary,
concentration of the sewage, industrial waste, and other wastes that may be discharged into the
waters of the state. The director shall specify in those permits and in sludge management permits
that the permit is conditioned upon payment of applicable fees as required by section 3745.11 of
the Revised Code and upon the right of the director's authorized representatives to enter upon the
premises of the person to whom the permit has been issued for the purpose of determining
compliance with this chapter, rules adopted thereunder, or the terms and conditions of a permit,
order, or other determination. The director shall issue or deny an application for a sludge
management permit or a permit for a new discharge, for the installation or modification of a
disposal system, or for the renewal of a permit, within one hundred eighty days of the date on
which a complete application with all plans, specifications, construction schedules, and other
pertinent information required by the director is received.
(6) The director may condition permits upon the installation of discharge or water quality
monitoring equipment or devices and the filing of periodic reports on the amounts and contents
of discharges and the quality of receiving waters that the director prescribes. The director shall
condition each permit for a government-owned disposal system or any other "treatment works"
as defined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act upon the reporting of new introductions of
industrial waste or other wastes and substantial changes in volume or character thereof being
introduced into those systems or works from "industrial users" as defined in section 502 of that
act, as necessary to comply with section 402(b)(8) of that act; upon the identification of the
character and volume of pollutants subject to pretreatment standards being introduced into the
system or works; and upon the existence of a program to ensure compliance with pretreatment
standards by "industrial users" of the system or works. In requiring monitoring devices and
reports, the director, to the extent consistent with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, shall
give consideration to technical feasibility and economic reasonableness and shall allow
reasonable time for compliance.
(7) A permit may be issued for a period not to exceed five years and may be renewed upon
application for renewal. In renewing a permit, the director shall consider the compliance history
of the permit holder and may deny the renewal if the director determines that the permit holder
has not complied with the terms and conditions of the existing permit. A permit may be modified,
suspended, or revoked for cause, including, but not limited to, violation of any condition of the
permit, obtaining a permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose fully all relevant facts of
the permitted discharge or of the sludge use, storage, treatment, or disposal practice, or changes

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10


in any condition that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the
permitted activity. No application shall be denied or permit revoked or modified without a
written order stating the findings upon which the denial, revocation, or modification is based. A
copy of the order shall be sent to the applicant or permit holder by certified mail.

(K) Institute or cause to be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction proceedings to
compel compliance with this chapter or with the orders of the director issued under this chapter,
or to ensure compliance with sections 204(b), 307, 308, and 405 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act;
(L) Issue, deny, revoke, or modify industrial water pollution control certificates;
(M) Certify to the government of the United States or any agency thereof that an industrial
water pollution control facility is in conformity with the state program or requirements for the
control of water pollution whenever the certification may be required for a taxpayer under the
Internal Revenue Code of the United States, as amended;
(N) Issue, modify, and revoke orders requiring any "industrial user" of any publicly owned
"treatment works" as defined in sections 212(2) and 502(18) of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act to comply with pretreatment standards; establish and maintain records; make reports;
install, use, and maintain monitoring equipment or methods, including, where appropriate,
biological monitoring methods; sample discharges in accordance with methods, at locations, at
intervals, and in a manner that the director determines; and provide other information that is
necessary to ascertain whether or not there is compliance with toxic and pretreatment effluent
standards. In issuing, modifying, and revoking those orders, the director, to the extent consistent
with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, shall give consideration to technical feasibility and
economic reasonableness and shall allow reasonable time for compliance.
(O) Exercise all incidental powers necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(P) Certify or deny certification to any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct any
activity that may result in any discharge into the waters of the state that the discharge will
comply with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act;
(Q) Administer and enforce the publicly owned treatment works pretreatment program in
accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. In the administration of that program,
the director may do any of the following:
(1) Apply and enforce pretreatment standards;
(2) Approve and deny requests for approval of publicly owned treatment works pretreatment
programs, oversee those programs, and implement, in whole or in part, those programs under any
of the following conditions:
(a) The director has denied a request for approval of the publicly owned treatment works
pretreatment program;
(b) The director has revoked the publicly owned treatment works pretreatment program;
(c) There is no pretreatment program currently being implemented by the publicly owned
treatment works;
(d) The publicly owned treatment works has requested the director to implement, in whole or
in part, the pretreatment program.
(3) Require that a publicly owned treatment works pretreatment program be incorporated in a

