Four Central Coast growers to pay penalties for failing to comply with Agricultural Order
In Spanish
CENTRAL COAST REGION – The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has issued penalties against four growers for failing to report the amounts of total nitrogen used in their operations, usually through fertilizers, as required by the board’s Agricultural Order.
The penalties are a result of the board’s formal enforcement efforts for growers that fail to comply with the order’s requirements, which are intended to regulate discharges from irrigated agricultural lands to protect surface water and groundwater. Growers are required to track and report the total nitrogen applied so the board can evaluate and appropriately prioritize areas with the highest potential impacts to groundwater, surface water, the environment, and public health.
“Over-application of nitrate-containing fertilizers is one of the leading causes for exceedances of drinking water standards in water supplies in the Central Coast region,” said Thea Tryon, assistant executive officer for the board. “We hold dischargers accountable for submitting reports on time to ensure the board can evaluate threats to water quality and human health.”
Four growers agreed to pay penalties in the following amounts: Ocean Field Holdings LLC (Santa Cruz County) for $43,278, Boavista Farms (Santa Barbara County) for
$144,605, E&A Farming (Santa Barbara County) for $48,186, and UC Farms, Inc. (Santa Clara County) for $42,348. Each grower failed to comply with the requirement to submit a total nitrogen applied report for a ranch by the due date, despite numerous reminders and offers of assistance from the board’s Irrigated Lands Program staff.
The board encourages growers to respond to reminders and notices from board staff to avoid monetary penalties. Growers need to keep their contact information updated in GeoTracker to ensure they receive timely communications and updated guidance on maintaining compliance. Additional information on requirements, due dates, and guidance documents are available on the board’s website.
Visit the State Water Board Twitter page @CaWaterBoards.
The Central Coast Water Board is responsible for protecting and restoring water quality in a 300-mile-long coastal region, from southern San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to the northern part of Ventura County. Protecting beneficial uses in streams, the ocean, and groundwater is essential to ensuring water quality and protecting the health of humans and wildlife.
