Alabama Bulletin No. AL210-8-1

NRCS continues to get requests for pond assistance at several locations. When the assistance is for livestock ponds or other type ponds such as in the WRP and WHIP programs, and there is cost-share involved, NRCS is authorized to provide assistance.

NRCS is not mandated by the Farm Bill to provide assistance for other type ponds. Assistance for non-authorized ponds should be on a case-by-case basis and determined by the availability of time and personnel to provide the assistance. Guidance on assistance should be provided to the field office by the ASTC (FO). In no case should assistance be provided that exceeds the 378-Pond Standard criteria or above an employee’s job approval authority.

NRCS in Alabama is anticipating that the new Farm Bill will authorize assistance and cost-share on irrigation ponds. In anticipation of this effort, we are working with the USACE to develop an agreement which clearly describes the actions of NRCS when providing assistance on irrigation and livestock ponds. This agreement is not final yet. Until it is final, the following guidance should be followed:

• Assurance that NRCS is authorized to provide assistance on the pond (EQIP, WRP, WHIP, etc.).
• Assistance on other type ponds should only be provided if guidance is provided by the ASTC (FO).
• For ponds that NRCS is providing assistance, if requested by the landowner, we can develop a water budget to help justify that the pond is commensurate with the existing operation (not a planned operation).

/s/

PERRY L. OAKES
State Conservation Engineer

Dist: E