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Pollution Prevention, Best Management Practices, and Conservation
Pollution Prevention, Best Management Practices, and Conservation Highlights
- Methane to Markets: Agriculture
- Delta
F.A.R.M.
Delta Farmers Advocating Resource Management (F.A.R.M.) - Idaho One Plan
An innovative approach to conservation planning in Idaho. - Manure Management Planner
- Livestock Environmental Stewardship Brochures
EPA's National Strategy for Agriculture available
Pollution Prevention (P2) eliminates or minimizes pollution at the source -- so pollution isn't created in the first place and never enters into the environment. Traditionally, most environmental protection has involved controlling, treating, or cleaning up pollution which, in many cases, we continue to create.
P2 is most effective in reducing health and environmental risks because it:
- eliminates the risks associated with any release of pollutants to the environment,
- avoids shifts of pollutants from one medium (air, water or land) to another, and
- protects natural resources for future generations, by cutting wastes and conserving resources.
The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 made pollution prevention (P2) the national environmental policy of the United States. At EPA, pollution prevention means source reduction -- preventing or reducing waste where it originates, at the source -- including practices that conserve natural resources by reducing or eliminating pollutants through increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, and land. EPA works to promote pollution prevention. This is done in several ways, such as using voluntary pollution reduction programs, engaging in partnerships, providing technical assistance, funding demonstration projects, and incorporating cost-effective pollution prevention alternatives into regulations and other initiatives.
A wide range of pollution prevention activities can be implemented at an agricultural establishment, ranging from those that are fairly simple and inexpensive (such as material substitution) to those that are more complex.
Related publications from the Ag Center
Pollution Prevention, Best Management Practices, and ConservationRelated laws
Pollution Prevention ActMore information from EPA on pollution prevention
Gulf Program Seeks Entries for 2008 Gulf Guardian Awards - consortium of state and federal government agencies and representatives of the business and agricultural community, fishing industry, scientists, environmentalists, and community leaders from all five Gulf States soliciting entries for the 2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Program.
Pollution Prevention - provides general information about P2 practices, describes the array of P2 programs and initiatives administered by EPA and other organizations, and provides contacts for further information.
GreenScapes - provides cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for large-scale landscaping.
GreenScaping for Homeowners: The Easy Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard - GreenScaping encompasses a set of landscaping practices that can improve the health and appearance of your lawn and garden while protecting and preserving natural resources.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing - a federal-wide program that encourages and assists Executive agencies in the purchasing of environmentally preferable products and services.
Best Nonpoint Source Documents - some of the best nonpoint source materials for both professionals and the public. This list is continuously updated.
EPA Region 8 Internet Resources for Pollution Prevention in Agriculture (PDF, 188KB) - a two-page fact sheet developed by EPA Region 8 containing web sites about nonpoint source pollution, water conservation, and energy efficiency, as well as contacts for more information.More information from the states on pollution prevention
Georgia Department of Natural Resources: Pollution Prevention Assistance Division - Agriculture and Horticulture
More information from EPA on best management practices
Forestry Best Management Practices in Watersheds
More information from USDA
Assessments to Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nonpoint Source Pollution of Iowa's Surface WatersMore information from other organizations on energy efficiency
ATTRA: Links to Farm Energy
Energy Star
Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory
University of Vermont: Tractor and Equipment Fuel Savings, Methane Digestion, Buildings
USDA, National Agricultural Library Alternative Farming Systems Iinformation Center: Farm Energy Options
Washington State University: Energy Solutions Database
This page is sponsored by
EPA's Ag Center. 