Home and Farmstead Conservation Practices
The Home/Farmstead can be a source of pollutants that can contaminate the environment. Homeowners should be aware of their responsibility to protect the environment from contamination by home/farmstead pollution sources that can impair surface and ground water quality. Two of the home/farmstead practices are highlighted below.
Abandoned Water Well Plugging
The plugging of an abandoned water well involves the sealing and permanent closure of a water well no longer in use. Kansas law requires that all abandoned wells and test holes be properly plugged.
Proper plugging accomplishes five goals:
- Restores protective barrier to minimize groundwater contamination
- Removes physical hazards by removing tempting openings for curious children and animals
- Restores stability to the land surface (load carrying capacity)
- Eliminates or reduces liability exposure
- Protects and improves property values
On-Site Wastewater System
An on-site wastewater system is a system composed of a septic tank/treatment field, a wastewater lagoon, or an alternative treatment system to treat wastewater. A failing on-site wastewater system may be eligible for financial assistance to bring it up to current county health code. An updated system prevents the entry of untreated sewage into the water supply.
Homeowners are required to obtain a permit from the county health department before upgrading a failing on-site septic system. The county sanitarian will determine the type and size of system required for the site by evaluating the soils.
Windbreaks
Windbreak and shelterbelt establishment is used to deflect winds away from livestock or structures designed to provide livestock shelter. The purpose of the windbreak/shelter belt is to protect soil resources, control snow deposition, moisture conservation, protect crops and provide shelter for livestock. An additional conservation benefit to establishing a shelterbelt is the habitat improvements for wildlife.