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11


permit issued to a publicly owned treatment works as required by the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, require compliance by publicly owned treatment works with those programs, and
require compliance by industrial users with pretreatment standards;

(4) Approve and deny requests for authority to modify categorical pretreatment standards to
reflect removal of pollutants achieved by publicly owned treatment works;
(5) Deny and recommend approval of requests for fundamentally different factors variances
submitted by industrial users;
(6) Make determinations on categorization of industrial users;
(7) Adopt, amend, or rescind rules and issue, modify, or revoke orders necessary for the
administration and enforcement of the publicly owned treatment works pretreatment program.
Any approval of a publicly owned treatment works pretreatment program may contain any
terms and conditions, including schedules of compliance, that are necessary to achieve
compliance with this chapter.

(R) Except as otherwise provided in this division, adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119.
of the Revised Code establishing procedures, methods, and equipment and other requirements for
equipment to prevent and contain discharges of oil and hazardous substances into the waters of
the state. The rules shall be consistent with and equivalent in scope, content, and coverage to
section 311(j)(1)(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and regulations adopted under it.
The director shall not adopt rules under this division relating to discharges of oil from oil
production facilities and oil drilling and workover facilities as those terms are defined in that act
and regulations adopted under it.
(S)(1) Administer and enforce a program for the regulation of sludge management in this
state. In administering the program, the director, in addition to exercising the authority provided
in any other applicable sections of this chapter, may do any of the following:

(a) Develop plans and programs for the disposal and utilization of sludge and sludge
materials;
(b) Encourage, participate in, or conduct studies, investigations, research, and demonstrations
relating to the disposal and use of sludge and sludge materials and the impact of sludge and
sludge materials on land located in the state and on the air and waters of the state;
(c) Collect and disseminate information relating to the disposal and use of sludge and sludge
materials and the impact of sludge and sludge materials on land located in the state and on the air
and waters of the state;
(d) Issue, modify, or revoke orders to prevent, control, or abate the use and disposal of sludge
and sludge materials or the effects of the use of sludge and sludge materials on land located in
the state and on the air and waters of the state;
(e) Adopt and enforce, modify, or rescind rules necessary for the implementation of division
(S) of this section. The rules reasonably shall protect public health and the environment,
encourage the beneficial reuse of sludge and sludge materials, and minimize the creation of
nuisance odors.
The director may specify in sludge management permits the net volume, net weight, quality,
and pollutant concentration of the sludge or sludge materials that may be used, stored, treated, or
disposed of, and the manner and frequency of the use, storage, treatment, or disposal, to protect


Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


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public health and the environment from adverse effects relating to those activities. The director
shall impose other terms and conditions to protect public health and the environment, minimize
the creation of nuisance odors, and achieve compliance with this chapter and rules adopted under
it and, in doing so, shall consider whether the terms and conditions are consistent with the goal
of encouraging the beneficial reuse of sludge and sludge materials.

The director may condition permits on the implementation of treatment, storage, disposal,
distribution, or application management methods and the filing of periodic reports on the
amounts, composition, and quality of sludge and sludge materials that are disposed of, used,
treated, or stored.

An approval of a treatment works sludge disposal program may contain any terms and
conditions, including schedules of compliance, necessary to achieve compliance with this
chapter and rules adopted under it.

(2) As a part of the program established under division (S)(1) of this section, the director has
exclusive authority to regulate sewage sludge management in this state. For purposes of division
(S)(2) of this section, that program shall be consistent with section 405 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act and regulations adopted under it and with this section, except that the
director may adopt rules under division (S) of this section that establish requirements that are
more stringent than section 405 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and regulations
adopted under it with regard to monitoring sewage sludge and sewage sludge materials and
establishing acceptable sewage sludge management practices and pollutant levels in sewage
sludge and sewage sludge materials.
This chapter authorizes the state to participate in any national sludge management program
and the national pollutant discharge elimination system, to administer and enforce the publicly
owned treatment works pretreatment program, and to issue permits for the discharge of dredged
or fill materials, in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This chapter shall
be administered, consistent with the laws of this state and federal law, in the same manner that
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act is required to be administered.

