Page 58 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch September 6, 2013 FROM PAGE 57 taken point on the issue for the commission and is aggressively against the changes. “The Department of Agriculture’s job is to defend agriculture. The Secretary of Agriculture’s job is to defend agriculture,” said Shockley. “It is not to put restrictions in place that will hamper or penalize the farmers who are out here trying to make a living.” With the new regulations, fields that are considered high-risk won’t be able to apply phosphorus rich manure while fields that are considered medium-risk will only be allowed reduced applications. Along with other changes, this represents a huge financial burden to farmers, according to Shockley. “Farming is a business and if you don’t make money, you go out of business,” he said. Shockley also remains unsatisfied with the science behind the PMT alterations, noting that the regulations are based on 391 soil samples taken from across the state. It’s too small of a number to base such far-reaching legislation on, he argued. But the science is sound, according to supporters. And the need for better phosphorus management is something that’s been obvious for years, said Josh Tulkin, executive director for the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club. He added that he is upset that implementation on the . . New Phosphorous Limits Delayed Emergency Course Planned In OC regulations will be delayed but glad to see the PMT handled intelligently. “We are disappointed about the delay. But what is most important is to get this tool right,” he wrote. “We are pleased that the agricultural department will be revising it as we proposed to protect water quality.” Tulkin added that it is time for “farmers as responsible stewards to embrace” the new regulations and limits on phosphorus. But Shockley restated his disagreement with the entire process and criticized the way the state has handled PMT discussion so far, including considering it to emergency legislation earlier this month before deciding on the delay. “I’ve never seen so many people in state government not know that the other person was not doing,” he said. The commission is expecting an update on the impact of the phosphorous regulations at their meeting next Tuesday. Though he isn’t sure on an exact timeline, Shockley said that the delayed implementation will give farmers a chance to pushback against more regulation and that his constituents, many of whom are involved in agriculture in some way, “are furious” and ready to fight. “We didn’t win the fight by a longshot. The fight has yet to be fought,” he said. “I’m not saying that we’re going to win it, but at least now the spotlight got shined on what they were doing.” OCEAN CITY – Citizens can make a difference for their families by enrolling in the Community Emergency Response Team course planned to begin this month at the Ocean City Public Safety Building. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is designed to help citizens help themselves and their families in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Due to the fact that emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately following a disaster, CERT is a free training course that aims to provide citizens with basic information for preparedness and techniques when dealing with emergencies. Training covers basic skills including CPR/AED, first aid, recognizing natural and manmade hazards in our local communities, disaster preparedness such as emergency plans and disaster supply kits, hazardous material emergencies and basic fire suppression. CERT courses are being offered by the Ocean City Emergency Services Department. The courses are now offered as part of Ocean City University. Citizens who complete a 16-week general studies program through OC University as well as the Citizens Police Academy can earn a Ph.D by completing the CERT program. CERT classes begin Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:45 p.m. and will run each Thursday evening for seven weeks, ending on Nov. 14. There will also be one class on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8 a.m. To register or for more information, contact Ocean City Emergency Services at 410-723-6616 or email cboyles@oceancitymd.gov. However, supporters of the new regulations are also passionate and while they may disagree with the delay, they expect the changes sooner rather than later. “Phosphorus loadings from farm fields are a problem for waterways like Newport Bay and the St. Martin River, and Chincoteague Bay. They continue to decline in overall health as result,” said Phillips. “The agricultural community has been aware of the Phosphorus Management Tool and its likely impacts since 2010 when it was clearly identified in the state WIP. Their comments on it last February reflected this recognition. We are frustrated that Maryland will now be four years late on implementation.” LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE FIRST MATES DOCK BAR OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. UPSTAIRS LUNCH AND LITE FARE Open Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sun. 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