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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONBureau of Land Recycling and Waste Management

Division of Municipal and Residual Waste

DOCUMENT NUMBER: 254-5401-001

TITLE: BEST PRACTICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONIN THE MUSHROOM FARM COMMUNITY

AUTHORITY: Solid Waste Management Act (35 P.S. §§6018.101 et seq.)andregulations at 25 Pa. Code Chapter 289

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 12, 1997

POLICY: It is the Department’s policy to provide a person or municipalitywith the information necessary for the proper use or disposal ofspent mushroom substrate.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to provide uniform instructionsand operating procedures for the use or disposal of spentmushroom substrate.

APPLICABILITY: This guidance will apply to all persons or municipalities that ownor operate a mushroom growing operation.

DISCLAIMER: The policies and procedures outlined in this guidance areintended to supplement existing requirements. Nothing in thepolicies or procedures shall affect regulatory requirements.

The policies and procedures, herein, are not an adjunction or aregulation. There is no intent on the part or DEP to give therules in these policies that weight or deference. This documentestablishes the framework within which DEP will exercise itsadministrative discretion in the future. DEP reserves thediscretion to deviate from this policy statement if circumstanceswarrant.

PAGE LENGTH: 74 (total)

LOCATION: Volume 6, Tab 25

DEFINITIONS: See 25 Pa. Code Chapter 287

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TABLE OF CONTENTSPage

Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................... vi

Workgroup Members ...................................................................................................................... vi

Chapter 1 Introduction to this Manual .................................................................................... 1

Chapter 2 An Overview of Mushroom Farming ...................................................................... 3

2.1. Introduction.................................................................................................. 32.2. Phase I: Making Mushroom Substrate.......................................................... 32.3. Phase II: Finishing the Compost ................................................................... 5

Spawning ..................................................................................................... 5Casing.......................................................................................................... 5Pinning......................................................................................................... 6Cropping ...................................................................................................... 6

Chapter 3 Management of Raw Materials and Mushroom Substrates ...................................... 7

3.1. Introduction.................................................................................................. 73.2. Watering Raw Materials and Ricks ............................................................... 73.3. Wharf/Turning Yard Operations ................................................................... 73.4. Regulatory Best Management Practices for Normal Farming Operations ....... 8

a. Normal Farming Operations ................................................................ 9b. Management of Waste......................................................................... 9

3.5. Odor Reduction Opportunities....................................................................... 10

Chapter 4 Growing the Mushroom - Spawning through Harvest.............................................. 11

4.1. Introduction.................................................................................................. 114.2. Spawning ..................................................................................................... 114.3. Casing.......................................................................................................... 114.4. Fruiting and Crop Care................................................................................. 124.5. Harvesting Operations .................................................................................. 124.6. Post-Harvest Clean-Out ................................................................................ 124.7. Insect Monitoring and Control....................................................................... 124.8. Pathogen Control .......................................................................................... 134.9. Pesticide Handling and Regulations............................................................... 134.10. Trash Disposal ............................................................................................. 13

Chapter 5 Management of Wastes from Mushroom Growing Operations- Spent Substrate and Wastewater .......................................................................... 15

5.1. Introduction.................................................................................................. 155.2. Normal Farming Operations and Permit Requirements .................................. 155.3. Recordkeeping.............................................................................................. 155.4. Isolation Distances and Existing Facilities ..................................................... 17

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5.5. Storage of Solids Prior to Reuse on Farm...................................................... 175.6. Options for Storage of SMS.......................................................................... 175.7. Composting of Spent Mushroom Substrate.................................................... 19

a. Passive Composting or Curing of SMS on a Farm................................... 19b. Active Composting of SMS on a Farm.................................................... 20

5.8. Reuse and Storage of Wastewater from a SMS Composting Prior.................. 21to Reuse on Farmsa. Storage of wastewater in tanks................................................................ 21b. Storage of wastewater in impoundments.................................................. 21

5.9. Land Application of Spent Mushroom Substrate and Wastewater .................. 22a. Site Consolidation .................................................................................. 22b. Nutrient Content of SMS or Wastewater from SMS................................ 22c. Application Methods and Timing ............................................................ 23d. Application rate...................................................................................... 23e. Spent Mushroom Substrate use other than normal farming ...................... 24

operationsf. Distribution and Sale Requirements ........................................................ 24

Chapter 6 Mushroom Farm Environmental Management Plans ............................................... 25

6.1. Introduction.................................................................................................. 256.2. The MFEMP Plan ........................................................................................ 256.3. Basic Components of an MFEMP................................................................. 25

a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control ...................................................... 25b. Surface Water and Storm Water Management...................................... 26c.. Groundwater Protection....................................................................... 26d.. Nutrient Management for Substrate Utilization or ............................... 26

Spray Irrigation Programe. Integrated Pest Management ................................................................ 26f. Operations and Maintenance Requirements .......................................... 26g. MFEMP Implementation Schedule....................................................... 27h. Air Quality Management ..................................................................... 27i. Emergency Preparedness Plan.............................................................. 27j. Wastewater Management..................................................................... 27k. Spent Substrate Management............................................................... 27

6.4. Development of an MFEMP ......................................................................... 276.5. Funding Sources to Implement BMPs............................................................ 276.6. Monitoring for Compliance........................................................................... 27

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Figures

Figure no. Page

Figure 3.1 Regulatory Relationship Among Substrate Ingredients, SMS Use, Normal .............. 9Farming Operations and Permit Requirements

Figure 5.1 Permitting Situations for Spent Mushroom Substrate Under Residual……… .......... 16Waste Regulations

Figure 5.2 Passive Composting of Spent Mushroom Substrates on a Farm............................... 20Figure 5.3 Passive SMS Composting ...................................................................................... 20Figure 5.4 Active Composting of Spent Mushroom Substrates on a Farm ................................ 21Figure 5.5 Active SMS Composting........................................................................................ 21

List of Tables

Table 1 Substrate Ingredients.............................................................................................. 4

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APPENDIXESPage

Appendix A Summary of Solid Waste Rules and Regulations..................................................... 30

A.1. Solid Waste Management Act .................................................................... 30A.2. Residual Waste Regulations (25 Pa. Code Chapters 287-299) .................... 30A.3. Administration of Land Recycling Program (25 Pa. Code Chapter 250)...... 34

Appendix B List of Best Management Practices: Natural Resources Conservation Servicefor Mushroom Farm Environmental Management Plans.......................................... 36

Appendix C Pesticide Regulations ............................................................................................ 39

C.1. General Provisions........................................................................................ 39C.2. Pesticide Dealers .......................................................................................... 39C.3. Pesticide Application Businesses................................................................... 39C.4. Commercial and Public Applicators .............................................................. 41C.5. Private Applicators ....................................................................................... 42

Appendix D The Pennsylvania Fertilizer, Soil Conditioner and Plant Growth Substance Law...... 45

Appendix E County Conservation District Contacts ................................................................... 47

Appendix F National Resource Conservation Service Contacts .................................................. 51

Appendix G Pennsylvania Department of Environmental ProtectionSelected List of Contact Numbers........................................................................... 55

Appendix H Pest Management for Mushroom Farms ................................................................. 57

H.1. Acquiring Pest Information ........................................................................... 57Insects Pests ................................................................................................. 57Pathogens..................................................................................................... 58

H.2. Monitoring the Farm Environment ................................................................ 59H.3. Decision Making Based on the Determination of Economic ........................... 59

Levels of DamageH.4. Determining Pesticide Needs and Assessing Effectiveness.............................. 60H.5 Techniques and Tools to Manipulate Pest Populations................................... 60H.6. Broad Considerations of the Mushroom Farm Community............................. 62H.7. Conclusion ................................................................................................... 62

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Best Practices for Environmental Protection in the Mushroom Farm Community (1997) was developed as aresult of the realization among mushroom farmers and regulators that the changes in environmentalregulations necessitated a complete revision of the earlier (1984) manual. The current document representsthe cooperative efforts of the Pennsylvania mushroom farm community representatives and environmentalregulators on state and local levels.

Members of the work group drafting this version of the “mushroom manual” are listed below. They arerecognized for their commitment to facilitate understanding among the mushroom farm community, thePennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, other regulatory agencies, and the community atlarge. The work group members’ knowledge, experience, and patience were critical in establishing thesepractices as workable and rational means to meet the goals of environmental protection and soundagricultural operation. Editing services for the manual were financed by the American Mushroom Instituteand performed by Merry L. Morris, Ph.D.

WORK GROUP MEMBERS

William F. Pounds, ChiefDivision of Municipal and Residual WastePA Department of Environmental ProtectionP.O. Box 8472Harrisburg, PA 17105-8472(work group leader)

Bill Adams, Director ofNatural ResourcesPA Farm BureauP.O. Box 8736Camp Hill, PA 17001-8736

Tom BrosiusMarlboro Mushrooms200 Upland RoadWest Grove, PA 19390

Phillip ColesGiorgi Mushroom Co.Blandon RoadP.O. Box 96Temple, PA 19560

Dan Greig, District ManagerChester County Conservation DistrictGov. Services Center, Suite 395601 Westtown RoadWest Chester, PA 19382

Christian Herr, Deputy SecretaryPA Department of Agriculture2301 North Cameron StreetHarrisburg, PA 17110

Jim Hudson/ Frank StearnsPA Department of AgricultureRt. 113Creamery, PA 19430

Tom Juengst/ David ReedPA Department of Environmental ProtectionBureau of Water Quality ProtectionP.O. Box 8465Harrisburg, PA 17105-8465

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Ken Lomax, Ph.D.University of DelawareAgricultural Engineering DepartmentNewark, DE 19717-1303

Merry L. Morris, Ph.D.Therion Corporation148 Holl RoadCabot, PA 16023-9736(representative of Moonlight Mushrooms, Inc.until 11/93; technical editor thereafter)

Steve O’Neil / Joe FeolaPA Department of Environmental ProtectionBureau of Water Quality ManagementSoutheast RegionSuite 6010, Lee Park555 North LaneConshohocken, PA 19428

Stephen M. Socash/Dan NguyenDivision of Municipal and Residual WastePA Department of Environmental ProtectionP.O. Box 8472Harrisburg, PA 17105-8472

Robert Struble, Executive DirectorRed Clay Valley Association1760 Unionville-Wawaset RoadWest Chester, PA 19382

John TaceloskyPA Department of Agriculture2301 North Cameron StreetHarrisburg, PA 17110

Thomas WoyDivision of Municipal and Residual WastePA Department of Environmental ProtectionP.O. Box 8472Harrisburg, PA 17105-8472

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254-5401-001 / 12/12/97 / Page 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THIS MANUAL

Mushroom growers, like many other farmers, arefinding that being successful requires much more thanmerely applying their knowledge of agriculture to theircrop of choice. Many aspects of farming are comingunder the scrutiny of neighbors and evaluation byregulatory agencies. Especially in the environmentalarea, requirements are becoming more widely and morestringently applied to those activities once considered“just part of growing mushrooms.”

While growers are not interested in spending money ortime unnecessarily, there is widespread agreement thatnow is the time to reevaluate mushroom growingpractices in light of current environmental laws,regulations, and policies, and begin the process ofmaking needed upgrades. The first step for everygrower is to review normal farm practices for potentialsources of water pollution or odors. With heightenedinterest in the proper reuse and management of residual(usually solid) wastes, these materials also need to beinventoried and evaluated.

This manual is intended for both mushrooms farmersand non- farmers. It should be an educationaldocument for those individuals needing to understandmushroom farming, e.g., field inspectors or interestedcitizens, and presents the basics of mushroom farmingin Chapter 2. The manual is limited to thecultivation of the Agaricus (white and crimini)mushroom.

For the grower, this manual functions like a yardstickagainst which farm practices can be compared.Chapters 3 and 4 take the reader step by step throughthe mushroom growing process and present for eachoperation the suggested practices to reduce pollutionpotential. While they may be regarded as ideal, manyof these practices are quite attainable for both largeand small mushroom farms. Chapter 3 also discussesopportunities that growers can explore to reduce afarm’s potential for odor problems. In Chapter 5, twoaspects of mushroom farming, making mushroom

substrate and spent substrate management, areevaluated under the recent Pennsylvania residual wasteregulations. The Best Management Practices discussedin this chapter not only reduce the potential forpollution, but also the regulatory burden that a growercould face. When these Best Management Practicesare followed, individual farm residual waste permitscan be avoided. Chapter 6 introduces practices ofanother sort, the technical Best Management Practicesbased on Pennsylvania Technical Guide for Soil andWater Conservation (PATG) specifications that can beused at individual farms depending on their specificneeds.

Current mushroom farm operations may fall short ofbest practices. Certain farm practices may presentpotential sources of pollutional discharge. If so,farmers need to change operations or upgrade theirphysical facilities to eliminate these problems.Chapter 6 introduces a mechanism whereby thisprocess can be carried out in an efficient and effectiveway. A Mushroom Farm Environmental ManagementPlan (MFEMP) and the planning process necessary forthe development of the plan can be used as the vehicleto get from current farm status to a point of greatercompliance. In doing so, the farmer may find, as anadded incentive, a reduction in the number of specificpermits required by the PA DEP.

This manual was finalized in 1997 and is based onscientific understanding as of that time. Due tochanging regulatory and environmental demands onmushrooms growers, more up-to-date guidance willbecome necessary. This manual will be revisedperiodically. Growers and other readers of this manualare urged to become acquainted with currentregulations and to follow proposed changes in laws andregulations. An active and responsible community canassist agencies in developing the most effectiveregulations to accomplish environmental protection forthe common good.

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CHAPTER 2

AN OVERVIEW OF MUSHROOM FARMING

2.1. Introduction

Cultivation of the Agaricus (white or crimini)mushroom consists of six steps: Phase I composting,Phase II composting, spawning, casing, pinning, andcropping. These steps are described in their naturallyoccurring sequence. Of course, there are other relatedactivities necessary to support these basic steps.Overall, it takes approximately 10-15 weeks tocomplete an entire growing cycle from the start ofcomposting to the final clean up after harvesting hasended.

2.2. Phase I: Making Mushroom Substrate

Substrate is the growing medium that provides thenutrients needed for mushrooms to grow. Mushroomcomposting is designed to change the nutrients found inthe initial ingredients into forms that are available toand selective for mushrooms. Composting produces afood source most suited for the growth of themushroom to the exclusion of competing fungi andbacteria. There must be correct moisture, oxygen,nitrogen, and carbohydrates present throughout theprocess or the nutrients will be inadequate to supportthe future mushroom crop. Mushroom farmers usevarious recipes when formulating mushroom compost.Their choices are based on the availability and cost ofthe ingredients and the individual characteristics oftheir own farming practices. Generally speaking,however, two slightly different types of composts aremade by mushroom farmers with different startingmaterials: 1) straw based stable bedding containinghorse manure or 2) a mixture of hay and corn cobs orstraw. A variety of other ingredients are added inorder to improve the nutrition and structure of thedeveloping compost. These other ingredients, theirpurpose, and typical sources are shown in Table 1.Preparation of mushroom substrate recycles vastquantities of agricultural nutrients, especially stablebedding from horse farms and race tracks and poultrymanure. By utilizing these nutrient-rich materialsproductively, the mushroom farming communityperforms a service to those enterprises as well.

The preparation of mushroom compost occurs in twosteps referred to as Phase I and Phase II composting.

Phase I compost preparation usually occurs outdoors,although an enclosed building or a roofed structuremay be used. A concrete, asphalt or low permeabilitycompacted earthen material area, referred to as a wharfor compost turning yard, is required for composting.Compost turning machines are used to mix and waterthe ingredients, and a bucket-loader is necessary tomove the ingredients on the turning yard.

Phase I composting begins on many mushroom farmswith a preliminary or “pre-wet” step. Large heaps ofthe stable bedding or hay- or straw-mixture are wetteddown by pumping water on them or dipping them intospecially constructed dip pits. This wetting stepinitiates the heating process as a result of the growthand reproduction of microorganisms naturally presentin the materials. This serves to soften the hay or strawand makes it more water absorbent. These heaps maybe mixed together to produce a uniform startingcompost. The pre-wet stage may last 3-4 days to12-15 days.

Following the pre-wet stage, the materials are arrangedin a long pile over which are spread nitrogensupplements and gypsum, and the pile or rick isthoroughly mixed with a turning machine. Aerobiccomposting continues after the pile is wetted andformed.

The compost pile must be carefully erected andmanaged. Most compost piles are roughly 5 to 7 feetwide, 5 to 10 feet high, and as long as necessary orpractical. The pile or rick must hold its shape, but beloose enough to allow for aerobic conditionsthroughout. Turning and watering are done atapproximately 2-day intervals. Turning provides theopportunity to water and mix the ingredients, as well asto relocate the compost from the cooler exterior to thewarmer interior and vice versa. The aerationaccomplished by turning is short-lived, so pileconstruction, structure, and contents are critical inpromoting aerobic degradation. The number ofturnings and the time between turnings depend on thecondition of the starting material and the timenecessary for the compost to heat up.

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Table 1: Mushroom Substrate Ingredients

INGREDIENT RATIONALE* TYPICAL SOURCEN1 C2 B3 O4 L5

MAIN INGREDIENTSCorncobs (whole, ground, crushed, pelletized) X X X Corn farm, corn shellerHay X X X Hay farmHorse manure—straw bedded X X X Horse farmPoultry litter/manure X Poultry farm XStraw X X Grain farm

OTHER INGREDIENTSAdco X Fertilizer plant XAmmonium nitrate X Fertilizer plant XAnimal fat X Meat processor XBrewers grains (wet or dry) X Brewery XCorn fodder X X Corn farmDried blood X Poultry or meat processor XFeathers or feather meal X Poultry processorFish solubles X Fish processor XGrape pumice X Grape processorGround wallboard X Construction industryGypsum X Gypsum rockGypsum, synthetic X Soil conditioner supplierHardwood bark X X SawmillHardwood tree leaves X Municipal leaf collectionLicorice root X ?Lime X Soil conditioner supplierLivestock manures X Livestock farmMushroom stumps and culls Mushroom farmPaunch X Meat processor XPeat moss Peat bogPotash, potassium Fertilizer plant XPotato waste X Food processor ?Seed—hulls X Seed processorSeed—meal X Seed processor XSeed—oil X X Seed processorShredded newspaper X Newspaper recyclerSpent lime X Sugar processor ?Sugar cane (bagasse) X X Sugar processor ?Sugar cane (pulp) X Sugar processor ?Urea X Fertilizer plant XOther

∗ The above materials represent common ingredients used for the preparation of mushroom substrate, their function(s) in the substrate,potential for leaching, and typical sources. 1 = nitrogen, 2 = carbon, 3 - bulk, 4 = flocculent or pH control, 5 = leachable.

