September 6, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 57 State Postpones Implementation Of Farming Changes By TRAVIS BROWN STAFF WRITER SNOW HILL – Polarizing amendments to Maryland’s phosphorus pollution regulations will be supported by Gov. Martin O’Malley’s administration and submitted for final adoption in the next month but implementation on the changes will be delayed for the time being. State conservation groups like Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) are praising the amendments but are unhappy with stalling implementation. But the Worcester County Commission and many area farmers believe the new regulations are too hard on agriculture and vow to pushback against the amendments. The proposed Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) would change the way farmers apply some fertilizers and in what amounts. The overall goal of the tool is to work to limit the amount of phosphorus pollution heading into rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay from fields. Kathy Phillips, executive director of ACT, admitted that the PMT will be tough for some farmers but is a necessary reaction to protect Maryland’s waters. “Adopting these new regulations will be painful, but the time has come to face the reality that Delmarva cannot sustain a growing poultry, corn and soybean industry without doing significant damage to our waterways,” Phillips said. “The state has already mandated phosphorus control to lawn fertilizers and laundry detergents. The time has passed to bring these same pollution controls to the agricultural industry in this state.” Other conservation groups agreed with Phillips and underlined the dangers of letting excess phosphorus runoff from fields. Karla Raettig, executive director of Maryland League of Conservation Voters, praised the O’Malley administration and Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) for promising to move forward with the new PMT. “The administration is responding to the concerns of both the environmental and agricultural communities,” wrote Raettig. “Current research makes it clear that we need to significantly reduce pollution from farm fields, but we also need to help farmers in their efforts to better manage the manure they cannot place on fields.” While environmental groups may be happy with the direction the state is heading, the Worcester County Commission voted unanimously last week to send a letter to Annapolis asking MDA to slow down so more research can be done. Commissioner Virgil Shockley, who is also a poultry farmer, has SEE PAGE 58 w w w. c b m o v e com $50,000 PRICE REDUCTION AT THE BELLA VISTA CONDOMINIUM ONLY ONE UNIT LEFT! This Beautiful 3BR Bayfront Condo is the last unit available at Bella Vista Condominium! This lovely unit features a wrap-around balcony with both Bay and Ocean Views! Features include a Custom Kitchen with Granite Counters and GE Stainless Appliances, Fireplace, Ceiling Fans, Crown Molding, Recessed Lighting, and Laundry Room with Full Size Washer/Dryer. Bella Vista Building Amenities include both indoor and outdoor pools, sandy bayside beach area, and water access! Sold Furnished by Bethany Resort Furnishings! CT CONTA AY! OD US T “The Winning Team” ✪✆✗✜¤✯✘❜✍✆¤❂¤✴✎✟✑¤✬✡✡✍✆✔ Office: 410-723-8775 Cell: 410-726-2398 www.rickandkaty.com Don’t miss this last exciting opportunity to purchase NEW at Bella Vista!! 104th Street: 10401 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 410-524-6111 800-638-1880 Owner and Operated by NRT LLC