Without proper management of nutrients and pesticides, agricultural areas can contribute to nonpoint source water quality impacts. Therefore, projects to control agricultural NPS may be eligible for CWSRF financing.

To obtain CWSRF financing, an agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) project must be included in either the NPS Plan or an applicable estuary management plan. In addition, agricultural waste management plans or farm plans should be prepared for each site by a farm planner certified by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Examples of NPS agricultural best management practices that may be financed through the CWSRF include, but are not limited to:

• Purchase of animal waste collection equipment; 
• Construction of animal waste storage and distribution facilities such as manure composting structures; 
• Collection and treatment of stormwater runoff from land application areas; and 
• Construction costs and equipment purchases related to prevention of discharges or runoff of nutrients and chemicals into a water body. Methods may include conservation tillage, berms; and vegetative buffers alone or in combination with lagoons.

Notes:  Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are defined in the Clean Water Act (CWA) as point source projects. Estuary management plans are defined by Section 320 of the CWA. Both are addressed in a separate sections of the eligibility guidance.