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Water addition is critical. Too much water willexclude oxygen by occupying the pore space and maylead to unnecessary loss of nutrients due to leaching.Too little water can limit the growth of bacteria andfungi. As a general rule, most of the water is addedwhen the pile is formed and at the time of first turning,and thereafter water is added only to adjust themoisture content. On the last turning of Phase Icomposting, water may be applied generously to carrysufficient water into Phase II. Water, nutritive value,microbial activity and temperature are like links in achain. When one condition is limiting, the whole chainmay be affected.

Phase I composting lasts from 7 to 16 days, dependingon the nature of the material at the start, itscharacteristics at each turn, the season, and theparticular practices at a given farm. At the end ofPhase I, the compost should have: a) a brown color;b) short, pliable straws; c) a moisture content from68 to 74 percent; and d) an odor of ammonia. Whenthese conditions have been reached, Phase Icomposting is completed.

2.3. Phase II: Finishing the Compost

Phase II continues the conversion of nutrients into aselective food supply for the mushroom. First,pasteurization is performed to kill any insects,nematodes, competing fungi, or other pests that may bepresent in the compost. Second, ammonia levels whichformed during Phase I composting are reduced. At thelevels present at the end of Phase I, ammonia can belethal to mushroom spawn growth. Phase IIcomposting can be viewed as a controlled, temperaturedependent, ecological process using air to maintain thecompost in a temperature range best suited for thedeammonifying organisms to grow and reproduce. Thegrowth of these thermophilic (heat-loving) organismsdepends on the availability of carbohydrates in a usableform and the presence of nitrogen, some of which is inthe form of ammonia.

Phase II can be managed in three different ways,depending on the type of growing system used. For themultiple zone growing system, compost is packed intowooden trays, the trays are stacked six to twelve high,and the trays are moved into an environmentallycontrolled Phase II room. Thereafter, the trays aremoved to other special rooms, each designed to providethe optimum environment for each step of themushroom growing process. At a mushroom farmusing the single zone bed or shelf growing system, the

compost is placed directly in the stationary beds whichare in a room used for all steps of crop culture. Themost recently introduced multiple zone system, theenvironmentally controlled “tunnel”, is an enclosedsystem which allows compost to experience Phase IIconditioning in a bulk form rather than in individualtrays or beds.

Spawning

Spawning is the mushroom culture equivalent ofplanting seeds for a field crop. However,mushrooms are “planted” using fungal myceliarather than seeds. Fungal mycelium propagatedvegetatively is known as spawn (Latin expandere =to spread out). Spawn making requires laboratoryfacilities to propagate mycelia, so the mushroommycelia do not get mixed with the mycelia of otherfungi. Spawn making starts by sterilizing a mixtureof cereal grain plus water and chalk; rye, wheat,millet, and other small grains are used. Once thesterilized grain has bits of mycelia added to it, it isincubated to promote its full colonization.Mushroom farmers purchase spawn fromcommercial laboratories.

At the mushroom farm, spawn is thoroughly mixedinto the compost using a special spawning machine.Once the spawn has been mixed throughout thecompost, the compost temperature and the relativehumidity in the growing room are managed tooptimize mycelial growth. The spawn grows out inall directions from a spawn grain. The time neededfor spawn to fully colonize the compost depends onthe amount of spawn added and its distribution, thecompost moisture and temperature, and the natureor quality of the compost. A complete spawn runusually requires 10 to 21 days.

Casing

Casing is a top-dressing applied to the spawn-runcompost and is necessary for mushrooms to growfrom the mycelia which have grown throughout thecompost. Clay-loam field soil, a mixture of peatmoss with ground limestone, or weatheredreclaimed spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can beused as casing. Casing is not used to supplynutrients; rather, it acts as a water reservoir andprovides a place where rhizomorphs form.Rhizomorphs look like thick strings and form whenthe very fine mycelia grow together. Casing shouldbe able to hold moisture since moisture is essential

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for the development of a firm mushroom. Duringthe period following casing, water must be appliedintermittently to raise the moisture level tomaximum water holding capacity before themushroom pins form.

Pinning

Mushroom fruiting bodies (initials, primordia orpins) are small outgrowths from the rhizomorphswhich form in the casing layer. These fruitingbodies continue to grow larger through a buttonstage, and ultimately enlarge into a mushroom.Harvestable mushrooms appear 16 to 28 days aftercasing. Pinning affects both the potential yield andquality of a crop. The management of watercontent of the casing, relative humidity, and carbondioxide content of the air are all essential indetermining crop yield and quality.

Cropping

The terms flush, break, or bloom are names givento the repeated 3- to 5-day harvest periods duringthe cropping cycle. They are followed by a fewdays when no mushrooms are available to harvest.Once mature mushrooms are picked, an inhibitor tomushroom development is removed, and the nextflush moves toward maturity. This regrowthrepeats itself in a 7- to 10-day cycle, and harvestingcan be repeated as long as mushrooms continue to

mature, though the yield decreases with eachpicking cycle. Most mushroom farmers harvest for25 to 35 days, but harvest can continue for as longas 150 days. Temperature, water management, andventilation continue to be critical parametersthroughout the growing period.

One deciding factor related to the length ofharvesting time is the necessity to maintain lowlevels of disease pathogens and insect pests.Mushroom pests can cause total crop failure.These pathogens and insects can be controlled bycultural practices coupled with the use of pesticides,but it is most desirable to exclude these organismsfrom the growing rooms. Shorter harvestingperiods reduce the time for pests to becomeestablished and proliferate in the crop or growingroom. After the last flush of mushrooms has beenpicked, the growing room should be closed off anda clean up performed. The room may bepasteurized with steam or treated with sanitizingagents. This final step is designed to destroy anypests which may be present in the crop or thegrowing room, thus minimizing the likelihood ofinfesting the next crop.

(Adapted from Wuest, Paul J.; Duffy, Michael D.;and Royse, Daniel J. Six steps to mushroom farming.Special Circular 268. The Pennsylvania StateUniversity. College of Agriculture, Extension Service,University Park, PA.)

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CHAPTER 3

MANAGEMENT OF RAW MATERIALSAND MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE

3.1. Introduction

As discussed in Chapter 2, generating a substrate forthe growth of the mushroom crop is a critical first stepin mushroom culture for most cultivated commercialmushrooms. A poorly produced compost willinvariably mean disappointing yields for the farmer.

Because some materials used in this substrate are highin nutrients, the mushroom farmer must take care at thefarm to keep these nutrients separated from the naturalwater resources. This chapter reviews the compostingprocess in the context of Best Management Practices(BMPs)1 which help protect these resources fromdegradation.

A well-run operation for preparing substrate shouldevidence an efficiency of design and orderliness ofoperation which, in concert with good housekeepingand water management, will go a long way to protectwater and air resources.

3.2. Watering Raw Materials and Ricks

As noted in Chapter 2, watering the raw materials andthe ricks of substrate is an essential operation. Ifwatering is optimal, bacteria and fungi cause changesin the raw materials in the rick (windrow), changingthe mix of raw materials into a substrate that isselective for the Agaricus mushroom. Bacteria andfungi also metabolize nutrients and convert them intomicrobial protein. Excess water, however, can lead toanaerobic activity within the ricks and produce a sourproduct with the risk of malodors. Excess water canalso lead to the loss of nutrients, which can becomepollutants if not properly controlled.

1This manual contains Best Management Practices (BMPs) oftwo types: preferred ways of performing normal mushroomgrowing activities and technical Best Management Practices asdescribed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS). The operational BMPs may originate from commonknowledge of good practice or from the requirements imposedunder regulations. The operational BMPs are described inchapters 3, 4 and 5. Chapter 6 and Appendix B containreferences to the NRCS BMPs. Appendix B contains a list ofBMPs being used by the county conservation districts based onNRCS’ best management practices.

A recommended practice is to add sufficient water, butnot cause wash-out of ingredients and generation oflarge quantities of leachate. To find the balance point,wetting of the initial piles of substrate ingredients inthe preliminary or “pre-wet” step, the wateringvolumes and schedules for the substrate ricks, rickturning schedules, and composting period can all bemodified. Since loss of some water from the ricks isnormal and unavoidable, the design and operations onthe compost wharf must be adequate to control thehighly nutritious water. Initial design of the wharf canbe helpful in this regard, but wharves can be upgradedto meet the same objective. This objective, simplystated, is to keep all leachate, whether from rawingredients or from the ricks, on the wharf surfaceunless it is being discharged to an approved wastewatercollection unit or recycling system.

3.3. Wharf/Turning Yard Operations

Wastewater can be associated with the production ofmushroom substrate, from storage of spent mushroomsubstrate (SMS) and from composting of SMS forlater uses. However, the mushroom farmer hasopportunities to reduce the potential for mushroomsubstrate ingredients or leachates to come in contactwith water resources. The wharf should be ofsufficient size to accommodate the ricks and also themovement of raw materials. Storage locations shouldbe chosen taking into account the concentrations ofsoluble nutrients in the raw materials and the nutrients’potential to generate leachate of environmentalconcern. Placement of raw materials and ricks shouldbe optimized to reduce unnecessary traffic and trackingof materials on the wharf. It is critical to providesufficient room for operations and high quality storageareas for raw materials.

The wharf area must be paved or covered with animpervious material and sloped toward imperviouscollection areas. Ideally, this paved wharf area may beunder roof, but this is not practical for most farms.Though roofing is expensive, it is advisable for storinghigh nutrient, leachable raw materials like chickenmanure. Roofing will minimize the potential forcontact of manure nutrients to contact with

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groundwater and surface water and thus minimize theleaching of nutrients into the collection basin.

While storage of raw materials on paved wharf areas isthe preferred management practice, alternatives can beconsidered for certain raw materials that have minimalor no potential to leach nutrients or other constituents.For these materials which do not generate leachates,bare ground storage is acceptable. (See Table 1 forexamples of materials.) For added protection, the rawmaterials should be covered securely with waterprooftarps. In some cases, inventory quantities can bereduced to accommodate the size of the storage area.

Wharf runoff generated by storm events differs fromnormal leachate production because the mushroomfarmer has less opportunity to control its rate, volumeand frequency. Nonetheless, good practice andenvironmental laws dictate that there be no dischargeof untreated stormwater from the wharf to the surfaceor groundwaters of the Commonwealth. Provisionsmust be made for control of stormwater. The wharfmust be designed and operated to minimize run on ofstormwater, and drainage channels must be adequatelysized and constructed to carry stormwater away priorto any contamination with wharf material. Care mustbe taken to size stormwater units to accommodatehigher volumes of water from storm events. Critical inthis regard are the design and construction of collectionbasins. The code numbers for these managementpractices are listed in Appendix B. Once constructed,these stormwater management structures must bemaintained to be serviceable at all times to controlstorm waters. Any stormwater generated on the wharfmust be collected and treated as wastewater. Thewastewater may be stored in tanks or impoundments asdiscussed in Chapter 5.

Care taken in daily operations can also reduce thelikelihood of pollution. “Good housekeeping,” such ascleaning up clumps of compost and raw materialsscattered about the wharf and replacing them in ricksor storage areas can reduce the strength of runoff andpotential for odor production. The collection of thesestray materials in dry weather can control dust and thedispersal of pollution generating materials. Dry, dustyareas can be lightly moistened with a fine spray ofwater to reduce dust. Keeping drainage channelsditches which lead to collection basins free of wharfsolids allows them to serve their purpose better. It alsoreduces the extent to which the solids will dissolve intothe water being carried in the ditch, thus reducing thepollution load on the collection and treatment system.

Stormwater and drainage channels should likewise bekept free of obstructing materials. As suggestedearlier, using as little water as necessary to make agood compost can also be a way of reducing leachategeneration.

Collected wastewater can be reused on some wharvesin the substrate preparation process. Leachate andwastewater from the wharf can be added judiciously tothe mix of raw materials in the early “pre-wet” heapsor later to the ricks themselves up to the secondturning. This practice adds moisture to the mix andalso reduces the accumulation and storage of highstrength wastewater in collection basins. This recycledliquid should be kept aerated or agitated to reduceanaerobic activity, odors, and settlement of solids intothe collection basins. Screens and filters are a wiseinvestment to keep solids out of the water entering thecollection basins, thus keeping solids out of the wastestream and facilitating the replacement of these solidsinto the ricks.

Wastewater can also be applied to SMS storage pilesor spread on crop fields in accordance with the landapplication procedures identified in Chapter 5. TheDepartment of Environmental Protection does notconsider these liquids to be a “waste” if they aredirectly recycled onsite without treatment, processingor release into the environment as part of an ongoingnormal farming operation by the grower. Thewastewater may be stored in tanks or impoundments asdiscussed in Chapter 5.

3.4. Regulatory Best Management Practices forNormal Farming Operations

The practices that will be discussed below apply tonormal farming operations, which include mostmushroom farms. Normal farming operations aredefined in the residual waste regulations as thecustomary and generally accepted practices engaged inby farms for agricultural production provided suchpractice does not cause pollution to the air, water, orother natural resources. It also applies to management,collection, storage, transportation, use and disposal ofagricultural wastes on land where such materials willimprove the condition of the soil, growth of crops orrestoration of land for the same purpose.

Three aspects of the mushroom substrate compostingoperation should be reviewed by the mushroom farmerto make certain his farm operations meet the residualwaste requirements: the composting operation, thesubstrate ingredients, and any wastes generated by the

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composting operation. See Figure 1 for therelationship among substrate ingredients, substratepreparation, normal farming operations, and permittingrequirements.

a. Normal Farming Operations:

A permit is not required for a mushroomcomposting operation solely engaged in preparingmushroom substrate if it is part of a normal farmingoperation. In this case, to be considered part of anormal farming operation, the composting operationmust comply with the following:

1. The composting must be conducted on a farm orother facility that complies with this manual andhas an approved and implemented MushroomFarm Environmental Management Plan(MFEMP). (See Chapter 6.)

2. The compost must be made using onlyagricultural wastes or agricultural wastes mixedwith “products” or “coproducts.”2 See alsoAppendix A.

3. All of the finished substrate must be used on afarm for the production of mushrooms.

However, if the composting operation does not meetthe definition of normal farming operations, it mustobtain a residual waste processing permit from theDepartment of Environmental Protection. SeeChapter 5 and Appendix A.

Table 1 identified common ingredients used in thepreparation of mushroom substrate. Both for thegenerator of these ingredients and for the mushroomfarmer making substrate, these ingredients can beconsidered as “coproducts”. Using corn cobs as anexample, both the farmer or sheller producing corncobs and the mushroom farmer using corn cobs inhis mushroom substrate can consider the cobs to bea coproduct. Storage of these materials should bepracticed as discussed in this manual to avoid thepotential for pollution and loss of coproduct status.

2Product and coproduct are terms used in the residual wasteregulations. A product refers to an intentional result of aproduction process. In this case, the mushroom crop is theintentional result of a production process. A coproduct is amaterial generated by a process which is not the intentionalproduct, but which can, nonetheless, be used in lieu of a rawmaterial in a production process. For example, composted SMSmay be able to be used in place of peat moss in themanufacturing of potting soils or in the growing of potted plants.

Figure 3.1: Regulatory Relationship AmongSubstrate Ingredients, SMS Use, Normal Farming

Operations and Permit Requirement

Substrate Generator

Nouses agricultural waste orcoproducts as ingredients Yes

permitrequired

No all generatedsubstrate used on

a farm

Yes

normal farmingoperation

b. Management of Waste:

Although the farmer’s goal may be to generate zerowaste material, a small amount of waste may beunavoidable. Wastes generated in the mushroomsubstrate production process, for example,wastewater, excess substrate or off-spec substratemust be collected and stored as indicated in thismanual and an approved MFEMP. These wastesmust be:

1. reused in the substrate production process,

2. land applied according to the application ratesincluded in this Manual or in the Penn StateAgronomy Guide,

3. qualified as coproducts, or

4. managed as waste under the residual wasteregulations.

If these wastes are not directly reused, they must bestored in accordance with the residual wasteregulations. (See Appendix A. See Chapter 5 formore details regarding wastewater use and storage.)

Records must be maintained by the mushroomfarmer on an annual basis of the amount of wastegenerated from the substrate production activitiesand the disposition of the waste.

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3.5. Odor Reduction Opportunities

Odors are sometimes associated with compostoperations. They are a natural occurrence, but need tobe minimized. There are some ways the mushroomfarmer can reduce the odor potential of the wharf area.Many of these Best Management Practices have beenmentioned above in connection with water qualitycontrol. Listed below are several practices that will aidin controlling and reducing odors:

1. Do not use more nitrogen-rich raw ingredients thannecessary to produce a nutritious compost for thefuture mushroom crop.

2. Maintain aerobic composting operations.

• Do not overwater and thereby create anaerobicconditions and nutrient wash out.

• Make sure the initial mix of ingredients isthorough, especially with manures, to avoidproducing anaerobic clumps in the compost.

3. Prevent standing water and poor drainage areasin the wharf, including around raw materialstorage areas.

4. Trap solids before they enter the collectionbasin. If solids are already present in the basin,remove them regularly.

5. Aerate and agitate stormwater runoff water thatis in collection basins or impoundments.

6. Maintain maximum available isolation distancesfrom where the composting operation is carriedout and other potential land uses.

7. Screening (fences, trees, landscaping, berms)may be helpful in shielding the compostingoperation from the view of adjoining propertyowners. (See the “Manure Management Manualfor Environmental Protection”3 published by PADEP for examples.)

3The Manure Management Manual for Environmental Protectionis available through PA DEP, Bureau of Water QualityProtection, Division of Conservation Districts and NutrientManagement, P.O. Box 8465, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8465, 717-783-7577.

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CHAPTER 4

GROWING THE MUSHROOM—SPAWNING THROUGH HARVEST

4.1. Introduction

This chapter continues the presentation of practices forminimizing negative environmental effects frommushroom farming. The sub-headings are given inchronological sequence for producing mushrooms.This chapter contains some reference to pesticideapplication practices, but additional relatedinformation can be found in Appendix C - PesticideRegulations and Appendix H - Pest Management forMushroom Farms. The Pennsylvania Department ofAgriculture can provide fact sheets covering all aspectsof pesticide safety and current worker protectionstandards. As noted elsewhere in this manual, theemphasis is on producing Agaricus (white or crimini)mushrooms.

