Project examples

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Marvellane Farms - Precision Farming/Well Decommissioning

Marvellville, Ontario

ORCWP Funding: $1930.00

Project Benefits:

  • Reduced nutrient runoff into the local creek
  • Soil conservation
  • Improved groundwater quality
  • Reduced inputs (fuel, nutrients, seeds)
  • Time and cost savings

Maria and Theo Nyentap are dairy farmers who also grow soybeans and corn. They are strong supporters of the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program and have completed several projects including well decommissioning, precision farming (GPS technology), and planting a natural windbreak. “Protecting water quality is a high priority for us. Good, clean water is not only important for our health, but also for our milk cows,” said Maria Nyentap regarding the completed projects.

The GPS system has enabled the Nyentaps to reduce the cost of their inputs, such as fuel, fertilizer and seeds, and above all, to save time. Through the decommissioning of wells, they have been able to ensure that the water on their farm is clean and safe. Finally, the natural windbreak promoted soil conservation and reduced snow accumulation. The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program is delivered by the City of Ottawa in conjunction with your local protection authority. Help improve water quality! Call 613-692-3571 or 800-267-3504 ext. 1128 or 1132.

Rocky Top Charolais - Streambank Stabilization/Buffer Strip

Kinburn, Ontario

ORCWP Funding: $10,851 (74% of the overall project cost)

Project Benefits:

  • Approximately 1.5 acres of cropland was regained
  • Reduced sediment in a nearby creek

As a farmer and recreational fisherman in the Carp area for almost five decades, Dwight Eastman has a natural interest in the environment and the health of local waterways. This interest led Mr. Eastman to reach out to the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) about the meandering creek that runs through his land. It drains an area of close to 500 acres upstream of the farm, emptying downstream directly into the Carp River. The water in the creek was often thick with sediments that washed into it at every turn.

MVCA staff helped Mr. Eastman develop a plan for stream bank stabilization in May 2012. The work included channel realignment as well as rip-rap placed along the stream bank curves and at the retention ponds to slow water flow. Pleased with the results of the project, Mr. Eastman decided to rehabilitate the lower half of the creek the following year by adding buffer strip seeding.

The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program is brought to you by the City of Ottawa in cooperation with your local Conservation Authority. Help improve water quality! Call 613-692-3571 or  800-267-3504 ext. 1136.

Weeberlac Holsteins - Manure Storage

Carlsbad Springs, Ontario

ORCWP Funding: $18,325 (21% of overall project cost)

Project Benefits:

  • Elimination of runoff into a nearby drainage ditch leading to Ramsay Creek
  • Elimination of risk of groundwater contamination – the manure pile was within 20 meters of their well
  • Manure is now delivered to the storage tank via an underground pipe, rather than the stable being cleaned twice daily – a difficult task during the winter
  • Ability to cultivate a nearby field which had previously been contaminated by manure runoff.
  • New storage system provides access to rich compost to spread

Tim and Diane Groniger knew they wanted to do something about the manure pile generated by their 74 head of dairy cattle. They weren’t surprised when their Environmental Farm Plan identified nutrient management as an area requiring attention.

With help from the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program, Tim and Diane were able to begin their project. “We found it very easy to work with the Rural Clean Water Program. The grants were key to helping us do the right thing for our farm and for Ramsay Creek.”

An initial grant from the program allowed for advice from a nutrient management consultant, while a second grant assisted in implementing the consultant’s recommendation – the construction of a concrete storage tank 80 feet in diameter and 10 feet deep. The Gronigers are working to complete a third grant-assisted project – directing the milk house wash water to the concrete storage tank.

The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program is brought to you by the City of Ottawa in cooperation with your local Conservation Authority. Help improve water quality! Call 613-692-3571 or  800-267-3504 ext. 1136.