Prioritization

• Individual BMPs are grouped into projects when they function together.  For example, a liquid manure storage, access road, agitation pump, and spreader. 

• Grouping BMPs improves efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and on-farm results. 

• Each BMP falls into one of the 11 pollutant categories . 

• Projects addressing higher-risk categories and program goals are given top priority. 

• These are typically Pollutant Category 1 (Parasites and Phosphorus – waste storage or barnyards), but also Pollutant Category 5 and 5.2 for USDA CREP and livestock exclusion projects because of their direct impact on stream protection and potential cost share.

• As a way to compare farms to determine which projects advance first if program capacity and funding is reached, WAC will refer to a ranking score that measures a farms potential risk to water quality. 
  
• Factors include animal density, soil phosphorus levels, proximity to streams, and livestock management practices. Data is typically updated annually from each farm’s Whole Farm Plan and Nutrient Management Plan, although farm ranking is not always needed to determine project order. 

• Each fall, a Project Planning Group led by WAC with representatives from DEP, DCSWCD and CCE review the list of all BMPs by pollutant category and recommend next years’ workload. 

• The list of prioritized projects is reviewed by the Agricultural Program Manager to determine funding capacity and is presented to WAC’s Agricultural Committee for approval. 

• New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), if farmers opt to pursue cost-share funding sources on their own. 

• Engineering design and certification 

• Materials and construction 

• Labor, contracting, and site restoration 

• Eligible repair or replacement of existing BMPs 

Projects are scheduled to match available funds, staff capacity, and the construction season. Emergency repairs may be added anytime if an urgent water-quality or safety concern arises. 

Every BMP is tracked through WAC’s internal database and verified through: 

• Design certification by a licensed engineer 

• Construction inspection and documentation 

• Post-construction evaluation during annual farm reviews 

This process ensures that every dollar spent delivers improvements to water quality and long-term farm viability.