4.2. Spawning

As indicated in Chapter 2, the process of spawning isequivalent to the planting of seeds for a field crop. Thespawn arrives on the farm in sealed containers thatexclude other microorganisms. While spawn is beingmixed with mushroom substrate, it is considered goodpractice to keep the area clean and to close the doorswhere possible. Cleanliness keeps undesirable fungalspores and bacteria from entering during the mixingprocedure.

Good practices during spawning involve properhandling of solids rather than water. The packagingfor the spawn should be either recycled or placed inrefuse containers. Substrate and spawn mixture spilledduring the mixing operation should be squeegeed fromthe floor and placed with SMS or stumps for utilizationor disposal.

Immediately after spawning, a grower may choose toplace a thin film of polyethylene over the spawnedsubstrate to increase CO2 concentrations in the tray orbed, help preserve water in the compost, and protectthe surface from pests and mushroom pathogens. Thefilm is not generally reusable and should be properlydiscarded once removed. Good practices call for thefilm to be placed without delay in the refuse forremoval by a properly licensed solid waste disposalcompany. While awaiting removal, the plastic should

be protected from rain to eliminate the potential forrunoff of low level pesticide residues from the plasticsurface.

4.3. Casing

As indicated in Chapter 2, the fully colonized substrateis covered with a layer of casing material to induce theformation of the mushrooms. This step involves amajor input of solid material (peat and limestone,organic soil recycled from SMS, or virgin soil) to themushroom farming operation.

Recommended practices include the reasonableactivities related to good housekeeping. If casingmaterial is stored outside in bulk, it should be treatedas other raw materials, and erosion into streams orstorm sewers should be prevented. Inside, goodhousekeeping dictates that any spilled casing materialshould be squeegeed and picked up. These sweepingscan be placed with SMS generated after harvest iscomplete. The squeegeed materials are not to beplaced with new casing for use on beds or traysbecause contact with the floor may add impurities tothe material. The squeegeed materials may bemanaged in the same manner as the SMS.

The water used to moisten the cased substrate may alsobe used as a means for the application of low levels ofminerals or pesticides. In these cases, especially, watershould be applied at a rate low enough that the casingwill absorb it all. Multiple small waterings should beused rather than a single large watering to avoidexceeding the absorption rate of the casing. Thus,there should be essentially no water or pesticide runofffrom the casing to the next lower level or onto thefloor.

A recommended practice on mushroom farms is to usea dedicated tank and pump system for watering. Thissystem works as follows: the tank is filled only to thevolume needed for a specific water application. Ifthere are to be additives for that water application,those powders or solutions are placed in the tank andmixed. All pesticides mixed in the tank must be usedaccording to the pesticide label directions. Mixingmust continue during the pumping. It is a

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recommended practice also that only sufficient mixturebe prepared in the tank for a specific room or house, sothat there is no leftover chemical requiring storage ordisposal. The tank and pump system are useful forplain water application as well as for water withadditives because the pump assures a constant pressureat the sprinkler head. In contrast, the well pumpconnected to a pressure-tank provides a varyingpressure, particularly as other valves are opened andclosed. Good water quality practices do not allow theuse of a pesticide injection system that will placechemicals or pesticides directly into fresh water supplypipes.

4.4. Fruiting and Crop Care

Pinning is initiated by shocking the mycelia with anintroduction of fresh air to lower temperatures andcarbon dioxide concentration. Therefore, pinning doesnot have any environmental effects in terms of odors,water and solids management.

Once the pins are formed and begin to grow larger, thecasing needs more water. As described above undercasing, the applied water may have additives forcontrolling undesirable bacteria or fungi. Again, theamount of water should not be too much for the casingto absorb, thus preventing any runoff to the floor.

4.5. Harvesting Operations

Mushrooms are harvested by hand (in 1996). Afterpicking the mushroom, the harvester trims off the endsof the mushroom, often called stumps, and accumulatesthem in a container for removal from the room orhouse. Harvesting also generates some over-ripe andmisshapen mushrooms that have no commercial value(culls) and a small amount of dislodged casingmaterial. Fallen harvesting debris should be sweptfrom the floor and placed together in the containerspecifically designated for stumps. Stumps may beplaced into the ricks to become part of future substrateor may be spread thinly on crop land. Landapplication practices such as are recommended forSMS in Chapter 5 should be used for application ofstump material. Stump material should not be left inpiles near mushroom houses or elsewhere because itrapidly degrades, attracting flies, sustaining their lifecycles, and generating odors.

Workers move from house-to-house or room-to-roomaccording to the harvest schedule. To reduce thetransport of mushroom diseases, the workers may wetthe bottoms of their footwear on a mat saturated with

disinfectant. These mats can be located at the door(s)to each room or house. Also, the workers’ tools maybe brushed clean and dipped in disinfectant. As withpesticides, spills of these disinfectants must be avoided,and spill control and clean up measures must be inplace.

As noted in Chapter 2, mushrooms grow in cycles(flushes, breaks, blooms). Between flushes, water isapplied to the casing to supply the next mushrooms.This water application should be performed in thesame careful manner as mentioned above under casing.

4.6. Post-Harvest Clean-Out

After the last picking, the room or house may beprepared for a heat treatment. It is good practice toadd live steam to the room or house for the purpose ofpasteurizing the substrate and interior surfaces. Thispractice reduces the spread of disease prior to movingall of the substrate and casing material from thatlocation. SMS should be removed from the trays orbeds and handled in an environmentally safe manner asdescribed in Chapter 5 of this manual.

The room or house may be further disinfected orsanitized after the SMS is removed. Particularlyduring the outbreak of a mushroom disease, scrubbingthe walls and remaining wood in the room and anotherapplication of heat may be used as a guard againstfuture infection.

4.7. Insect Monitoring and Control

In Pennsylvania, there are two fly species (Phorid andSciarid) that feed on mushroom tissue and have thepotential to cause economic damage to the mushroomfarm. These must be controlled to numbers below theeconomic threshold level. Integrated Pest Management(IPM) techniques aid the farmers in minimizing thequantity of chemical insecticide needed for fly control.IPM requires that the farmer know the level or numberof flies in the room, so a monitoring device is essential.By observing the number of flies at the monitor, theexperienced mushroom farmer can determine the flies’time of entry, life cycle, and potential for infestation.This is critical information for the farmer to judge thepotential economic impact. Using the observations atthe monitor, the farmer can schedule the timing anddose of insecticides. The IPM technique helps makemost efficient use of expensive chemicals. Goodhousekeeping and farm sanitation practices help toeliminate breeding locations for all species of flies. Asmentioned earlier, the stumps and overripe mushrooms

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should be removed from the harvest areas to reducethat source of growth media for flies. See Appendix Hfor more information on pest management formushroom farms.

4.8. Pathogen Control

Mushrooms have pathogens, too. Various species ofbacteria, other fungi, and viruses can attackmushrooms. The farmer should use good sanitationpractices as the first line of defense against thesepathogens. In the event that an infestation occurs, andeconomic impact will be felt if the disease were to gounchecked, i.e., the economic threshold is exceeded,then chemical or biological control methods would beneeded.

It is important to have as much information about thedisease as possible so that pesticide use is mosteffective, not excessive. Some diseases can be spottreated, while others need whole-house treatment.From both an environmental and economic viewpoint,minimal use of pesticides is best. The farmer mustapply pesticides according to label directions whenneeded to control a specific problem.

4.9. Pesticide Handling and Regulations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) setsrules and regulations for pesticides that apply acrossthe nation. Each state may establish additional rulesfor the handling and application of pesticides. TheOccupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) has regulations that apply to pesticides andother hazardous materials. Each mushroom farmermust comply with regulations that are intended toprotect the environment as well as people at the farmand nearby residents. This manual does not list all ofthe regulations for the use of pesticides, includinglimitations on SMS use, but the farmer is expected to

abide by the current rules and the instructions on thepesticide label. (See Appendix C for the Pennsylvaniapesticide regulations.) The county extension service isa good source of information regarding pesticide use,as is the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

4.10. Trash Disposal

General trash and refuse items on a mushroom farminclude typical household items such as newspaper,magazines, printout paper, lunch containers, beveragecans, etc. Unique to mushroom farms are: the plasticfilm used to cover the substrate during spawning; wood(lumber) not strong enough to stay in service for trays,beds, or shelves; pesticide containers; and brokenharvest containers. Spawn and casing packagingshould be recycled or added to the general trash. Themushroom farmer should check that a properly licensedwaste disposal company removes the waste materialsand should assure that the wastes are properly disposedof at an appropriate disposal site. If municipal wasteis generated at seasonal farm labor camps theregulations for proper management of refuse must beinstituted. (7 Pa. Code Section 177.13)

In anticipation of refuse removal, it is good practice forthe discarded items to be covered. In general, adumpster or other covered container is provided by thecontract hauler. The farmer should be sure to placeitems in the container so that precipitation does notwash off chemicals, such as pesticides or nutrients.The recommended method to dispose of discardedlumber is to cut it to short lengths and place in thecontainer. Containers for liquid pesticides should betriple-rinsed and punctured prior to disposal. Emptiedbags for powdered pesticides may be discarded asmunicipal waste. Protective clothing, disinfectantmats, footwear, filters, etc. that are discarded must bemanaged in accordance with the pesticide ordisinfectant label and the existing state regulations.

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CHAPTER 5

MANAGEMENT OF WASTESFROM MUSHROOM GROWING OPERATIONS

—SPENT SUBSTRATE AND WASTEWATER

5.1. Introduction

In Chapter 3, the Pennsylvania residual wasteregulations were introduced. In this chapter, theresidual waste management requirements for spentmushroom substrate (SMS), wastewater or otherpotential wastes from mushroom growing operationsare discussed. By managing these materials as outlinedin this chapter, the farmer can reduce his responsibilityfor obtaining permits and still minimize the potentialfor pollution. This chapter also describes how thesemanagement practices and a Mushroom FarmEnvironmental Management Plan (described in moredetail in Chapter 6) can work together to the advantageof the farmer.

5.2. Normal Farming Operations and PermitRequirements

Figure 5.1 illustrates residual waste managementrequirements and their implications for the mushroomfarmer. These requirements would also apply to aperson who has purchased SMS or wastewater fromthe farmer. The flow charts show that there are severalpathways that can be followed. The farmer can followthe pathway which does not require permits if he usesthe best management practices consistent with thismanual. Both Figures 3.1 and 5.1 highlight theadvisability for the mushroom farmer’s activities to beconsistent with normal farming operations as defined inChapter 3 and in the regulations. As Figure 3.1 shows,making mushroom substrate using materials consideredagricultural wastes or coproducts and then using all thesubstrate on a mushroom farm would be in line withnormal farming operations and thus eliminate therequirement for a permit.

Figure 5.1 focuses on SMS and shows that location,storage, and utilization each play a part in keeping

regulatory requirements to a minimum. Using theSMS for the growth of crops, the establishment oflawns, turf grass production, landfill revegetation, andother horticultural uses can all be performed as normalfarming operations when done in accordance with thismanual. In certain circumstances, SMS could also beconsidered a valuable coproduct. (See Appendix A foran explanation of criteria for determining a material tobe a coproduct.) However, coproduct status will belost if pollution is generated from improper storage oruse of the material. Again, use of the best managementpractices in this manual benefits the farmer orsubsequent owner of the SMS.

When not used as part of a normal farming operationor qualified as a coproduct, the SMS is considered aregulated waste which requires permits for utilizationor disposal.

Figure 5.1 indicates that a number of general orindividual permits will be required if the storage,processing or use of SMS does not conform to the bestmanagement practices outlined here. Several examplesof acceptable storage, processing or use arrangementsare discussed later in this chapter.

5.3. Recordkeeping

Recordkeeping represents an important andinexpensive management practice which can be usedby the grower to verify the proper use and disposal ofSMS and wastewater. When the grower maintainsrecords consistent with this section, he can also fulfillhis obligations under the residual waste regulations.

The amount of recommended recordkeeping is relatedto the type and scale of SMS and wastewatermanagement programs. Substantial recordkeepingrequirements are only triggered for large scale SMSuses or when these materials leave the farm.

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Figure 5.1: Permitting Situations for Spent Mushroom SubstrateUnder Residual Waste Regulations

Spent Mushroom Substrate

NoStored, processed and used on a farm under

MFEMP or farm conservation plan Yes

Residual waste storage,processing and dis-

posal regulations apply

Stored and usedin accordancewith manual

Option Option No Yes

Individual processing,composting, transfer, orland application permit

General permit for pro-cessing, composting,

transfer, or land applica-tion facility if SMS will

be beneficially used

Qualifiedas

coproduct

Normalfarming

operations

No Yes

• General or individual waste permitrequired, or

• Landfill disposalUnregulated

When large volumes of SMS are given away, sold, ortaken away, the grower must maintain records of thedate, volume, and identity of the person taking thewaste, a brief description of the proposed use and adescription of the coproduct determination. This canbe recorded directly on the sales agreement, copies ofwhich are available to the grower and the user of theSMS.

Small scale programs require very little in the way ofrecordkeeping. For giveaway programs in which SMSis picked up by homeowners or other small volumeoperations, such as when SMS is sold on a dump truckload basis for landscaping, the grower needs only toestimate the annual total volume of materials givenaway or sold.

Where passive composting (as described later in thischapter) is being carried out, the grower must maintainrecords of the length of SMS storage and when theSMS was removed. For example, a grower has fourfields approved for passive composting which areincluded in his MFEMP. For each field he must recordthe dates when SMS is laid down and dates when it

was removed for its subsequent use, along with a roughestimate of volume.

Wastewater resulting from making substrate can beutilized as part of make up water in substratepreparation. It can also be applied for its irrigationand nutritive value to farm fields and be conducted as anormal farming operation, if done in accordance withthis manual. In the first case, the wastewater remainsin the process, and no requirement for recordkeeping istriggered. In the case where wastewater is applied tofarm fields, no additional recordkeeping is necessary aslong as the water is applied as outlined in an approvednutrient management plan.

However, more recordkeeping is required if, forexample, a mushroom grower gives away10,000 gallons of wastewater from his substratepreparation operation ten times during one year toFarmer Jones, a grain farmer. Jones welcomes thewastewater and uses it as part of his normal farmingoperations for both the water and the nutrients. In thiscase, the mushroom grower should keep records on thetransactions including the dates, volumes of

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wastewater, name of recipient (Jones), and use ofwastewater.

If the wastewater and SMS are managed as suggestedin this section, the grower can minimize hisrecordkeeping needs and be in compliance with theresidual waste regulations.

5.4. Isolation Distances and Existing Facilities

The following two sections deal with storage andcomposting of SMS. Certain aspects of the physicallocations of these facilities may either increase orreduce their environmental impact. Distances havebeen established, known as isolation distances, thatseparate these facilities from sensitive areas (wetlands,streams, drinking water sources, occupied residences,etc.).

However, some flexibility may be available (forexample, in the development or updating of theMFEMP) where existing facilities do not meet all thedistance restrictions noted here. This flexibility is mostlikely to be applicable to stationary facilities that havebeen in operation for several years prior to thepublication of this manual, are already covered by aMFEMP or other farm plan, or are located at the farmwhere the SMS was generated. For example, where alow permeability pad or roof effectively reduces thethreat of groundwater contamination, these isolationdistances may not apply.

It is, nonetheless, highly recommended that theseisolation distances be observed wherever possible.Farmers or other operators are strongly encouraged todesign new facilities or modify existing facilities to beconsistent with these restrictions in order to assurepollution prevention in the future.

5.5. Storage of Solids Prior to Reuse on Farms

All mushroom farms have SMS after the harvesting ofmushrooms is complete. While there are a variety ofuses for this material, the farmer must be cautiousabout how and for how long the SMS is stored prior toits final use. The storage of SMS must be inaccordance with a Mushroom Farm EnvironmentalManagement Plan (MFEMP) if the SMS is stored atthe farm where it was generated or in accordance withthe farm nutrient management plan where the SMS willbe used. (See Chapter 6 for more information onMFEMPs and farm nutrient management plans.) Ineither case, the storage must be conducted in a manner

that prevents groundwater degradation and surfacewater pollution.

Length of storage is critical as well. Current law(Solid Waste Management Act) considers storage ofwastes for greater than one year to be disposal. IfSMS is stored for more than one year, a permit will berequired unless the PA DEP approves a longer storageperiod prior to the end of the first year of storage. ThePA DEP will consider removal of SMS in relation toits rate of accumulation when deciding whether togrant storage for a period greater than one year. Anyapproval will be given as part of an approved MFEMPor farm nutrient management plan.

If SMS is stored in areas that are not farms, thestorage must be done in accordance with the residualwaste regulations (see Appendix A), and a general orindividual permit for the transfer operation will benecessary. Fortunately, a general permit has beendeveloped that may be used for SMS transferoperations that require a permit.

This general permit requires that the resulting materialsbe beneficially used or used in normal farmingoperations in accordance with this manual. If amushroom grower sends SMS to a transfer facilityoperating under the SMS general permit, the growerwill not have to comply with the generatorrequirements identified in the residual wasteregulations.

5.6. Options for Storage of SMS

There are several options for the storage of SMS:

Case 1Storage of SMS at the farm where it was producedprior to land application on a different farm orprior to use as a coproduct:

For areas where SMS is not continuously stored and isstored for a duration less than 120 days, the SMS mustbe stored in a location where it will be separated fromthe seasonal high water table by at least 20 inches ofsoil during all periods of the year. Surface run-on andstormwater runoff must be prevented.

For areas where the SMS is stored for greater than120 days but less than one year prior to use, the SMSmust be stored on a pad or under a roof or otherstructure capable of preventing contact withprecipitation. If the SMS is stored on a pad, the padmust be concrete, asphalt, or a low permeability,compacted, earthen material capable of containing all

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solids and collecting and diverting all wastewater tostorage or treatment facilities. Storage on a pad is notnecessary if the SMS is stored under a roof or otherstructure that prevents contact with precipitation andsurface water run-on, and if the SMS is separated fromthe seasonal high water table by at least 20 inches ofsoil during all periods of the year.

The maximum volume of SMS that may be stored atthe location where the SMS is generated during thecourse of one year cannot exceed the annual volume ofSMS generated by that mushroom farm.

Case 2Storage of SMS at the farm where landapplication will occur:

When SMS is stored at the farm where landapplication will occur, all of the material must bestored and spread consistent with a plan to managenutrients. Storage may be in the fields in which theSMS is to be used or at a central location at that farm.

