Notice of Final Action for PMT Regulations Published in the Maryland Register; New Phosphorus Management Tool Regulations in Effect June 8

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced that a Notice of Final Action for the Maryland Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) regulations was published in today’s Maryland Register. The regulations go into effect June 8, 2015.

The regulations establish a multi-year process for farmers to transition from the Phosphorus Site Index to the Phosphorus Management Tool, which can better identify potential risk of phosphorus loss from farms.

“These enhanced PMT regulations offer a balanced solution that will deliver a real impact on the health of the Bay while taking into account the concerns of the agriculture and environment communities,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I want to thank the Maryland departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for working together with partners in the impacted communities to develop a collaborative agreement to move these phosphorus regulations forward. The PMT reflects our best understanding, based on a national body of science, of how phosphorus moves from farm fields into our rivers and streams. Maryland farmers have always embraced science-based policy and these regulations further demonstrate how committed Maryland farmers are to restoring our treasured Chesapeake Bay.”

For more information, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/PMT.

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