What is the Agriculture Pollution Abatement Program?
Ohio's Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program (APAP) may provide farmers with cost share assistance to develop and implement best management practices (BMP) to protect Ohio's streams, creeks, and rivers. This program has been successful in helping to alleviate concerns associated with agricultural production and silvicultural operations which can create soil erosion and manure runoff.
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution occurs when precipitation picks up contaminants and carries them to a watercourse.
The APAP is administered by Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Soil and Water Conservation and implemented locally by all 88 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Farmers wanting to know more about the program need to contact their local SWCD for technical and potential financial assistance. Dependent upon the BMP being installed, the program offers three levels of funding caps
- high($15,000)
- medium ($10,000)
- low ($5,000)
Each funding level has a 75% cost share rate "not to exceed"? a total of $15,000 per producer per year.
Emergency Liquid Manure Application Plan 12/27/2011
This plan has been developed in response to the extremely wet conditions experienced in the fall and
early winter of 2011. This plan is only valid for the winter 2011/2012.
Agricultural Pollution Abatement Rules and Standards
The following practices are eligible for funding:
 Animal waste storage structure
Settling basins and filter strips
Critical area protection
Off-stream watering and stream crossing stabilization
Roof and gutters
Water diversions
Grassed waterways
Water and sediment control basins
Erosion control structures
Wetland treatment facilities
Manure and mortality composting facilities
Heavy use areas
Swine manure aeration systems
Tile outlet control for liquid manure
Why Participate?
This program has the potential to provide agricultural producers with state funds to alleviate burdens associated with the cost of the practice. This voluntary approach is perceived as environmentally friendly and good for livestock.
In addition, it has the ability to strengthen neighbor relationships and can alleviate potential resource concerns that may otherwise lead to a complaint if left unmanaged.
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