Case 2aStorage in the fields where land applicationwill take place:

For land application areas where SMS is not storedcontinuously in the same location, SMS may be storeduntil the next cropping cycle but in no case longer than180 days. The storage must be part of an approvedand implemented farm nutrient management plan(unless an MFEMP has been prepared for thelocation). The stored SMS must be separated from theseasonal high water table by at least 20 inches of soil.The storage must be at least 300 feet from a drinkingwater source; at least 300 feet from an occupieddwelling, unless the owner agrees to a reduceddistance; and must be no less than 100 feet from astream, wetland, spring or sinkhole.

The maximum volume to be stored in a field cannotexceed the volume that will be land applied in thatfield, in accordance with this manual and the PennState Agronomy Guide, during the next growingseason.

Case 2bStorage at a central location at the farm whereland application will take place:

Where storage will be less than one year but greaterthan 180 days or on a continuous basis, the SMS mustbe stored on a pad or under a roof or other structure

capable of preventing contact with precipitation. If theSMS is stored on a pad, the pad must be concrete,asphalt, or a low permeability, compacted, earthenmaterial capable of containing all solids and collectingand diverting all wastewater to storage or treatmentfacilities. Storage on a pad is not necessary if the SMSis stored under a roof or other structure that preventscontact with precipitation and surface water run-on,and if the SMS is separated from the seasonal highwater table by at least 20 inches of soil during allperiods of the year. The storage area must be at least300 feet from a drinking water source; at least 300 feetfrom an occupied dwelling, unless the owner agrees toa reduced distance; and must be at least 100 feet fromstreams, springs or sinkholes.

The maximum volume of SMS in storage cannotexceed the volume that will be land applied on thatfarm during the year.

Case 3Storage of SMS at other farms where landapplication will not occur:

Where farms are used for storage without landapplication, the SMS can be stored up to one year.The SMS must be stored on a pad or under a roof orother structure capable of preventing contact withprecipitation. If the SMS is stored on a pad, the padmust be concrete, asphalt, or low permeability,compacted, earthen material capable of containing allsolids and collecting and diverting all wastewater tostorage or treatment facilities. Storage on a pad is notnecessary if the SMS is stored under a roof or otherstructure that prevents contact with precipitation andsurface water run-on, and if the SMS is separated fromthe seasonal high water table by at least 20 inches ofsoil during all periods of the year. The storage areamust be at least 300 feet from a drinking water source;at least 300 feet from an occupied dwelling, unless theowner agrees to a reduced distance; and must be atleast 100 feet from streams, springs or sinkholes.

Additional requirements apply to this storagearrangement. The maximum volume of storage for oneyear cannot exceed 20,000 cubic yards or 2 acres insize. The operation must be in compliance withChapter 102 (relating to erosion control), and cannotpollute the air, water, or other natural resources of theCommonwealth. The storage farm owner mustmaintain records of the date and volume of all SMSthat is received and the date and volume of all SMSthat is removed from the facility. In addition, the

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records must include the name of the mushroomgrower bringing SMS to the farm, the name of theperson removing the SMS, and a brief description ofthe use of the SMS.

5.7. Composting of Spent Mushroom Substrate

a. Passive composting or curing of SMS on a farm

Passive composting or curing involves creatingshallow piles of SMS from a farm and allowing itto decompose naturally into a more stable,humus-like product that can be used as casing inmushroom growing operations or for otheragronomic uses. This system cannot maintain thesame high temperature conditions necessary forrapid composting and therefore results in slowerdecomposition.

According to these best management practices, thecured SMS must be used in a manner consistentwith the land application procedures identified inthis chapter and the Penn State Agronomy Guide toqualify as a normal farming operation or may beused as a coproduct if a determination is made.Otherwise, an individual or general permit isrequired for the composting and subsequent use ofthe materials. The composting of SMS must beconducted in a manner that prevents groundwaterdegradation and surface water pollution.

The best management practices of a passivecomposting operation must be carried out in thefollowing ways:

1. The SMS must be processed in a layer not toexceed three feet in depth. Since SMS self-compacts during the early days of its placement,the depth should be measured 30 days afterplacement.

2. The passive composting process must bemanaged in accordance with an approvedMFEMP.

3. The passive composting process must becompleted in three years or less, unless a longerperiod is needed to prepare the SMS for aparticular use. If this is the case, the specificalternate practice must be included in theMFEMP.

4. The same field cannot be used for additionalpassive composting until the field has undergonetwo resting years (years of no application).

5. The operation must assure prevention ofstormwater runoff to the greatest possibleextent.

6. To reduce the potential for air dispersion,surface water runoff, and groundwatercontamination, a fast-growing vegetative covermust be established on the surface of the SMSwithin six months after placement

7. Passive composting is prohibited in thefollowing locations: within the 100-yearfloodplain, within 100 feet of a wetland, within100 feet of a sinkhole, within 100 feet of aperennial stream or other waters of theCommonwealth; within 300 feet of a drinkingwater source, within 100 feet of the propertyboundary, and in areas where the seasonal highwater table is less than 20 inches from thesurface during any season of the year.

If passive composting is carried out using thepractices noted above, groundwater monitoring willnot be required. However, if the practices aremodified in any way which results in more SMSbeing applied per acre, groundwater monitoringmay be required. Monitoring should be conductedin a manner that demonstrates groundwaterdegradation is not occurring. This monitoring mayinclude, but not be limited to underdrainmonitoring, lysimeter monitoring or groundwatermonitoring. The monitoring should be done on aquarterly basis and must be approved as part of theMFEMP. The parameters tested on a quarterlybasis must include, at a minimum, specificconductance. If the specific conductance levelexceeds 200 µmhos above the background level, thefollowing additional parameters must be addedbeginning the next quarterly sampling: sulfate,DOC, chlorides and nitrates. (Though nitrates canenter groundwater from a variety of sources, manyof which are not related to SMS placement, nitratescan serve as an indication of the effect of poorlymanaged SMS on groundwater.)

If the monitoring indicates that groundwaterdegradation has occurred or is occurring thatexceeds a remediation standard as defined in theAdministration of Land Recycling Regulations (25Pa. Code Chapter 250) for any constituent, aschedule must be developed within one monthwhich indicates the steps to be taken to furtherinvestigate the groundwater degradation or toinitiate mitigating measures, which may include

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removal. The removed SMS must be properlymanaged using the practices noted in this manual orproperly disposed. The groundwater remediationmust meet a cleanup standard under the LandRecycling and Environmental RemediationStandard Act (Act 2). In the future, the same areashould not be used for passive composting unless arevised design which will not cause groundwaterdegradation is approved and made part of theMFEMP or farm plan.

b. Active composting of spent mushroom substrate on a farm

Active composting involves mixing the SMS andforming it into elongated piles commonly calledwindrows. These windrows are periodically turnedor agitated. This process provides fasterdecomposition due to the attainment of hightemperatures and the trapping of the heat within the

mass of the pile. Turning the pile providestemporary cooling to the hot pile interior, rotatescool outer material to the pile interior, replenishespile porosity, and disperses decomposition gasesand water vapor.

After composting, the cured SMS must be used innormal farming operations, or may be used as acoproduct if a determination is made. If used aspart of normal farming operations, the cured SMSmust be used in accordance with the landapplication procedures identified in this chapter andthe Penn State Agronomy Guide. Otherwise, anindividual or general permit is required forcomposting and subsequent use of the material.

The best management practices of an activecomposting operation must be completed within oneyear and must be carried out as described below.

1. The composting and storage of any SMS orcomposted SMS must be conducted on aconcrete, asphalt, or low permeabilitycompacted earthen pad that is capable ofcontaining and collecting all liquids generatedfrom the composting process, or it must beconducted in a vessel or under a roof.

2. Any liquids collected from the process must bedirectly reused in the composting process orstored and land applied in accordance with thischapter.

3. Composting must be maintained by meansdesigned to promote largely aerobic conditions.

4. The compost windrows must be constructedpromptly, in no case longer than two (2) weeksfollowing receipt of the SMS at the farm.

5. No more than 6000 cubic yards per acre of thesum of the SMS, composting SMS and finishedproduct, excluding bagged finished product andbulk finished product stored under cover, canexist at any one time at the site.

6. The SMS composting facility, excluding anyareas used for storage of bagged product or bulkproduct under cover, cannot exceed 5 acres insize. (Facilities of greater than 5 acres are notprohibited, but will be subject to additionalrequirements and review.)

7. Composting is prohibited in the followinglocations unless conducted within a vessel:within 20 inches of the seasonal high watertable; within the 100 year floodplain; within

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100 feet of a wetland; within 300 feet of anoccupied dwelling, unless the owner agrees inwriting to a lesser distance; within 100 feet of asinkhole; and within 100 feet of a perennialstream or other waters of the Commonwealth.

8. All stormwater should be diverted around thepad. A berm around the pad should beestablished to prevent run-on and collect runoff.

5.8. Reuses and Storage of Wastewater from aSMS Composting Operation Prior to Reuse onFarms

As noted earlier, wastewater also can result from theproduction of SMS and from its storage. To a muchlesser extent, it can result from composting of the SMSfor later uses. The PA DEP does not consider theseliquids to be “wastes” if they are reused directly. Thecollected wastewater can be reused in the substrategeneration process, reapplied to SMS storage piles, orspread on crop fields as a normal farming operation ifperformed in accordance with the land application

procedures identified in this chapter. The wastewatermay be stored in tanks or impoundments as discussedbelow.

a. Storage of wastewater in tanks

To avoid the detailed design and operatingrequirements necessary for storage impoundments,such as liners and groundwater monitoring, it isrecommended by the PA DEP that tanks be used forwastewater storage. The following arerequirements for storage tanks used as part ofnormal farming operations.

1. The tanks must have sufficient shell strength toensure that they do not collapse or rupture. Nowastewater can be placed in a tank if it wouldcause the tank to rupture, leak, corrode orotherwise fail. Tanks must be constructed inaccordance with the Pennsylvania TechnicalGuide Standard and Specification 313 criteriaand all other local, state and federalrequirements.

2. The tank must be inspected during constructionor installation and annually during operation foruniformity, damage and imperfections.

3. Subsurface tanks used for wastewater storagemust be hydrostatically tested annually andwhen there is evidence of a leak. This can bedone by comparing measurements over a 48hour period. Visual inspection can be usedwhere subsurface tanks are constructed in vaultsor other structures that provide sufficient spacefor physical observation. If a leak is detected,the PA DEP Regional Office must be contacted.A list of PA DEP contact numbers, includingthose for reporting leaks, can be found inAppendix G.

b. Storage of wastewater in impoundments

Storage in impoundments is more heavily regulatedby PA DEP because of concerns for groundwaterprotection. Impoundments used for the storage ofwastewater must have a valid permit from PA DEPfor storage of wastewater under the Clean StreamsLaw. If a mushroom farmer has a storageimpoundment that is not permitted, the appropriatePA DEP Regional Water Quality Program Managershould be contacted. (See Appendix G.) Allstorage impoundments existing on July 4, 1992 arerequired to have an installed groundwatermonitoring system by July 4, 2002, unless

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requested sooner by PA DEP. Storageimpoundments constructed after July 4, 1992 arerequired to have a liner system, a leachate collectionsystem, and groundwater monitoring. The PA DEPmay waive or modify the liner and leachatecollection system for impoundments permitted andconstructed before July 4, 1992 if certain conditionsare met. To determine if an existing impoundmentqualifies for any waivers or modifications, thefarmer should review Appendix A and contact thePA DEP Regional Waste Management ProgramManager (Appendix G).

5.9. Land Application of Spent MushroomSubstrate and Wastewater

The SMS and wastewater generated from mushroomgrowing operations can be valuable agriculturalby-products that should be put to use in normalfarming operations. Applying the SMS to fields andlawns nourishes vegetation; improves the tilth,aeration, and water-holding capacity of soil; decreasessoil erosion potential; and promotes the growth ofbeneficial soil organisms. As an alternative todiverting all wastewater to tanks or impoundmentsprior to its final use, wastewater can be diverted to avegetated area or similar arrangement that is capableof filtering solids and using all nutrients withoutcausing pollution. This practice must be approved aspart of an MFEMP.

Unfortunately, many SMS or wastewater managementsystems do not fully utilize the nutrients in SMS.Applying SMS or wastewater in excess, at the wrongtime, or improperly handling it in other ways, releasesthe nutrients into the air and water. Instead ofnourishing crops, the nutrients may leach through thesoil and into groundwater. One common misuse ofagricultural waste, for example, is to apply it to a fieldand then to supply a crop’s nutrient needs withcommercial fertilizer without considering the nutrientscontained in the waste. An efficient SMS orwastewater management and application system meets,but does not exceed, the needs of the crop and therebyminimizes pollution.

The following sections identify the best managementpractices for the land application of SMS andwastewater generated from the storage of SMS. Formore information on the spray irrigation of wastewater,the farmer should review Appendix A and contact thePA DEP Regional Water Quality Program Manager(See Appendix G).

a. Site Considerations

The mushroom grower or other person who appliesSMS or wastewater must follow certain soilconservation practices as outlined in the soil erosionand sediment control regulations (25 Pa. Code,Chapter 102 regulations). One such requirement isthat a farm conservation plan must be developed forall fields where SMS or wastewater is land applied.The farm conservation plan outlines acceptablefarming practices that minimize soil loss and runofffrom the application site. In most cases the localfield representative of the Natural ResourcesConservation Service may, as time, resources andpriorities permit, develop or assist in thedevelopment of the farm conservation plan. Thecounty conservation district or a private consultantmay also develop or assist in the development of thefarm conservation plan.

The SMS or wastewater may not be applied on thesoil surface within 100 feet of a drinking watersource, springs, sinkholes, streams or lakes.

b. Nutrient content of spent mushroom substrate orwastewater from spent mushroom substrate

The amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, andpotassium or N-P-K in the SMS or wastewater varydepending upon the materials used to develop thesubstrate, as well as the methods of handling theSMS or wastewater prior to field application.Because the nutrients and other chemicals in theSMS or wastewater can vary due to the differentsubstrate mixes, each mushroom farmer or otherperson who land applies SMS and wastewater mustanalyze the SMS and liquids to determine, at aminimum, their N-P-K nutrient content. After thebaseline nutrient content is established, repeatedanalyses are not necessary unless the ingredients inthe substrate mix are changed or the mushroomgrower has reason to believe that changes in theSMS composition have occurred. If ingredientsother than those identified in Table 1 are introducedinto the substrate mix, additional chemical testingmay be necessary to characterize the waste.Analyses are available through commerciallaboratories or Pennsylvania State UniversityCooperative Extension Service.

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c. Application methods and timing

Wastewater

The MFEMP or farm plan will specify the methodsand timing of wastewater and SMS application.Wastewater can be used to irrigate and fertilize anexisting perennial crop (for example, hay) or aseasonal field crop. It can be applied to the groundor vegetation surface, or it can be incorporated intothe soil.

Seasonal application timing and site selection areimportant considerations for wastewaterapplication. Spring application is best forconserving nutrients. At this time, wastewaterapplication can be coordinated with cropgermination or the end of the dormant period for anexisting crop. Summer application of wastewater issuitable for small-grain stubble, non crop fields, orlittle used pastures. Fall application of wastewatergenerally results in greater nutrient loss than doesspring application. However, if wastewater isincorporated or injected immediately, the soil willimmobilize some nutrients, especially at soiltemperatures below 500F. During this season,wastewater is best applied to fields to be planted inwinter grains or cover crops. If winter crops arenot to be planted, wastewater should be applied tothe fields containing the most vegetation or cropresidues.

Winter application of wastewater is the leastdesirable from both a nutrient use and pollutionpoint of view. The frozen soil surface prevents rainand melting snow from carrying nutrients into thesoil. The result is nutrient loss and pollutionthrough runoff. Winter application of wastewatershould be avoided by foresight and good planning.If occasional spreading is necessary, the wastewatershould be applied to distant fields with the leastrunoff potential. Application should be in areasthat are at least 100 feet from streams and that haveslopes less than 3%, unless other provisions aremade in the farm conservation plan or MFEMP.The wastewater should be applied to limited accessfields in early winter, then to nearer fields later inthe season when mud and snow make spreadingmore difficult. Winter application of wastewatermust not cause surface water pollution. Measuresto prevent surface water pollution must beaddressed in the farm conservation plan orMFEMP.

Spent Mushroom Substrate

Spent mushroom substrate is a material of provenvalue for soil conditioning and long termfertilization. It provides a variety of plant macroand micronutrients, many of which are in theorganic form and have slow release properties.SMS adds much needed organic matter to poor orimpoverished soils.

SMS can be applied as a top dressing to an existingcrop (for example, hay), as mulch or as a fertilizer.Due to the physical characteristics of SMS, itsnutrients are in a more stable form than those in itsraw ingredients or in manures. They pose lessthreat to surface water resources if reasonable careis taken to avoid application to areas where erosionis likely.

As noted above for wastewater, SMS can beapplied during any season, but spring applicationsare most beneficial for seasonal field crops.Summer application is also suitable for small-grainstubble, non crop fields, or little used pastures.Spreading SMS following the removal of one haycutting has logistical advantages and also providesnutrients for the growth of the next cutting. SMSapplication in the fall should be targeted for fieldswith winter grains, cover crops, significantvegetation or crop residues. As with wastewater,winter application of SMS requires careful choiceof fields and must be performed according to anywinter restrictions in the MFEMP or farmconservation plan. SMS may also be stored untilthe season of use as outlined earlier in this chapter.

Because of its solid form, SMS can be applied tomore steeply sloped fields with less threat ofnutrient loss and pollution than can wastewater.Slopes up to 12% can be used for SMS applicationin spring, summer or fall. During winter, slopesshould be limited to 3%. Vegetated buffer areaslocated at the base of steep slopes can effectivelytake up nutrients that might be transported duringheavy precipitation.

d. Application rate

The MFEMP or farm conservation plan will outlinethe application rates for the wastewater or SMS. Inthe preparation of the plan, a match will be madebetween the nutrient contents (N-P-K) of thewastewater or SMS and the needs of the vegetationin the application areas. A limit on the amount of

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liquid to be applied over a specified time may alsobe a part of the plan design when wastewaters areapplied.

