Essex creates Best Management Practices for Buffer Strips Brochures

By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

Council for the Town of Essex recently received a report regarding Best Management Practices for Buffer Strips – a protective zone of permanent vegetation between a farm field and a waterway that protects water quality – for information.

Norm Nussio, Manager of Operations and Drainage, prepared the report, which he said administration completed after a lot of research and a lot of work was conducted.

The Report details that buffer strips slow and filter storm runoff, while helping to hold soil in place. As a result, the amount of harmful phosphorus that reaches local lakes may be reduced, which in turn reduces the risk of harmful algae blooms that are prevalent in the surrounding Great Lakes.

He said it is a report that was a long-time coming, and details a public education campaign for the planning and installing of buffer strips on private lands.

As part of Essex’s Climate Adaptation Plan, Infrastructure Services for the Town developed a brochure, highlighting better soil erosion protection practices on resident land, while protecting the environment by reducing the impact soil erosion can have on the drainage systems.

The brochure provides information on what are buffer strips, the key benefits, and pictures that represent what the Town would expect in these areas.

There is also contact information on how to receive the 140-page Ontario Best Management Practices for Buffer Strips guide from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Town staff also connected with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) in creating the brochure, as it offers annual programs to help plan, build, and fund the creation of buffer strips.

The Report to Council adds the cost to print 500 brochures would be $225, plus applicable taxes. Administration will monitor the need and print more on an annual basis.

The Plan is to mail out the brochures with drainage bills on an annual basis to agricultural land owners and users. Copies will also be available at the Essex Municipal Building.

Councillor Rodney Hammond is looking forward to hearing feedback, and Councillor Jason Matyi suggested hosting open houses in the wards most-affected by this subject matter.