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Requirements for Agricultural Environmental Management

Last updated on March 29, 2022

This page highlights requirements under The Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM Code) based on agricultural activity.

General rules 

The following basic level of environmental protection is required by all agricultural operators:

  • Ensure no direct discharges into watercourses or groundwater
  • Prevent contaminated runoff, leachate, solids or air contaminants from crossing property boundaries or entering watercourses and groundwater
  • Follow minimum setbacks from drinking water sources, watercourses and property boundaries
  • Ensure agronomic nitrogen application rates meet crop needs so nitrogen is not over-applied
  • Keep records to show how you are meeting the requirements of the AEM Code

Specific activity-based requirements 

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Adverse effects of pesticide application

The AEM Code has requirements to minimize impacts when applying pesticides on your agricultural operation. 

 

Agricultural boilers and heaters

Boilers or heaters used for agricultural purposes need to be registered and meet emissions limits. There is an exception for small-capacity boilers or heaters and those fueled by electricity.

 

Agricultural composting 

The AEM Code specifies the types of material that can be composted, where it can be composted and how it can be distributed or used.

 

Livestock and poultry areas

The AEM Code includes specific requirements for confined livestock and poultry areas, such as feedlots; and seasonal feeding areas, grazing areas, and temporary holding areas.

 

Minimum setbacks 

Agricultural activities and structures must follow minimum setbacks from drinking water sources, watercourses and property boundaries to prevent pollution.

 

Mortalities and processing waste 

The AEM Code has requirements for the disposal of mortalities and processing waste by agricultural composting, burial or incineration.

 

Nutrient application and management 

The AEM Code has nutrient application requirements to ensure that nutrients applied to land match crop needs and to prevent nutrients and pathogens from entering water bodies. To achieve this, you may be required to take soil samples for nutrient tests, prepare and follow a nutrient management plan, or do a risk assessment in the wet season prior to applying.

 

Record-keeping 

Keep required records for your agricultural activities for at least five years and provide them within five business days if required.

 

Storage 

The AEM Code includes requirements for how you store and use agricultural by-products (such as manure, agricultural compost and vegetative debris), other nutrient sources and wood residue.

 

Treatment of wastewater

If you have an existing wastewater treatment facility on your agricultural operation and discharge the treated wastewater to land or water, you need to notify a Director before February 28, 2021. 

If you intend to either modify an existing treatment system or build a new one, you will need to notify a Director at least 60 days before the work starts.

 

​ Disclaimer: The information on this page is guidance only. Please refer to the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management for specific regulatory requirements.

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