At this time, only available nitrogen is being used todetermine SMS application rates. The amount ofavailable nitrogen in the material to be applied tothe land is limited to the amount of nitrogenrequired by the crop to be grown. The organicnature of the SMS gives it slow-release propertiesand allows only a portion (approximately 20%) ofits nitrogen to be available in the first year. If SMSis being applied as the only fertilizer, this fairly lowrate of nitrogen availability will affect the amountof SMS to be applied. If SMS is used as aprotective layer to reduce evaporation, preventerosion, control weeds, or enrich the soil (as amulch), up to a six inch application rate can beused unless the nitrogen requirement will beexceeded at that rate.

Under some circumstances, test results of soilfertility, wastewater or SMS could point to otherconstituents as the basis for application rates. Formore information on calculating the annualapplication rate based on crop nutrient requirementsand soil fertility management, consult with thecounty conservation district or NRCSrepresentative or refer to the most current edition ofthe Penn State Agronomy Guide. Additionalinformation on the land application of wastewater isavailable from the Department of EnvironmentalProtection Regional Water Quality ManagementProgram (Appendix G).

e. Spent mushroom substrate uses other thannormal farming operations

There is an increasing potential for the use of SMSto reclaim mined land or assist in the establishmentof wetlands. This use is not considered a normalfarming operation, and, therefore, the permitexemption for its use does not exist. However, inmany instances, the use of SMS can be done as partof another permit. For example, the use of SMS inrevegetating a landfill or active mine site can bedone as part of the operating permit issued to thosefacilities. In other instances, a general permit forbeneficial use may be obtained from the PA DEPBureau of Land Recycling and Waste Managementfor the use of the materials to reclaim active minesor establish wetlands, or a determination that theSMS is a coproduct for these purposes may bepursued. If the SMS is qualified as a coproduct forthese uses, no residual waste permit is required. Atthese operations, the use of SMS that is covered bya general permit or qualified as a coproduct mayalso need to be approved as part of a permit orapproval issued by the Department for theparticular mine reclamation or wetland constructionactivity.

Since these uses are not considered normal farmingoperations, the grower must maintain records of thedate, volume and identity of the person taking thewaste, a brief description of the proposed use and adescription of the coproduct determination.

f. Distribution and sale requirements

In addition to the requirements in this manual, SMSthat is sold or distributed in bulk or bag as afertilizer or soil conditioner in the Commonwealthmust be registered with the Department ofAgriculture. See Appendix D for more information.

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CHAPTER 6

MUSHROOM FARMENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS

6.1. Introduction

Under state law, the Pennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection (PA DEP) has theresponsibility to protect the quality of the waters of theCommonwealth and the authority to require a permitfor the management of groundwater and surface water.

However, PA DEP has determined that thosemushroom farms that operate in accordance with thismanual and that have developed, filed, andimplemented a Mushroom Farm EnvironmentalManagement Plan (MFEMP) may not be required toobtain a permit or permits. An MFEMP is a carefullyplanned program and documented record outlining howthe mushroom farmer or landowner intends withinpractical limits to manage the farm to prevent pollutionincidents and to maintain or improve the condition ofthe soil, water, and air resources.

To comply with applicable regulations, all operationslisted below need MFEMPs:

1. farms which produce mushrooms,

2. farms which produce mushroom substrate, and

3. spent mushroom substrate processors.

6.2. The MFEMP Plan

The MFEMP plan may be developed for a specificoperation in cooperation with the Natural ResourceConservation Service and the county conservationdistrict, taking into account the particularcharacteristics of the operation. For many farms, inaddition to improved operational measures, some newBest Management Practice structures will need to beinstalled. The agencies that assist in development ofthe farm conservation plan may also provide technicalhelp for installation of the practices. With certainqualifications, there may be cost-share funds availableto implement the MFEMP.

As the MFEMP is implemented, it serves as adocumented record of the farmer’s effort to complywith regulatory requirements. If the requirements inthe plan are being met, the MFEMP will serve in theplace of a PA DEP permit and will be kept on file with

the PA DEP Regional Water Quality ManagementOffice.

The MFEMP will focus on the detailed designrequirements for structures and specific managementactivities that will prevent pollution during normalfarm operations. The MFEMP will also provide theprocedures to follow in the event of a pollution incidentto minimize the impact of the pollution. It will need tobe updated to reflect changes in technology,government regulation, and when the potential to causepollution changes at the farm.

All farms that apply SMS or wastewater as a soilconditioner or fertilizer and that are not required todevelop a full MFEMP must develop and implement anutrient management plan and a soil conservation plan.A nutrient management plan incorporates the bestmanagement practices to control plant nutrients forcrop production and water quality protection. Aconservation plan identifies conservation practices and,at the very least, includes an erosion control plan.

6.3. Basic Components of an MFEMP

The MFEMP is designed to prevent pollution or thedanger of pollution to the ground or surface waters ofthe Commonwealth. It identifies specifically therequired Best Management Practices1 (BMPs) to meetthose objectives. These are normally covered in thefollowing plan components. All components shownbelow may not be required for each farm.

a. Erosion and Sediment Control

This section of the plan looks at the soils, geology,topography, ground cover, and other naturalfeatures of the site. Depending on these naturalfeatures, BMPs may be required to prevent erosionand pollution from sediment. Some examples ofBMPs are: contour strips, diversions, waterways,

4This manual contains Best Management Practices (BMPs) oftwo types: preferred ways of performing normal mushroomgrowing activities and technical BMPs as described by theNatural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The formerare described in Chapters 3, 4 and 5. Appendix B contains a listof BMPs being used by the county conservation districts basedon the NRCS’ BMPs.

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terraces, crop rotation, and critical area planting.The Clean Streams Law (Title 25, Chapter 102.Erosion Control) requires an erosion andsedimentation plan for all plowing or tillageactivities.

b. Surface Water and Storm Water Management

Earlier chapters have presented operationalpractices that can reduce potential for pollution ofsurface waters. When properly implemented, astorm water management plan will assure that thequality of runoff during a storm event is protected.At most mushroom farm operations, storm waterrunoff can be divided into uncontaminated andcontaminated water. The uncontaminated watermust be directed away from possible sources ofcontamination or carried through the site usingBMPs such as diversions, underground pipesystems, roof downspouts, gutters, drains, andwaterways. BMPs must be in place to insure thatcontaminated stormwater is managed so that nodischarge occurs to the surface or groundwater.

c. Groundwater Protection

The plan includes a section describing the BMPs tobe instituted or constructed to prevent or minimizegroundwater contamination. Some of the BMPsthat could be utilized include storing raw materialsand SMS on impervious surfaces or under roofs,installing monitoring wells around impoundmentstructures, and developing well head protectionzones.

d. Nutrient Management for Substrate Utilizationor Spray Irrigation Programs

A Nutrient Management Plan is site specific andincludes the vegetable or field crop requirements forthe management of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorusand potassium) required for maximum crop yieldswhile protecting water quality. The Plan includesthe following:

1. Expected crop yield.

2. Existing nutrient levels in the soils.

3. The season, method of application, and theamount of nutrients applied to maintainoptimum nutrient levels for a particular crop.

4. Normal farming practices including liming,pest control, crop rotation, and harvesting.

5. A description of farming practices such asspray irrigation of runoff water collected fromthe wharf or SMS storage areas,impoundments, and land application of SMS.

6. Limitations based on land slope, cover type,infiltration rates, soil moisture and proximity towater resources.

e. Integrated Pest Management

Use of chemical pesticides can be minimized whenan effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Plan is in place. IPM involves developing andimplementing a program to determine the thresholdpopulation size of a pest at which an economicallymeaningful level of crop damage occurs andminimizing pest damage in excess of that level.Pest control may be accomplished using the propernon-chemical or alternative controls. It isrecommended that chemical control of pests shouldbe used only as needed. An IPM Plan includes theproper use, handling, and storage of all pesticides.(See Appendix H for more information on pestmanagement.)

f. Operations and Maintenance Requirements

Any BMP that is installed has normal requiredmaintenance. No system, no matter how well itworked when it was installed, can function withoutmaintenance. Operation and maintenance forindividual practices are described in thePennsylvania Technical Guide for Soil and WaterConservation used by NRCS and countyconservation districts. The following are examplesof items to address:

1. Grassed diversions, waterways, and impound-ment embankments need to be mowed at leasttwice a year;

2. Structures must be inspected for cracks orstructural failure;

3. Pumps need periodic inspection and greasing;

4. Schedules for the removal of solids fromcollection basins, screens or entrapments shouldbe developed.

These items and others pertinent to the specificfarm should be included in the operation andmaintenance section of the MFEMP.Recordkeeping is an important part of theoperations and maintenance component of the

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MFEMP as it is being implemented. The BMPsshould be listed and checked off as they areinspected. The inspection date and any correctiveaction taken should be recorded.

g. MFEMP Implementation Schedule

The implementation schedule must include a fulllisting of the farm’s planned BMPs with the datesthey are scheduled to be implemented. The detailedschedule must be included in the MFEMP, but canbe revised by requesting and receiving approvalfrom the county conservation district and sending arevised schedule to be placed in the file at the PADEP Regional Water Quality ManagementProgram.

h. Air Quality Management

Odors are a natural occurrence in mushroomcomposting operations. However, a farmer mustminimize and control potential odors from hisoperation. Many of the odor reduction techniquesand BMPs have already been described in Chapter3, under Odor Reduction Opportunities. Adescription of the specific odor control methods thatwill be utilized at the farm should be included in theMFEMP.

i. Emergency Preparedness Plan

An Emergency Preparedness Plan outlines the typesof emergencies which require notification ofcommunity and government agencies, the steps tominimize the damage in a pollution event, and thetelephone numbers a farmer needs to haveimmediately available if an emergency occurs. Adescription of the Emergency Preparedness Planmust be included in the MFEMP.

j. Wastewater Management

The plan identifies the methods of collection,monitoring, and the reuse or disposal of allwastewater collected from the wharf area and themushroom growing operation.

k. Spent Substrate Management

The plan must provide for the management, reuseor disposal of the SMS and any off-specsubstrate.

6.4. Development of an MFEMP

A mushroom farmer has alternatives when decidingwho will prepare and provide technical assistance indeveloping an MFEMP. The county conservationdistrict and/or the NRCS will prepare the plan, usuallyat little or no cost, upon request of the farmer as time,resources and priorities permit. There are also manyprivate consultants and engineering firms qualified todevelop MFEMPs in consultation with the countyconservation district or the NRCS. Regardless of whodevelops the MFEMP, all structural and managementBMPs will be evaluated based on current and relevanttechnical standards and specifications. The MFEMPmust be reviewed and approved by the localconservation district. For the name and address of thecounty conservation district and NRCS contacts, seeAppendices E and F.

6.5. Funding Sources to Implement BMPs

The mushroom farmer has the basic responsibility topay for the cost of implementing the MFEMP.However, some governmental sources of funding areavailable periodically. The United States Departmentof Agriculture (USDA) may have a cost share programto provide incentives to install BMPs. A local workgroup madeup of farm, goverment and communityrepresentatives sets the local priorities and allocatesfunds to selected projects. Farms in certain watershedsor within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may beeligible for other funding as well. There are alsovarious state programs which provide grants or lowinterest loans for the installation of BMPs. A farmerinterested in participating in any of these fundingsources can get information and direction from eitherthe county conservation district (Appendix E) or theNatural Resource Conservation Service (Appendix F).

6.6. Monitoring for Compliance

MFEMPs should be submitted to the PA DEPRegional Water Quality Management Program.

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APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A

SUMMARY OF SOLID WASTE RULES AND REGULATIONS

A.1. Solid Waste Management Act

The Solid Waste Management Act, Act 97 of 1980, defines three types of solid waste: municipal,residual, and hazardous. The definition of residual waste includes refuse, other discarded materialor other waste resulting from industrial, mining or agricultural operations. Section 301 of Act 97of 1980 requires a permit prior to owning or operating a residual waste processing or disposalfacility. However, Section 501 of Act 97 indicates that a permit is not required for agriculturalwastes produced in the course of normal farming operations, provided that the wastes are notclassified as hazardous. A “normal farming operation,” is the customary and generally acceptedpractice engaged in by farms for agricultural production provided that such practice does not causepollution to the air, water or other natural resources of the Commonwealth. In addition, a normalfarming operation includes the management, collection, storage, transportation, use, or disposal ofagricultural waste on the land where such materials will improve the condition of the soil, thegrowth of crops, or in the restoration of the land for the same purposes.

Liquid and solid wastes resulting from mushroom substrate generating operations and frommushroom farming operations are considered residual waste and also agricultural waste ifproduced on a farm.

The permit exemption applies where agricultural waste is produced, stored, processed and used ona farm. If the operation does not qualify for the normal farming operation exemption, a permit isrequired for any processing or beneficial use of the wastes generated.

Figures 3.1 in Chapter 3 and 5.1 in Chapter 5 demonstrate how Act 97 applies to mushroomsubstrate generating operations and mushroom farming operations.

Chapter 5 identifies the normal farming operation standards necessary to prevent pollution to theair, water or other natural resources of the Commonwealth. If the standards in Chapter 5 are met,and no pollution is caused, the waste management activities will be considered part of normalfarming operations and no residual waste permits will be required.

A.2. Residual Waste Regulations (25 Pa. Code Chapters 287-299)

Chapter 287, Subchapter C of the residual waste regulations indicates that a permit is not requiredfor the application of agricultural waste produced in the course of normal farming operations,provided the waste is not hazardous. In addition, the residual waste generator requirements(biennial report, annual chemical analysis and source reduction strategy) do not apply to thesenormal farming operations.

The following is a summary of the residual waste regulations as they may apply to the compost orsubstrate generating process and the storage, processing, and land application of spent mushroomsubstrate (SMS) in operations other than normal farming operations.

APPENDIX A (Cont.)

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The residual waste regulations provide many opportunities through the general permit andcoproduct determination to easily and legitimately reuse waste. In some instances these optionsmay provide more flexibility for the reuse of waste than the normal farming operations exemption.

Permits

Permits must be obtained for a compost processing facility, a land application operation, a transferfacility, or for the beneficial use of SMS if the activities are not part of a normal farmingoperation.

A general permit can be used for facilities processing mushroom compost for distribution off afarm. A general permit is a regional or statewide permit issued by the Department for a specificcategory of beneficial use, the terms of which allow an applicant to operate under the generalpermit if the terms and conditions of the general permit are met. For example, one permit canpossibly cover all compost processing operations. In addition, one general permit could be used toland apply SMS for mine reclamation. All SMS generators that have a similar quality SMS andthat plan to land apply the SMS in similar operations could qualify.

Coproducts

In some instances it will be possible for SMS to be qualified as a coproduct. A coproduct is amaterial generated by a manufacturing process that is not a product, but can be used in lieu of araw material or other material in the production process. A coproduct must be physically andchemically equivalent to the material it is substituting for, must present no greater risk to theenvironment than the material it is substituting for, and must be used on a regular basis. (See 25Pa. Code, Section 287.1) The coproduct determination can be done by the generator or personusing the material. An example of a coproduct determination appears later in this Appendix.

Once qualified as a coproduct, the SMS would not be considered a waste and could be distributedand used in accordance with the coproduct determination.

Spent Mushroom Substrate Management Examples

The following are examples of possible mushroom farming operations, and a description of howthe residual waste regulations apply or may be used to facilitate reuse.

1. A mushroom farmer pays another firm/company to haul the SMS away from themushroom farm immediately as it comes from the mushroom house.

Whether the farmer pays to have a firm take the SMS, has a firm purchase the SMS, orgives the SMS away free of charge is irrelevant. The monetary value is not a criterionwhen determining applicable reuse or disposal requirements. The company or firm thathauls the SMS can use it on another farm in accordance with Chapter 5 of this manual anda permit would not be required. If not used in normal farming operations in accordancewith Chapter 5, the SMS could be qualified as a coproduct by the farmer or the haulerprior to land application or other reuse. To qualify as a coproduct, the SMS couldpossibly be compared to an organic fertilizer, peat moss or other soil conditioner and landapplied or used as such. If not qualified as a coproduct, the SMS could possibly be land

APPENDIX A (Cont.)

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applied or beneficially used by the hauler or landowner under a general permit orindividual residual waste permit.

2. A mushroom farmer gives away or sells the SMS before or after curing to surroundinglandowners, landscapers or potting soil manufacturers.

The SMS must be cured or passively composted in accordance with Chapter 5 to beconsidered a normal farming operation, or if not, composted or cured under a generalpermit. The cured or uncured SMS can be qualified as a coproduct or distributed foroff-farm use under a general permit. If the surrounding landowners are farmers and areapplying the SMS in accordance with the normal farming land application requirementsidentified in Chapter 5, no permit is required for the beneficial use of the SMS.

3. A mushroom farmer or other person transports the SMS to another farm for storage priorto selling or moving the SMS to another field for land application.

Chapter 5 indicates that to be considered a normal farming operation, the SMS must bestored at the point of generation or on the area where land application will take place. Inthis instance the operation would require a transfer facility permit.

4. The mushroom farmer or other farmer stores SMS in a field prior to spreading as a soilamendment.

If the SMS is stored at the farm field where land application will occur, and the storageand land application is done in accordance with Chapter 5, the operation would not requirea permit.

5. The mushroom farmer applies SMS to farm land as it comes out of the mushroom growingroom or house.

If the SMS is applied to farm field in accordance with Chapter 5 a permit is not required.

Coproduct Determination Example

The following illustrates how to prepare a coproduct determination for the use of composted SMSin lieu of peat moss in the production of potting soil. Under the definition of coproduct in theresidual waste regulations, a material is a coproduct and not a waste if the following are met: thematerial is chemically and physically equivalent to and used in place of an intentionallymanufactured product or produced raw material, the use of the proposed coproduct presents nogreater risk to the public or the environment than the material it is substituting for, and the materialis used on a regular basis.

If all of the conditions are not satisfied, the material is considered a waste, not a coproduct.

1. The first step in the coproduct determination is to ascertain if the material is physically orchemically equivalent to the intentionally produced raw material it is replacing. Dependingon the chemical and physical analysis of composted SMS, it may be physically andchemically similar to peat moss, which is an intentionally produced raw material. In the

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table below, data from analysis of specific samples of composted SMS are compared withpeat humus and peat moss.

Concentration (mg/kg) ANALYSIS As Cd Cr Cu Hg Pb Ni Zn MoSMS A 0.4 8.0 21.9 0.1 18.5 14.0 75.7SMS B 0.4 6.9 39.5 0.3 25.1 13.2 99.6SMS C 0.1 14.1 52.6 0.3 21.6 17.5 126.0Peat Humus 19.8 1.4 2.0 2.0 3.16 13.8 4.0 12.5 4.0Peat Moss 4.5 1.0 17.8 19.4 0.10 16.4 18.9 80.5 2.0

Note: All SMS was weathered for 9 months

In this example, the chemical analysis of the composted SMS is within a range that isconsidered equivalent to peat humus and peat moss.

