New Senate Bill Will Address Groundwater Contamination from Fertilizer Use Affecting 3,100 Oregon Farms
In a bid to stop groundwater contamination, Oregon lawmakers have been asked to approve a Senate Bill that will require farmers with more than 200 acres to report their annual fertilizer use to the state’s Department of Agriculture.
Sponsored by Senator Khanh Pham, D-Portland, Senate Bill 747 will collect data on types of fertilizers used for various crops. Pham wants fertilizer applications to be tracked to identify where concentrations of fertilizers enter and contaminate groundwater.
Groundwater Contamination in Morrow and Umatilla Counties is Critical
Groundwater contamination in Morrow and Umatilla counties is critical, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). Algal blooms are frequent, and well water in the areas has become unsafe to drink, affecting thousands of users.
The ODEQ says fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorous are to blame for the situation in the region, where nitrogen pollution has worsened in the last 10 years, according to the ODEQ.
Sen. Pham told the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire that Senate Bill 747 does not impose restrictions on farmers. Its sole intention is to collect data, enabling agencies to provide improved efficiency and technical support. It will also prevent fertilizer wastage.
Similar legislation has been adopted by Pennsylvania.
State and federal law requires companies that discharge water containing fertilizers or other pollutants to obtain a permit and report wastewater discharges to the state.
However, Oregon farms are exempt from that law but are responsible for spreading tons of fertilizers and manure.
Opposing the Bill are the Oregon Farm Bureau, the Oregon Forest Industries Council, and the Oregon Seed Association.
While 75% of farms under irrigation in Oregon are under 200 acres, the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture reveals that 3,100 irrigated farms exceed 200 acres, representing more irrigated acreage than the smaller farms combined.
Owners of large farms are concerned about the Bill seeking fines of up to $10,000 if farmers fail to provide data or are found to be using excess amounts of fertilizers.
Senators heard that the Port of Morrow has violated the wastewater permit almost every year for the past 20 years. They over-apply nitrogen-rich wastewater across farmlands in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area and contribute to ongoing nitrate pollution.