This section does not apply to residual farm products and manure disposal systems and related
management and conservation practices subject to rules adopted pursuant to division (E)(1) of
section 1511.02 of the Revised Code. For purposes of this exclusion, "residual farm products"
and "manure" have the same meanings as in section 1511.01 of the Revised Code. However,
until the date on which the United States environmental protection agency approves the NPDES
program submitted by the director of agriculture under section 903.08 of the Revised Code, this
exclusion does not apply to animal waste treatment works having a controlled direct discharge to
the waters of the state or any concentrated animal feeding operation, as defined in 40 C.F.R.
122.23(b)(2). On and after the date on which the United States environmental protection agency
approves the NPDES program submitted by the director of agriculture under section 903.08 of
the Revised Code, this section does not apply to storm water from an animal feeding facility, as
defined in section 903.01 of the Revised Code, or to pollutants discharged from a concentrated
animal feeding operation, as both terms are defined in that section. Neither of these exclusions
applies to the discharge of animal waste into a publicly owned treatment works.

Not later than December 1, 2016, a publicly owned treatment works with a design flow of one


Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


13


million gallons per day or more, or designated as a major discharger by the director, shall be
required to begin monthly monitoring of total and dissolved reactive phosphorus pursuant to a
new NPDES permit, an NPDES permit renewal, or a director-initiated modification. The director
shall include in each applicable new NPDES permit, NPDES permit renewal, or director-initiated
modification a requirement that such monitoring be conducted. A director-initiated modification
for that purpose shall be considered and processed as a minor modification pursuant to O.A.C.
3745-33-04. In addition, not later than December 1, 2017, a publicly owned treatment works
with a design flow of one million gallons per day or more that, on the effective date of this
amendment, is not subject to a phosphorus limit shall complete and submit to the director a study
that evaluates the technical and financial capability of the existing treatment facility to reduce the
final effluent discharge of phosphorus to one milligram per liter using possible source reduction
measures, operational procedures, and unit process configurations.

Sec. 6111.32. (A) In order to ensure the regular and orderly maintenance of federal navigation
channels and ports in this state, the director of environmental protection shall endeavor to work
with the United States army corps of engineers on a dredging plan that focuses on long-term
planning for the disposition of dredged material consistent with the requirements established in
this section.

(B) On and after July 1, 2020, no person shall deposit dredged material in the portion of Lake
Erie that is within the jurisdictional boundaries of this state or in the direct tributaries of Lake
Erie within this state that resulted from harbor or navigation maintenance activities unless the
director has determined that the dredged material is suitable for one of the locations, purposes, or
activities specified in division (C) of this section and has issued a section 401 water quality
certification authorizing the deposit.
(C) The director may authorize the deposit of dredged material in the portion of Lake Erie that
is within the jurisdictional boundaries of this state or in the direct tributaries of Lake Erie within
this state that resulted from harbor or navigation maintenance activities for any of the following:
(1) Confined disposal facilities;
(2) Beneficial use projects;
(3) Beach nourishment projects if at least eighty per cent of the dredged material is sand;
(4) Placement in the littoral drift if at least sixty per cent of the dredged material is sand;
(5) Habitat restoration projects;
(6) Projects involving amounts of dredged material that do not exceed ten thousand cubic
yards, including material associated with dewatering operations related to dredging operations.
(D) In order to coordinate the activities and responsibilities established under this chapter and
Chapter 1506. of the Revised Code, the director shall consult with the director of natural
resources when approving the location in which dredged material is proposed to be deposited in
the portion of Lake Erie that is within the jurisdictional boundaries of this state or in the direct
tributaries of Lake Erie within this state.
(E) The director of environmental protection, in consultation with the director of natural
resources, may determine that financial, environmental, regulatory, or other factors exist that
result in the inability to comply with this section. After making that determination, the director of
environmental protection, through the issuance of a section 401 water quality certification, may

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allow for open lake placement of dredged material from the Maumee river, Maumee bay federal
navigation channel, and Toledo harbor.