2. The second step in the coproduct determination is a two level evaluation to ascertainwhether use of the proposed coproduct will present a greater threat or harm to humanhealth and the environment than the use of the manufactured product or produced rawmaterial (peat moss) it is replacing.

Both the Level 1 and 2 evaluations focus on the potential for increased threat due todifferences in the chemical composition. The Level 1 test is usually based on review of thechemical analysis of the proposed coproduct. The Level 2 test goes beyond the analysisand requires evaluation of the possible routes of exposure to humans and the environment.This threat usually results from:

• the presence of hazardous or toxic constituents (free riders) not found in thematerial being replaced,

• the presence of elevated levels of hazardous or toxic constituents, and • increased availability of hazardous or toxic constituents due in part to the

material being placed directly into the environment.

To pass the Level 1 test, all the following must be true.

a. There are no hazardous or toxic constituents present in the proposed coproduct inlevels that are in the common range as those found in the materials it is replacing.

b. The coproduct will not be placed directly into the environment.

c. It is feasible to accurately sample the coproduct and the material it is replacing.

The composted SMS does not contain hazardous or toxic constituents based on thechemical analysis above, will not be placed directly into the environment because it is usedas an ingredient in potting soil, and can be accurately sampled. Therefore, in this example,

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the use of composted SMS in lieu of peat moss in the production of potting soil, this aspectof the coproduct demonstration has been met.

If a proposed coproduct does not pass Level 1 or if Level 1 is not applicable, the Level 2evaluation would have to be pursued. Level 2 applies where:

a. It is not feasible to accurately sample the proposed coproduct.

b. The proposed coproduct will be placed directly into the environment.

c. The proposed coproduct fails Level 1.

d. Free riders are present in the proposed coproduct.

3. Step 3 in the coproduct determination is to evaluate whether the composted SMS will beused on a regular basis, without accumulating significant stockpiles. Market developmentis often necessary in advance of a finalized coproduct determination in order to assure thatthe material will actually be used on a regular basis. If the material is abandoned ordisposed, it loses its designation as a coproduct and must be managed as waste.

Finally, it is important to retain documentation of a coproduct determination since it is theobligation of a person producing, selling, transferring, possessing or using a material as acoproduct to demonstrate that the material is not waste.

Impoundments

The wastewater that is generated by mushroom substrate producing operations or by mushroomfarms would be residual waste unless qualified as a coproduct. The following is a summary of therequirements that apply to the storage of residual wastewater in impoundments.

The residual waste regulations require all storage impoundments to obtain a permit under the CleanStreams Law. See Sections 308 and 402 of the Clean Streams Law and Chapter 299,Section 299.142 of the residual waste regulations.

The residual waste regulations require that all operating storage impoundments (existing prior toJuly 4, 1992) install groundwater monitoring by July 4, 2002 unless requested sooner by theDepartment (See Section 287.112).

The design and operating requirements for all impoundments constructed after July 4, 1992 can befound in Sections 299.141-299.145 of the residual waste regulations.

A.3. Administration of the Land Recycling Program (25 Pa. Code Chapter 250)

The regulations were developed to implement Act 2, which became effective July 18, 1995. Act 2establishes a framework for developing remediation standards that can be applied to any release ofregulated substances. Regulated substances include hazardous substances and contaminants regulatedunder the SWMA (35 P.S. §§ 6018.101-6018.1003), the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) (35 P.S.§§6020.101-6020.1305), the Air Pollution Control Act (APCA) (35 P.S. §§ 4001-4005), The Clean

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Streams Law (CSL) (35 P.S. § 691.1-691.1001), the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (STSPA) 35P.S. §§ 6020.101-6020.2105) and the Infectious and Chemotherapeutic Waste Act (ICWA) (35 P.S. §§6019.1-6019.6). The Environmental remediation standards established under Act 2 must be used whenevera site remediation is voluntarily conducted or is required to be conducted under one of the laws stated inthis paragraph, to qualify for a release of liability. The regulations encourage the recycling andredevelopment of industrial sites, preserving existing uses of land, and encourage persons to performcleanups by providing the opportunity for a release of liability.

A person who intends to perform a remediation in accordance with Act 2 should consult the statute, theseregulations and the Land Recycling Technical Guidance Manual (Manual) developed by the Department.

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APPENDIX B

LIST OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES5

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICEFOR MUSHROOM FARM ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS

BMP NO. COMPONENT PRACTICECODE NO.

1 Fencing 382

Pasture and Hayland Planting 512

Use Exclusion 472

2 Waste Management System 312

Waste Storage Pond 425

Waste Storage Structure 313

Waste Treatment Lagoon 359

Barnyard Runoff Control 357

Roof Runoff Management 558

Subsurface Drainage 606

Filter Strips 393

Irrigation System, Sprinkler 442

Fencing 382

Nutrient Management 590

Constructed Wetlands Limited w/StateEngineer approval

Monitoring Well Systems (Not PATG)

Spent Substrate Storage (Not PATG) 313

3 Contour Farming 330

Obstruction Removal 500

Stripcropping, Contour 585

Subsurface Drainage 606

4 Terraces 600

Surface Drainage 606

Obstruction Removal 500

Underground Outlet 620

Water and Sediment Control Basin 638

5 Additions, deletions and revisions are updated periodically. Check regional contact for the most recentcomponent and practice code number.

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BMP NO. COMPONENT PRACTICECODE NO.

5 Diversion 362

Obstruction Removal 500

Subsurface Drainage 606

6 Use Exclusion 472

Fencing 382

Pipeline 516

Pond 378

Pond Sealing or Lining 521

Spring Development 574

Trough or Tank 614

Well 642

7 Grassed Waterway or Outlet 412

Lined Waterway or Outlet 468

Subsurface Drainage 606

Structure for Water Control 587

8 Cropland Protective System (Not PATG)

9 Conservation Crop Rotation 328

Residue Management 329

Contour Farming 330

Residue Management, Seasonal 344

Cover and Green Manure Crop 340

10 Channel Vegetation 322

Fencing 382

Filter Strip 393

Streambank & Shoreline Protection 580

Tree/Shrub Establishment 612

11 Critical Area Planting 342

Fencing 382

Field Borders 386

Filter Strip 393

Use Exclusion 472

Mulching 484

Roof Runoff Management 558

Subsurface Drainage 606

Tree/Shrub Establishment 612

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BMP NO. COMPONENT PRACTICECODE NO.

12 Grade Stabilization Structure 410

Fencing 382

Roof Runoff Management 558

Sediment Basin 350

Structure for Water Control 587

Water and Sediment Control Basin 638

13 Fertilizer, Manure and Compost Recommendations (NotPATG)

Manure and Spent Compost Analysis (Not PATG)

Soil Analysis (Not PATG)

Waste Water Analysis (Not PATG)

14 Excess Manure and Compost Transportation (NotPATG)

15 Nutrient Management 510

Pest Management 595

Standards and specifications for the above practices are found in the Pennsylvania Technical GuideSection IV “Standards and Specifications”. This is not an all inclusive list of Best Management Practicesthat can be used. For further information, contact your local NRCS or Conservation District office. A25-year and 24-hour storm event should be used as the required design storm frequency, unless anotherfrequency is approved by the Department for such things as very small drainage areas.

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APPENDIX C

PESTICIDE REGULATIONS

C. 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§128.2. Definitions.

General use pesticide - A pesticide not classifiedfor restricted use.

Restricted use pesticide - The term includes thefollowing:

(i) A pesticide classified for restricteduse under section 3(d) of the Federal Insecticide,Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1947(7 U.S.C.A. §136a(d)).

(ii) A pesticide designated by theSecretary for restricted use under section 7(b)(6)of the act (3 P.S. §111.27(b)(6)).

§128.3. Fees.

(a) Pesticide dealer’s license. The annualfee for a pesticide dealer’s license is $10.(b) Pesticide application business’ license.The annual fee for a pesticide applicationbusiness’ license is $25.(c) Commercial applicator’s certificate. Theannual fee for the commercial applicator’scertificate is $30. When the initial certificationrequires examination, no fee will be charged.The fee for a duplicate commercial applicator’scertificate is $10.(d) Public applicator’s certificate. Thetriennial fee for a public applicator’s certificate is$10. No fee is required when the initialcertification requires examination. The fee for aduplicate public applicator’s certificate is $3.(e) Examination fees. Examination fees arenonrefundable. The following examination fees,with payment made in advance, will be charged:

(1) Commercial/public applicator’s coreexamination $50.

(2) Commercial/public applicator’s categoryexamination $10.(3) Private applicator’s examination-nocharge.

(f) Private applicator’s permit. Thetriennial fee for a private applicator’s permit is$10. The fee for a duplicate private applicator’spermit is $3. No fee will be charged for a specialpermit which may be issued in conjunction withthe private applicator’s permit.

C.2. PESTICIDE DEALERS

§128.11. Recordkeeping.

(a) A pesticide dealer shall keep for eachsale of a restricted use pesticide a recordcontaining the following information:(1) The name and address of the customerand his applicator’s certificate number orbusiness or dealer’s license number.(2) The brand name and formulation of therestricted use pesticide that was purchased.(3) The amount of the pesticide that waspurchased.(4) The date of the purchase.(b) A record required to be kept under thissection shall be maintained for at least 3 yearsand shall be made immediately available to theDepartment upon request or immediatelyavailable to medical personnel in an emergency.

C.3. PESTICIDE APPLICATIONBUSINESSES

§128.31. Licensing requirements.

(a) The license period shall end onDecember 31 each year, except that theDepartment may issue a license for the followingyear when an initial license application is filedduring the last 2 months of a licensing year.

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(b) A pesticide application business shallprominently display on every vehicle involved in thepesticide application phase of its business the licensenumber assigned by the Department. The numbershall be in figures at least 3 inches high and shall belocated on both sides of the vehicle at a readily visiblelocation.(c) A licensed business shall notify the Department inwriting within 15 days of a change in information inits application for licensing, or if it is no longerengaged in the application of pesticides.

§128.32. Categories of business licenses.

A commercial or public business shall identify in itsapplication those business categories in which itdesires to operate. A business shall employ for eachbusiness category in which it makes a pesticideapplication at least one applicator who is certified in aspecific applicator category recognized under thegeneral business category and shall limit itsapplications to those applicator categories in which itemploys at least one certified applicator. Thebusiness categories are listed in paragraphs (1)-(9).The applicator categories recognized under aparticular business category are listed under thatbusiness category.

(1) Agricultural Plant Pest Control.01 Agronomic Crops02 Fruits and Nuts03 Vegetable Crops

§128.33. Assignment of work.

A pesticide application business may not permit anindividual to make a pesticide application in anapplicator category in which the individual has notbeen certified as an applicator or trained andregistered as a technician.

§128.34. Financial responsibility.

(a) The Department will consider a certificate ofinsurance from an insurer or surety to be evidence offinancial responsibility if the insurer or surety islicensed to do business under section 7 of the act ofJanuary 24, 1966 (P.L. 1509, No. 531) (40 P.S.§1006.7), known as the Surplus Lines Insurance Law,

or otherwise permitted by Federal law or theInsurance Department to do business in thisCommonwealth, if the following conditions are met:

(1) The certificate of insurance includes the nameof the insurance company, policy number, insuranceamount, type of coverage afforded, and exclusionsrelating to damage arising from the use of pesticidesand expiration date of the policy.(2) The minimum comprehensive general liabilityinsurance provided is $100,000 for each occurrence ofbodily injury liability and $100,000 for eachoccurrence of property damage liability. A policymay be written with combined limits if the limits equalor exceed the sum of the individual limits.(3) The certificate indicates coverage forcompleted operations and includes a statementindicating that the coverage applies to pesticideapplication.(4) The maximum deductible amount does notexceed $1,000 of the combined policy limits. If apesticide application business has not satisfied thedeductible amount in a prior claim, the policy may notcontain a deductible amount.(5) A current certificate of insurance is forwardedto the Department at each insurance renewal datewhich sets forth the same information specified inparagraphs (1)-(4).

§128.35. Recordkeeping.

(a) A pesticide application business shall keep forevery application of a pesticide a record containing thefollowing information:

(1) The date of application. For a pesticiderequiring a reentry time, the date of application shallinclude the hour completed.(2) The name and address of the customer and theaddress and location of the application site if differentfrom the address of the customer.(3) The brand name and formulation of thepesticides used.(4) The amount of every pesticide used.(5) The dosage or rate of every pesticide used.(6) The names and when applicable the certificateor technician’s registration numbers of the personsmaking or supervising the application.

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(b) A record required to be kept under this sectionshall be maintained for at least 3 years and shall bemade immediately available to the Department uponrequest or to medical personnel in an emergency.

C.4. COMMERCIAL AND PUBLICAPPLICATORS

§128.41. Requirements for certification.

A person is deemed to be a commercial or publicapplicator and required to be certified if one or moreof the following criteria are met:

(1) A person, whether or not he is a privateapplicator with respect to some uses, who applies orsupervises the application of a pesticide on theproperty or premises of another, including aneasement.(2) A person who applies or supervises the use ofa restricted use pesticide on property owned by him orhis employer when not applied for the purpose ofproducing an agricultural product.(3) A person who applies or supervises theapplication of a pesticide to the following types ofapplication:(i) Fumigation

§ 128.42. Categories of commercial and publicapplicators.

A commercial or public applicator applying orsupervising the application of a pesticide shall becertified in one or more of the following applicatorcategories:

(1) Agronomic crops - The use of a pesticide inthe production of an agricultural crop, including, butnot limited to, tobacco, grain, soybeans and foragesand the application of a pesticide to noncropagricultural land.(3) Vegetable crops - The use of a pesticide in theproduction of vegetables, including, but not limited to,tomatoes, cabbage and celery.

§128.43. Determination of competence.

(a) For each of the categories listed in §128.42(relating to categories of commercial and public

applicators), competence in the use and handling ofpesticides shall be determined on the basis of a writtenexamination. The examination will include thefollowing:

(1) Areas of knowledge and competence set forthat section 16.1 of the act (3 P.S. §111.36a).(2) Safety.(3) Labeling and label comprehension.(b) An examination for certification will consistof two parts:

(1) One part of the examination, the core area,will be based on general information required ofcommercial and public applicators.(2) The second part of the examination will bebased on information related to the specific categoriesof commercial and public applicators.

(c) An examination shall be proctored. A personmay use approved reference sources during anexamination. Successful completion of the core area,and successful completion of part two of theexamination in a specific category will entitle a personto certification in that category. A person desiringcertification for additional categories will be requiredto be examined for each additional category. Anopportunity will be provided to retake an examinationwhere a passing grade has not been achieved.

(d) If a person successfully completes only onepart of the two-part examination, successfulcompletion of the remaining part of the examinationshall be obtained within 180 calendar days from thedate the initial part of the examination wassuccessfully completed.

§128.44. Eligibility.

(a) A person is eligible for certification uponfulfilling the requirements under §§128.41 - 128.43(relating to requirements for certification; categoriesof commercial and public applicators; anddetermination of competence). In addition to therequirements for a commercial applicator’scertification, an aerial applicator shall have a currentcommercial agricultural aircraft operator’s certificateissued by the Federal Aviation Administration under

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14 CFR 137.19(a) (relating to certificationrequirements).(b) Within 12 months of becoming eligible to becertified as a commercial applicator, a person shallfile with the Department an application forcertification. A person who fails to file an applicationwithin this 12-month period will lose certificationeligibility and shall again establish eligibility inaccordance with §§128.41-128.43. An application forinitial certification will be accepted from an eligibleperson throughout the year. A certificate shall expireon September 30 following the date of application,except that the Department may issue a certificate foran additional year when an application is initially filedduring the last 2 months of the certification year.

§128.45. Recertification.

(a) At intervals of 3 years, a certified commercialor public applicator shall provide evidence of havingreceived current update training in technology relatingto pesticides in the specific categories in which he iscertified to maintain certification. Training will bedivided into core and category specific areas asfollows:

(1) Core(i) Safety and health.(ii) Labeling and label comprehension(iii) Environmental protection.(iv) Equipment use, calibration and dosagecalculations.(v) Protective clothing and respirator equipment.(vi) Cleaning and maintaining equipment.(vii) Transportation, storage and disposal.(viii) Applicable State and Federal Laws.(2) Category specific(i) Identification of pests(ii) Appropriate control measures.(iii) Integrated pest management.

(b) Recertification credits will be given on thebasis of attendance at meetings or other appropriatetraining approved by the Department.(1) Training shall be conducted or sponsored byan educational institution, and individual, anassociation, a business or a governmental agency.

C.5. PRIVATE APPLICATORS

§128.61. Determination of competence.

(a) Competency in the use and handling ofrestricted use pesticides by a private applicator will bedetermined on the basis of a written examination. Theexamination will include the following:

(1) Areas of knowledge described at section 17.2of the act (3 P.S. §111.37b).(2) Transportation, storage and disposal.

(b) An opportunity will be provided to retake anexamination if a passing grade has not been achieved.

§128.62. Eligibility.

(a) A private applicator will be eligible for apermit upon fulfilling the requirements of §128.61(relating to determination of competence) andsubsection (b).(b) Within 1 year of fulfilling the requirements of§128.61, a private applicator shall file with theDepartment an application for a permit accompaniedby the appropriate fee. A person who fails to filewithin this 1 year period shall again establisheligibility under §128.61.(c) A private applicator will be issued anumbered permit which shall be used by the applicatorwhen purchasing a restricted use pesticide.

§128.63. Recertification.

(a) At intervals of 3 years, a private applicatorshall have accumulated credits as a result of havingreceived update training approved by the Departmentin technology relating to the proper and safe use ofpesticides to continue as a permitted private pesticideapplicator. Training will be divided into core andcategory specific areas as specified in §128.45(a)(relating to recertification).(b) Recertification credits will be given on thebasis of attendance at meetings or other appropriatetraining approved by the Department.(c) If a private applicator fails to renew hispermit by the date of expiration, renewal requires thefollowing:

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(1) Completion of due recertification credits asdescribed in subsections (a) and (b).(2) Completion of the examination requirementsas described in §§128.3, 128.61 and 128.63 (relatingto fees; determination of competence; and eligibility)by the applicator if the due recertification credits arenot completed within 1 year from the expiration dateof the permit.

