In 2007, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) joined with a large group of collaborators, including both EPA and USDA to develop a large-scale WQT program in the Ohio River Basin (ORB). We understood that we would have to systematically overcome a multitude of challenges to establish a self-sustaining market where farmers could sell nutrient credits. Trading across jurisdictional boundaries meant we would face differing social and political concerns in developing a common trading platform. From the start, we maintained a high level of stakeholder engagement necessary to ensure successful pilot trades through multiple farmer listening sessions, active advisory committees and numerous meetings. On August 9, 2012, the state agencies in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky signed the nation’s first interstate WQT trading plan. The resulting plan achieved the strict level of due diligence and certainty required by both the state agencies and the large power companies, while also recognizing the privacy concerns and flexibility needed by farmers.
Results/Conclusions
We have issued multiple funding opportunities for landowners throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky and have contracts in place with approximately 40 farmers that range from 5 and 40 years long. We have funded cover crops, heavy use areas, fencing, milkhouse waste management, forest planting, among others. Adding forest planting in 2016 as a particular BMP of focus has been challenging and engages a different landowner demographic compared to traditional agricultural practices. We have learned many lessons regarding how best to engage farmers, issue contracts, on-farm verifications protocols, and the eventual issuance of associated water quality credits. This presentation will share some of these unique insights and lessons. http://wqt.epri.com