(F) The director may adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that are
necessary for the implementation of this section.
SECTION 2. That existing section 6111.03 of the Revised Code is hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. That Section 333.30 of H.B. 59 of the 130th General Assembly be amended to
read as follows:

SEC. 333.30. LEASE RENTAL PAYMENTS

The foregoing appropriation item 725413, Lease Rental Payments, shall be used to meet all
payments at the times they are required to be made during the period from July 1, 2013, through
June 30, 2015, by the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to leases and agreements made
under section 154.22 of the Revised Code. These appropriations are the source of funds pledged
for bond service charges on related obligations issued under Chapter 154. of the Revised Code.

CANAL LANDS

The foregoing appropriation item 725456, Canal Lands, shall be used to provide operating
expenses for the State Canal Lands Program.

HEALTHY LAKE ERIE FUND

The foregoing appropriation item 725505, Healthy Lake Erie Fund, shall be used by the
Director of Natural Resources, in consultation with the Director of Agriculture and the Director
of Environmental Protection, to implement nonstatutory recommendations of the Agriculture
Nutrients and Water Quality Working Group. The Director shall give priority to
recommendations that encourage farmers to adopt agricultural production guidelines commonly
known as 4R nutrient stewardship practices. Funds may also be used for enhanced in support of

(1) conservation measures in the Western Lake Erie Basin as determined by the Director; (2)
funding assistance for soil testing, in the Western Lake Erie Basin, monitoring the quality of
Lake Erie and its tributaries, and conducting research and establishing pilot projects that have the
goal of reducing algae blooms in Lake Erie. winter cover crops, edge of field testing, tributary
monitoring, animal waste abatement; and (3) any additional efforts to reduce nutrient runoff as
the Director may decide. The Director shall give priority to recommendations that encourage
farmers to adopt agricultural production guidelines commonly known as 4R nutrient stewardship
practices.
COAL AND MINE SAFETY PROGRAM

The foregoing appropriation item 725507, Coal and Mine Safety Program, shall be used for
the administration of the Mine Safety Program and the Coal Regulation Program.

NATURAL RESOURCES GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT SERVICE
The foregoing appropriation item 725903, Natural Resources General Obligation Debt


Sub. S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.


15


Service, shall be used to pay all debt service and related financing costs during the period July 1,
2013, through June 30, 2015, on obligations issued under sections 151.01 and 151.05 of the
Revised Code.

SECTION 4. That existing Section 333.30 of Am. Sub. H.B. 59 of the 130th General
Assembly is hereby repealed.

SECTION 5. (A) Not later than three years after the effective date of this act, the committees
of the House of Representatives and the Senate that are primarily responsible for agriculture and
natural resources matters jointly shall assess the results of the implementation of sections
905.326, 905.327, 1511.10, and 1511.11 of the Revised Code as enacted by this act. The
committees jointly shall issue a report to the Governor containing their findings and any
recommendations. The committees may include in the report recommendations for revisions to
or the repeal of those sections.

(B) Not later than January 1, 2023, the committees of the House of Representatives and
the Senate that are primarily responsible for environmental protection matters jointly shall
assess the results of the implementation of section 6111.32 of the Revised Code as enacted by
this act. The committees jointly shall issue a report to the Governor containing their findings and
any recommendations. The committees may include in the report recommendations for revisions
to or the repeal of that section.
SECTION 6. It is the intent of the General Assembly that legislation transferring the
administration and enforcement of the Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program from the
Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture shall be enacted not later
than July 1, 2015.


S. B. No. 1 131st G.A.
16


Speaker _______________ of the House of Representatives.


President _______________ of the Senate.

Passed ________________________, 20____

Approved ________________________, 20____

Governor.



S. B. No. 1
131st G.A.
17
The section numbering of law of a general and permanent nature is
complete and in conformity with the Revised Code.

Director, Legislative Service Commission.

Filed in the office of the Secretary of State at Columbus, Ohio, on the
____ day of ___________, A. D. 20____.

Secretary of State.

File No. _________ Effective Date ___________________