§128.64. Fumigation by a private applicator.

(a) In addition to the requirements in §128.61(relating to determination of competence), a privateapplicator using structural, commodity and space, orsoil fumigant shall demonstrate competence in theproper and safe use of these pesticides. Competencyshall be demonstrated by passing a writtenexamination specifically relating to each type offumigant the applicator intends to use.(b) A special permit will be issued, relating tofumigation, and will be valid for a 3-year period. Nofee will be charged for this special permit. No specialpermit will be issued for the use of a fumigant unlessthe applicant has a private applicator’s permit.(c) Recertification requirements shall be metthrough attendance at approved meetings and shallconsist of at least two credits of category specificeducation relating to the appropriate area offumigation in which the applicator is certified. Thecredits obtained by a private applicator to meet therequirements of this subsection may also be used tomeet the requirements of §128.63 (relating torecertification).

§128.65. Recordkeeping.

(a) A private applicator shall keep for eachapplication of a restricted use pesticide a recordcontaining the following information:

(1) The date of application. For a pesticiderequiring a reentry time, the date of application shallinclude the hour completed.(2) The place of application including the nameand address of the farm and the specific field or landarea and the crop treated.(3) The brand name and formulation of everypesticide used.(4) The amount of every pesticide used.

(5) The dosage or rate of every pesticide used.(6) The names and, when applicable, the permitnumbers of the persons making or supervising theapplication.

(b) A record required to be kept under this sectionshall be maintained for at least 3 years and shall bemade immediately available to the Department uponrequest or immediately available to medical personnelin an emergency.

§128.91. EPA registration required.

Only a pesticide with an approved EPA registrationwill be accepted for registration by the Department.

§128.92. Special local need registration.

(a) Special local need registrations are subject toapproval by the Department for pesticides currentlyregistered for use in this Commonwealth. A speciallocal need label shall conform with 40 CFR 162.153(e) (relating to state registration procedures).(b) A copy of the proposed special local need uselabel, supporting data and a statement verifying theexistence of a special local need shall be submittedwith the completed form provided by the Departmentfor special local need registration.(c) A pesticide registered under this section maybe canceled by the Department or by the EPA.

§128.101. Reporting of pesticide accidents.

(a) The Secretary has designated the Departmentas the State agency to which significant pesticideaccidents or incidents shall be reported.(b) An applicator, a pesticide applicationtechnician or another person who has knowledge of asignificant pesticide accident or incident shall report itto the Department.(c) As used in this section, the term “significantpesticide accident or incident” means an accident orincident involving a pesticide which creates a dangerto human beings or results in damage to plant oranimal life.(d) This section does not supersede the reportingprocedures of other statutes or the regulationspromulgated thereunder.

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§128.103. Handling, transportation, storage, use anddisposal of pesticides.

(a) A person may not use, handle, transport,store, display or distribute a pesticide in a manner thatendangers man or his environment or contaminatesfood, feed, feed supplements, medications, fertilizers,seed or other products that may be handled,transported, stored, displayed or distributed with thepesticides.(b) A person may not use, or cause to be used, apesticide inconsistent with its labeling. A pesticidelabel containing an advisory instruction concerning theuse of the pesticide being an environmental hazardshall be considered by the Secretary as a furtherrestriction on the pesticide’s use.(c) An application of a pesticide may not be madewhere weather conditions are such that it can beexpected that the pesticide will move off of theproposed application site.(d) A person may not dispose of, store or receivefor disposal or storage a pesticide, pesticide containeror pesticide container residue in a manner that doesone or more of the following:(1) Is inconsistent with its label or labeling.

(2) Causes or allows the open dumping ofpesticides or pesticide containers. Open burning bythe owner of small quantities of combustiblecontainers that do not exceed 50 pounds is exempt ifthe pesticide residue does not contain organicmercury, chlorates, lead, cadmium or arseniccompounds and Commonwealth or local regulationspermit the burning. When the burning takes place,regard shall be giving to wind direction in relation tothe protection of crops, animals and people frompesticide vapors created through burning.(3) Causes or allows dumping of pesticides in astream, river, pond, sewer or lake, except inconformance with permits issued jointly by theDepartment of Environmental Resources and the FishCommission, or other Commonwealth agencies havingjurisdiction regarding water pollution.(4) Violates an applicable State or Federalpollution control standard.(e) A person shall dispose and store pesticides,pesticide containers and pesticide container residue inaccordance with acts and regulations administered bythe EPA and the Department of EnvironmentalResources.

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APPENDIX D

THE PENNSYLVANIA FERTILIZER, SOIL CONDITIONER ANDPLANT GROWTH SUBSTANCE LAW

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Division of Agronomic Servicesadministers the Pennsylvania Fertilizer, Soil Conditioner and Plant Growth Substance Law. The Actregulates all products that are sold or distributed in the Commonwealth as a fertilizer, soil conditioner orplant growth substance.

Every person who owns or operates a manufacturing facility producing fertilizer, soil conditioners or plantgrowth substances and each guarantor of these products which are offered for sale or distributed in theCommonwealth shall obtain an annual license.

Products sold in the Commonwealth as a specialty fertilizer, soil conditioner or plant growth substancemust be registered with the Department of Agriculture. The application for registration of specialtyfertilizers shall include the following information in the following order:

(1) The net weight

(2) The brand and grade

(3) The guaranteed analysis

a. Total Nitrogen %

b. % Ammoniacal Nitrogen (if claimed or required)

c. % Nitrate Nitrogen (if claimed or required)

d. % Water Insoluble Nitrogen (if claimed or if the statement “organic” or “slow actingnitrogen” is used in the label)

e. Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5) %

f. Soluble Potash (K2O) %

g. Additional Plant Nutrients as prescribed by regulation %

(4) The name and address of the person guaranteeing the fertilizer.

The application for soil conditioners or plant growth substances shall include the following information inthe following order:

(1) The net weight or other measure prescribed by regulation

(2) The brand

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(3) An accurate statement of composition and purpose

(4) The name and address of the person guaranteeing the soil conditioner

Different brand and grades of product, including different blends require separate registration. A currentcopy of label must be submitted with the registration.

For specific information on licenses or approvals that apply to your distribution or marketing operation,please contact:

Pennsylvania Department of AgricultureBureau of Plant IndustryDivision of Agronomic Services2301 N. Cameron StreetHarrisburg, PA 17110-9408717-787-4843

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APPENDIX E

COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONTACTS6

6 This listing is subject to change. The most recent office and contact may be checked in the telephone book, bluepage under Government, Federal or in a shared file folder maintained by the Bureau of Water Quality Protection.

ADAMSLaurence Martick57 North Fifth StreetGettysburg, PA 17325717-334-0636FAX 717-334-5999

ALLEGHENYEd FeigelLexington Technology Park Bldg. 1400 N. Lexington AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15208412-921-1999FAX 412-921-6595

ARMSTRONGDavid R. RupertArmsdale Admin. Bldg.RD #8, Box 294Kittanning, PA 16201412-548-3425412-548-3428FAX 412-548-3413

BEAVERVicky Michaels1000 Third StreetSuite 202Beaver, PA 15009-2026412-774-7090FAX 412-774-9421

BEDFORDTerry Miller702 West Pitt StreetFairlawn Court, Suite 4Bedford, PA 15522814-623-6706814-623-8099FAX 814-623-0481

BERKSJack W. SchonelyP.O. Box 520Agricultural CenterLeesport, PA 19533-0520610-372-4657FAX 610-478-7058

BLAIRDonna Fisher1407 Blair StreetHollidaysburg, PA 16648814-696-0877FAX 814-696-0877

BRADFORDMichael LovegreenStoll Natural Resource CenterRR #5, Box 5030-CTowanda, PA 18848717-265-5539FAX 717-265-7435

BUCKSJohn Thomas924 Town CenterNew Britain, PA 18901-5182215-345-7577FAX 215-345-7584

BUTLERRonald Fodor122 McCune DriveButler, PA 16001-6501412-284-5270412-284-5271FAX 412-285-5515

CAMBRIAClair J. DummP.O. Box 187Ebensburg, PA 15931814-472-2120Ext. 588FAX 814-472-7425

CAMERONCheryl Averial416 N. Broad St.Emporium, PA 15834814-486-3350FAX 814-486-1139

CARBONJames J. Clauser5664 Interchange Rd.Lehighton, PA 18235610-377-4894FAX 610-377-5549

CENTRERobert E. Sweitzer414 Holmes Ave.Suite 4Bellefonte, PA 16823814-355-6817814-355-6818FAX 814-355-7914

CHESTERDaniel GreigGov’t. Services CenterSuite 395601 Westtown Rd.West Chester, PA 19382-4519610-696-5126610-436-9182FAX 610-696-4659

CLARIONKathleen StroopRR3, Box 265Clarion, PA 16214814-226-4070FAX 814-226-4521

CLEARFIELDStacy L. Laird650 Leonard StreetClearfield, PA 16830814-765-2629

CLINTONKimberly Parker2 State Route 150Mill Hall, PA 17751-1631717-726-3798FAX 717-726-7977

APPENDIX E (Cont.)

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 48

COLUMBIAMaryruth Wagner702 Sawmill RoadSuite 105Bloomsburg, PA 17815717-784-1310

CRAWFORDLynn Sandieson1012 Water StreetSuite 18Meadville, PA 16335814-724-1793FAX 814-337-7751

CUMBERLANDCarl Goshorn43 Brookwood Ave.,Suite 4Carlisle, PA 17013-9172717-240-7812FAX 717-249-1211

DAUPHINJohn Orr1451 Peters Mountain RoadDauphin, PA 17018717-921-8100FAX 717-921-8276

DELAWAREEdward MagargeeRose Tree Park Hunt Club1521 N. Providence Rd.Media, PA 19063610-892-9484FAX 610-891-2706

ELKRobert DippoldP.O. Box 448Ridgway, PA 15853814-776-5373FAX 814-776-5379

ERIELeRoy Gross12723 Route 19P.O. Box 801Waterford, PA 16441814-796-4203FAX 814-796-2833

FAYETTEThelma Adams10 Nickman PlazaLemont Furnace, PA 15456412-438-4497

FORESTDoug CarlsonP.O. Box 456Tionesta, PA 16353814-755-3450FAX 814-755-8837

FRANKLINErnest TarnerAdministrative Annex218 N. Second St.Chambersburg, PA 17201717-264-8074

FULTONJennifer Reed216 North 2nd StreetMcConnellsburg, PA 17233717-485-3547FAX 717-485-4115

GREENEDan RushGreene Co. Office93 E. High StreetRm. 215Waynesburg, PA 15370-1324412-852-5278

HUNTINGDONAndy PattersonRR #1, Box 7CHuntingdon, PA 16652-9603814-627-1627FAX 814-627-6831

INDIANALou KopczykAg. Service Center251 Rt. 286 N.Indiana, PA 15701-9203412-463-7702

JEFFERSONRoby Grose180 Main St.Brookville, PA 15825814-849-7463FAX 814-849-0825

JUNIATADan DunmireRR #3, Box 302Mifflintown, PA 17059-9609717-436-6919FAX 717-436-9128

LACKAWANNAErnest Keller395 Bedford St.Clarks Summit, PA 18411717-587-2607FAX 717-586-2637

LANCASTERAdministrator - Donald RobinsonFarm and Home CenterRoom 61383 Arcadia RoadLancaster, PA 17601717-299-5361FAX 717-299-9459

LAWRENCEJoanne McCreadyCounty Gov’t. Ctr.New Castle, PA 16101412-652-4512

LEBANONCharles WertzSuite 52120 Cornwall RoadLebanon, PA 17042-9788717-272-3377FAX 717-272-5314Modem 717-272-5333

LEHIGHPaul Sell, Jr.Lehigh Ag. Ctr.Ste. 1024184 Dorney Park RoadAllentown, PA 18104610-391-9583610-820-3398FAX 610-391-1131

APPENDIX E (Cont.)

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 49

LUZERNEBob YonkerSmith Pond RoadP.O. Box 250Wilkes-Barre, PA 18627717-674-7991

LYCOMINGTom Corbett2130 Co. Farm RoadSuite 6Williamsport, PA 17703717-326-3003

MCKEANJames JohnsonDrawer ECuster City, PA 16725814-368-9960

MERCERJames MondokRR #2, Box 2055747 Greenville RoadMercer, PA 16137412-662-2242FAX 412-662-3905

MIFFLINHarriet Rishel20 Windmill Hill #4Burnham, PA 17009717-248-4695FAX 717-248-6589

MONROECraig Todd8050 Running Valley Rd.Stroudsburg, PA 18360717-629-3060FAX 717-629-3063

MONTGOMERYRichard Kadwill1015 Bridge RoadSuite BCollegeville, PA 19426610-489-4506FAX 610-489-2159

MONTOURTammy Welliver112 Woodbine LaneSte. 2Danville, PA 17821717-271-1140FAX 717-271-3099

NORTHAMPTONJack MoultonRR #4Greystone BuildingNazareth, PA 18064-9211610-746-1971FAX 610-746-1926

NORTHUMBERLANDCarolyn BadmanRR #3Box 238-CSunbury, PA 17801717-988-4224FAX 717-988-4488

PERRYTodd BrajkovichWest Main StreetBox 36New Bloomfield, PA 17068FAX 717-582-3771

PIKESusan BeecherHC 6, Box 6770Hawley, PA 18428-9807717-226-8220FAX 717-226-8222

POTTERSandy Ernst334B Port Allegheny Rd.Coudersport, PA 16915-9501814-274-8411FAX 814-274-0396

SCHUYLKILLCraig Morgan1206 Ag Center DriveRR 5, Box 5810Pottsville, PA 17901717-622-3742717-622-3744FAX 717-622-4009

SNYDERCraig Bingman403 West Market St.Middleburg, PA 17842-1038717-837-0085FAX 717-837-1038

SOMERSETDavid A. SteeleNorth Ridge Bldg.Ste. 1031590 North Center Ave.Somerset, PA 15501-7000814-445-4652FAX 814-443-1592

SULLIVANJacquelyn RouseRR #4 Box 4181Dushore, PA 18614717-924-3178FAX 717-924-4372

SUSQUEHANNALillian TheophanisCounty Office Building31 Public AvenueMontrose, PA 18801717-278-4600Ext. 280FAX 717-278-9268

TIOGARalph Brugger5 East AvenueWellsboro, PA 16901717-724-1801FAX 717-724-6542

UNIONTed Retallack60 Bull Run CrossingLewisburg, PA 17837-9700717-523-8782FAX 717-524-2536

VENANGOJan BalombinyRR #5, Box 320Franklin, PA 16323814-676-2832

APPENDIX E (Cont.)

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 50

WARRENTodd Fantaskey609 Rouse Ave., Suite 203Warren, PA 16365814-563-3117FAX 814-563-7157

WASHINGTONGary Stokum602 Courthouse Square100 Beau StreetWashington, PA 15301412-228-6774FAX 412-228-6939

WAYNERobert MullerAg. Service Center470 Sunrise AvenueHonesdale, PA 18431717-253-0930FAX 717-253-9741

WESTMORELANDGregory PhillipsDonohoe CenterRR 12, Box 202BGreensburg, PA 15601412-837-5271412-837-8937FAX 412-837-4127

WYOMINGShane KleinerRR #3 Box 178BTunkhannock, PA 18657717-836-2589717-836-2993FAX 717-836-6063

YORKMark Kimmel118 Pleasant Acres RoadYork, PA 17402717-840-7430FAX 717-755-0301

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APPENDIX FNATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE CONTACTS

FIELD OFFICES

ADAMSDistrict Conservationist Ronny McCandless57 North 5th StreetGettysburg, PA 17325-2004717-334-2317717-334-5999 FAX

ALLEGHENYUrban Conservationist Robin L. Moyer1000 Third StreetBeaver, PA 15009-2027412-775-6231412-774-9421 FAX

ARMSTRONGDistrict Conservationist James W. BurgessArmsdale Admin. Bldg.RD #8, Box 294-AKittanning, PA 16201-8431412-548-3425412-545-9012 FAX

BEAVERDistrict Conservationist Jesse L. Council1000 Third StreetSuite #202Beaver, PA 15009-2026412-775-6231412-774-9421 FAX

BEDFORDDistrict Conservationist Louis J. PearceSuite #4702 West Pitt StreetFair Lawn CourtBedford, PA 15522-8800814-623-9616814-623-0481 FAX

BERKSDistrict Conservationist Randy J. McCormackBerks County Ag CenterP.O. Box 520Leesport, PA 19533-0520610-372-4655610-371-8640 FAX

BLAIRField Conservationist Robert J. Clauto1407 Blair StreetHollidaysburg, PA 16648-2468814-695-6291814-695-4915 FAX

BRADFORDDistrict Conservationist John C. GeorgeStoll Natural Res. Ctr.RR #5, Box 5030 ETowanda, PA 18848-9354717-265-5288717-265-7435 FAX

BUCKSDistrict Conservationist Edward J. Brzostek, Jr.530 West Butler AvenueChalfont, PA 18914-3201215-822-5840215-997-6685 FAX

BUTLERDistrict Conservationist Scott RennieZinkhann Prof. ComplexSuite 102602 Evans City RoadButler, PA 16001-8701412-482-2452412-482-4826 FAX

CAMBRIADistrict Conservationist Joseph E. Shevchik518 North Center StreetEbensburg, PA 15931-1153814-472-5502/814-472-5594 (FAX)

CAMERON - see CLEARFIELD

CARBON / MONROEDistrict Conservationist Eugene E. Sheard92 Blakeslee Blvd, EastLehighton, PA 18235-9045610-377-6143610-377-5549 FAX

CENTREDistrict Conservationist Burell Whitworth, Jr.414 Holmes AvenueSuite 3Bellefonte, PA 16823-1401814-355-3971814-355-7914 FAX

CHESTER / DELAWAREDistrict Conservationist Samuel High601 Westtown RoadSuite 381West Chester, PA 19382-4544610-696-0398610-696-4659 FAX

CLARION / FORESTDistrict Conservationist Bernard J. SpozioMayfield Prof. Bldg.P.O. Box 265, RR #3Clarion, PA 16214-0468814-226-4070814-226-7893 FAX

CLEARFIELD / CAMERONDistrict Conservationist Lou Ann SwopeAg. Service Center650 Leonard StreetClearfield, PA 16830-3243814-765-5318814-765-1336 FAX

