Commission connects with UMASS CDLE; expert says fixed buffer distances lack scientific basis
Summary
Commission reported connecting with Dr. Masoud Hashemi of UMASS CDLE; Dr. Hashemi summarized pasture-management guidance, saying there is no scientific evidence for a fixed distance between wells and manure and highlighting nitrogen as the primary runoff concern.
At the May 13 meeting the Commission reported outreach to the UMASS Center for Crops, Dairy, Livestock and Equine Program (CDLE) and an offered technical resource from its director, Dr. Masoud Hashemi. "Dr. Hashemi noted there is no scientific research/evidence regarding the best distance between water sources (e.g. wells) and manure," the minutes record, and Dr. Hashemi agreed to assemble a table of major pollution sources and management best practices for local farmers.
The minutes summarize other points the Commission recorded from Dr. Hashemi: that runoff from manure is chiefly nitrogen rather than phosphorus, that livestock manure is primarily nitrogen and typically lacks the dangerous pathogens associated with human waste, and that berms and grass plantings help filter nitrogen from runoff. The Commission noted the CDLE is a state-paid service so local use would not incur a cost.
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