APPENDIX F (Cont.)FIELD OFFICE

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 52

CLINTONDistrict Conservationist Burell Whitworth, Jr.2 State Route 150Mill Hall, PA 17751-1631717-726-4928717-726-7977 FAX

COLUMBIA / MONTOURDistrict Conservationist Paul Yankovich1127 A Old Berwick RoadBloomsburg, PA 17815-2913717-784-1062717-387-7715 FAX

CRAWFORDDistrict Conservationist J. Carl Pelino1012 Water StreetSuite 18Meadville, PA 16335-3444814-724-1852814-337-7751 FAX

CUMBERLANDDistrict Conservationist Carlos SuarezMelmar Office Building43 Brookwood AvenueSuite 3Carlisle, PA 17013-9172717-249-1037717-249-1211 FAX

DAUPHINDistrict Conservationist Rickii L. Kepner1451 Peters Mountain RoadDauphin, PA 17018-9504717-921-2380717-921-8276

DELAWARE - see CHESTER

ELK - see JEFFERSON

ERIEDistrict Conservationist Lewis L. Steckler12723 Route 19SP.O. Box 801Waterford, PA 16441-0801814-796-6784814-796-2833 FAX

FAYETTEArea IRM Specialist Robert P. Briczinski10 Nickman PlazaLemont Furnace, PA 15456-9732412-437-2264412-437-2914 FAX

FOREST - see CLARION

FRANKLINDistrict Conservationist John R. Akers550 Cleveland AvenueChambersburg, PA 17201-3498717-264-7013717-263-0909 FAX

FULTONDistrict Conservationist Jana L. Malot216 North Second StreetMcConnellsburg, PA 17233-1157717-485-3812717-485-4115 FAX

GREENEDistrict Conservationist Susan C. Funka-PeteryGreene County Office Room 213Bldg.93 East High StreetWaynesburg, PA 15370-1839412-627-5821412-852-2944 FAX

HUNTINGDONField Conservationist James M. StewardRD #1, Box 7-CHuntingdon, PA 16652-9603814-627-1626814-627-6831 FAX

INDIANADistrict Conservationist Donald R. BowersAg Service Center251 Rt. 286 NorthIndiana, PA 15701-9203412-463-8547412-463-1939 FAX

JEFFERSON / ELKDistrict Conservationist Gary L. SwopeRR #5, Service CenterBrookville, PA 15825-9761814-849-5345814-849-4379 FAX

JUNIATADistrict Conservationist Burell Whitworth, Jr.RD #3, Box 302Mifflintown, PA 17059-9609717-436-9531717-436-9128 FAX

LACKAWANNADistrict Conservationist Edward A. Sokoloski395 Bedford StreetBedford StationClarks Summit, PA 18411-1802717-586-1081717-586-2637 FAX

LANCASTERDistrict Conservationist Warren M. ArchibaldFarm & Home Center, Rm 41383 Arcadia RoadLancaster, PA 17601-3149717-299-1563717-299-9459 FAX

LAWRENCEField Conservationist Edward X. Petrus1503 Old Butler RoadNew Castle, PA 16101-3133412-652-5811412-657-8503

APPENDIX F (Cont.)FIELD OFFICE

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 53

LEBANONDistrict Conservationist Timothy C. Emenhieser2120 Cornwall RoadSuite #6Lebanon, PA 17042-9788717-272-4618717-272-5314 FAX

LEHIGHDistrict Conservationist VacantLehigh County Ag Center4184 Dorney Park RoadAllentown, PA 18104-5728610-398-4910610-391-0796 FAX

LUZERNEDistrict Conservationist Richard P. MaculaitisAg. Service Center911 West Main StreetPlymouth, PA 18651-2799717-779-0645717-779-5714 FAX

LYCOMINGDistrict Conservationist Cary D. EdwardsU.S. Courthouse &Federal BuildingP.O. Box 68240 West Third StreetWilliamsport, PA 17703-0068717-326-7281717-326-2262 FAX

MCKEAN - see POTTER

MERCER559 Greenville RoadSuite BMercer, PA 16137-9216412-662-3740412-662-0278 FAX

MIFFLINDistrict Conservationist Burell Whitworth, Jr.20 Windmill Hill #4Burnham, PA 17009-1837717-248-9541717-248-6589 FAX

MONROE - see CARBON

MONTGOMERYDistrict Conservationist David J. Schaffer1015 Bridge StreetSuite CCollegeville, PA 19426610-489-6071610-489-2159 FAX

MONTOUR - see COLUMBIA

NORTHAMPTONDistrict Conservationist Peter J. Zakanycz1068 Bushkill Center Rd.Nazareth, PA 18064-9578610-759-9570610-759-0754 FAX

NORTHUMBERLANDDistrict Conservationist Kevin P. BlakeSunbury, PA 17801-9220717-286-4311717-988-4488 FAX717-286-6114 FAX

PERRYDistrict Conservationist Thomas A. Balthaser31 West Main StreetP.O.Box 36New Bloomfield, PA 17068-0036717-582-4144717-582-3771 FAX

PIKE - see WAYNE

POTTER / MCKEANDistrict Conservationist Terrance B. Simkins334B Port Allegheny RoadCoudersport, PA 16915-9501814-274-8166814-274-1787 FAX

SCHUYLKILLDistrict Conservationist Joseph Filanowski1108 Ag Center DrivePottsville, PA 17901-4103717-622-1312717-622-1552 FAX

SNYDERSoil Conservationist John C. Clark, III401 W. Market StreetMiddleburg, PA 17842-1038717-837-6525717-837-0085 FAX

SOMERSETDistrict Conservationist Joseph ShevchikNorth Ridge Building1590 N. Center AvenueSuite 104Somerset, PA 15501-8237814-445-6876814-443-1592 FAX

SULLIVAN - see WYOMING

SUSQUEHANNADistrict Conservationist Robert G. HotchkissLake Montrose PlazaRoute 706Montrose, PA 18801-9548717-278-1011717-278-9268 FAX

TIOGADistrict Conservationist Paul G. Shaffer5 East AvenueWellsboro, PA 16901-1697717-724-1726717-724-6542 FAX

UNION60 N. Bull Run CrossingLewisburg, PA 17837-9700717-523-3280717-524-2536 FAX

APPENDIX F (Cont.)FIELD OFFICE

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 54

VENANGOField Conservationist Neal A. ParkerRD #2, Box 108Franklin, PA 16323-9220814-437-2473814-432-5571 FAX

WARRENField Conservationist Wesley W. Ramsey609 Rouse AvenueSuite 202Youngsville, PA 16371814-563-3125814-563-7157 FAX

WASHINGTONDistrict Conservationist Thomas P. Sierzega2800 No. Main St. Ext.P.O. Box 329Meadow Lands, PA 15347-0329412-222-3960412-222-6211 FAX

WAYNE / PIKEAg. Service Center470 Sunrise AvenueHonesdale, PA 18431-1034717-253-9162717-253-9741 FAX

WESTMORELANDDistrict Conservationist Wesley M. GordonDonohoe CenterRR #12, Box 202CGreensburg, PA 15601-9217412-834-3970412-837-4127 FAX

WYOMING / SULLIVANDistrict Conservationist Edward A. PatchcoskiHollowcrest RoadBox 178B, RR #3Tunkhannock, PA 18657-9515717-836-2490717-836-6063 FAX

YORKDistrict Conservationist William H. Clifton122 Pleasant Acres RoadYork, PA 17402-8987717-755-2966717-840-1302 FAX

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 55

APPENDIX G

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONSELECTED LIST OF CONTACT NUMBERS

ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO DEPDEP World Wide Web Site ............................................................................ http://www.dep.state.pa.usTo reach DEP Staff by Internet e-mail, use this form -

lastname.firstname@a1.dep.state.pa.us

AIR,RECYCLING & RADIATION PROTECTION16th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building

P.O. Box 2063Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063

Director of the Bureau of Land Recycling and Waste Management Snyder, James ........................................................................................................717-783-2388

..........................................................................................................fax 717-787-0884

REGIONAL OFFICES

NORTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE230 Chestnut Street

Meadville, PA 16335-3481

Counties: Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venangoand Warren

Waste Management Program ManagerBoyle, Patrick .................................................................................... 814-332-6848

Water Quality Program ManagerMilhous, David .................................................................................. 814-332-6942

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE400 Waterfront DrivePittsburgh, PA 15222

Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington andWestmoreland

Waste Management Program ManagerOrlando, Anthony............................................................................... 412-442-4120

Water Quality Program ManagerDreier, Tim........................................................................................ 412-442-4028

APPENDIX G (Cont.)

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 56

NORTHCENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE208 West Third Street, Suite 101

Williamsport, PA 17701

Counties: Bradford, Cameron, Clearfield, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour,Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union

Waste Management Program ManagerBittle, Richard.................................................................................... 717-327-3653

Water Quality Program ManagerAlters, Daniel..................................................................................... 717-327-3669

SOUTHCENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICEOne Ararat BoulevardHarrisburg, PA 17110

Counties: Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata,Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry and York

Waste Management Program ManagerFair, Francis ...................................................................................... 717-657-4588

Water Quality Program ManagerOberdick, Leon .................................................................................. 717-657-4590

NORTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE2 Public Square

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-0790

Counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna,Wayne and Wyoming

Waste Management Program ManagerTomayko, William ............................................................................. 717-826-2516

Water Quality Program ManagerCrowley, Kate.................................................................................... 717-826-2553

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICELee Park, Suite 6010

555 North LaneConshohocken, PA 19428-2233

Counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia

Waste Management Program ManagerFurlan, Ron........................................................................................ 610-832-6213

Water Quality Program ManagerFeola, Joseph ..................................................................................... 610-832-6131

254-5401-001 12/12/97 Page 57

APPENDIX H

PEST MANAGEMENT FOR MUSHROOM FARMS

The Mushroom Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program can be described in terms of the five stepsinvolved:

1. Acquire pest information.

2. Monitor the farm environment, including climate, disease, immature insect and adult insectpopulations, and grower/growing practices.

3. Make decisions based on the actual or potential damage levels.

4. Use IPM techniques and tools to control pest populations.

5. Consider the mushroom farm Community.

H.1. ACQUIRING PEST INFORMATION

Effective pest management is based on accurate knowledge about the organisms to be managed. It isessential to know the biology and behavior of insects and the conditions which favor colonization andspread of disease pathogens.

Insect Pests.

Two insect pests of commercial mushrooms are considered: Lycoriella mali (Fitch), a Sciarid ordarkwinged fungus gnat, and Megaselia halterata (Wood), a Phorid or humpbacked fly.

Lycoriella mali, commonly referred to as the Sciarid or “big fly,” passes through four stages in its lifecycle -- egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The latter three stages are easily seen without a handlens, butmagnificent is required to see the eggs.

Sciarid eggs are smooth, oval, whitish and translucent; as they develop, the distinctive black head capsuleof the larva becomes visible. Phorid eggs are also whitish, but oblong and concave. Eggs of both flies aredeposited in compost.

Sciarid larvae are translucent white, segmented, and have a black-headed capsule. Four full-grown larvaelaid end-to-end cover a span of 1 inch. Phorid larvae are also whitish and segmented, but do not have theexternal black head capsule. Phorid larvae resemble the house fly maggot --- blunt on the rear end andtapered on the front end, but considerably smaller. Six mature Phorid larvae laid end-to-end measure1 inch. Sciarid larvae are often found inside the mushroom stem while Phorid larvae remain in thecompost.

The pupae of the two flies differ considerably: Sciarid pupae have barely visible legs which hang loosely.Phorid pupae have a “cocoon-like” appearance. Both species pupate in the compost.

APPENDIX H (Cont.)

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The adult -- or fly --- stage of the two species differ in several respects. Female Sciarid flies are larger andmore rotund than the humpbacked adult Phorid and have antennae that are easily seen. Antennae on thePhorids are difficult to see. (A caution on identification by size alone; Sciarid males are about the samesize as an adult Phorid.) Form of adult movement is also a clue to identification --- Phorids move withquick jerky movements, while Sciarid movement is less erratic.

Besides knowing what flies are present, growers should know something about the development timeneeded for an insect to evolve from one stage to another; this varies greatly with temperature for eachinsect. To review a few general characteristics of common insects in mushroom growing operations:

1) Egg-development time is longer for the Sciarid;

2) Larvae-development time is longer for the Sciarid;

3) Pupae-development time is longer for the Phorid; and

4) Total generation time is longer for the Phorid.

Both species exhibit behavioral patterns significant to a management program. Sciarids enter themushroom house during Phase II cooldown as soon as the air temperature drops to below 110°F; they laytheir eggs on the unspawned compost. Phorids infest the house only after the beds or trays have beenspawned, the greater numbers entering 4 or 5 days after spawning and to a lesser extent after casing.Phorids lay eggs only on spawned compost. Lastly, adults of both species are attracted to light, especiallyfluorescent black light, with the exception of the Sciarid adult male which is not attracted by light.

Pathogens

Disease causing pathogens also have distinctive characteristics. The two diseases considered in this sectionare Verticillium spot and dry bubble caused by Verticillium fungicola Gams, and bacterial blotch causedby Pseudomonas fluorescens, biotype Va (P. tolaasii). There are other very significant diseases notincluded, well known to mushroom farmers as menaces. Information on them must come from anothersource.

Verticillium disease has several recognizable symptoms. An often-encountered symptom is dry bubble, thedisrupted growth of a pin or button into a ball-like mass, generally the size of a grape or a bit longer.Another common symptom is stem (stipe) “blow-out” -- the stem shatters and the cap tilts slightly. Manytimes the fungus pathogen can be seen fruiting on infected tissue of the cap where it appears as a grayishhue in the infected area. A less recognized form of the disease is called fly speck or spot. Spots developwhen the pathogen infects a single site on the cap which developed into a discrete spot. The pathogenarrives on the cap in splashed water or on hands or tools of a picker. The fungus usually enters a growingroom via casing that is not adequately treated, on infested tools and picking instruments, and dust particlesin the air; it can also be carried in by flies and on the clothing of workers. When present, the severity ofdisease may range from a trace to a yield loss of as much as 70 percent of the crop. Even if yield is notreduced, infected mushrooms are spotted or deformed and thus penalized in terms of quality. Verticilliumdisease is the most frequently occurring and serious fungus disease of the commercial mushroom.

Blotch is caused by bacteria on the mushroom cap. Blotch often appears on the sides and lower edges ofthe mushrooms. Typically, blotch has a bronze color, but cap splitting or a yellowish cast on the cap may

APPENDIX H (Cont.)

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be signs of the disease. On very rare occasions the disease can cause the stipe of the mushroom to turnback and shatter, and the cap may also blacken. The pathogen needs a wet cap for 6 to 12 hours fordisease to occur.

Keeping the biology, behavior, and requirements of the pests in mind is important in designing andexecuting a management program.

H.2. MONITORING THE FARM ENVIRONMENT

Identifying pests is but one phase of a successful pest management (control) program. Informationregarding when colonization occurs, the size of the initial population, and predictions on the future size ofthe pest population are an integral part of any management program. Monitoring pest populations providesthis information.

Adult Insect Monitoring

The fourth type of monitoring involves assessing population levels of the adult female Sciarid and adultmale and female Phorid; the adult male Sciarid is less easy to monitor as it rarely flies. Monitoring isaccomplished by using a fluorescent black light as an attractant and a sticky surface or water to retain theflies. Monitoring adult insects serves several purposes.

1. Identifies the fly species present in the room, thus allowing for specific control measures.

2. Identifies invasion sites. Generally, the wharf end of a room, at the upper level, has considerablymore flies than does the breezeway end. However, in severely cold weather, breezeways oftenserve as a bridge for fly movement between rooms.

3. Identifies when flies enter a room. This knowledge makes it easier to select the optimum time forcorrective action. Growers will say no flies are around until after casing. Actually, flies appearingafter casing generally are first generation flies from eggs laid 12 to 18 days earlier, not invadingadults.

4. Evaluates present management programs. Comparisons can be made in control strategies fromroom-to-room, crop-to-crop, grower-to-grower, or season-to-season.

H.3. DECISION MAKING BASED ON THE DETERMINATION OF ECONOMIC LEVELSOF DAMAGE

Monitoring to estimate pest levels is one step in the direction of maximizing the return on pest managementdollars. An integrated pest management system may call for either smaller pesticide quantities or fewerapplications, both of which will reduce costs. Correct timing of applications is critical to pesticideperformance. Flies alight on exterior walls at sunup and sundown, so this is when to apply exteriorinsecticides for maximum effectiveness. From another vantage, applying preventive sprays, fogs, or dustsbefore cropping begins limits the increase in disease and insect populations during harvest. Both of thesetiming considerations have profound economic implications, but more specific information is not currentlyavailable.

Additional data are needed before pesticide usage recommendations can be based on a cost vs. benefitbasis. Two economic plateaus need to be defined:

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1) ECONOMIC INJURY LEVEL -- the number of pests which, if not controlled, will result ineconomic loss; and

2) the ECONOMIC THRESHOLD LEVEL -- the minimum number of pests needed before controlmeasures are initiated.

The ECONOMIC THRESHOLD LEVEL is also called the ACTION LEVEL and it occurs early in thecrop and is the point when preventive chemical controls should be applied. These economic thresholdsassume a mushroom farmer can predict crop yields. Such information is vital in deciding if income fromadditional crop yields will offset the cost of additional pesticide applications. Unquestionably, aneconomic-based integrated approach to pest management requires more information than is now available.Also required are pesticide and management skills to effect this system, as it is not based on routinepesticide applications.

H.4. DETERMINING PESTICIDE NEEDS AND ASSESSING EFFECTIVENESS

The point at which the number of flies in a growing room justifies the use of an insecticide is theECONOMIC THRESHOLD. It varies with the stage of the crop. The ECONOMIC THRESHOLD alsoinvolves the crop loss anticipated when contrasted with the cost of pesticide usage. With so many factorsaffecting the ECONOMIC THRESHOLD, there is little wonder that it is not constant and varies from oneseason to another and from one grower to another.

Assessing Effective Insecticide Usage Via Monitoring

Effectiveness of insect management programs can be assessed via monitoring. Counts of adult insects froma pest management fly monitor (PMFM) provide a measure of a pest management program’s effectiveness.Inspecting growing and harvested mushrooms also provides a basis for assessing the effectiveness of a pestmanagement system. Monitoring the frequency and density of pest populations and the effects they causeallows a farmer to evaluate the effectiveness of his current pest management practices.

H.5. TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS TO MANIPULATE PEST POPULATIONS

The fourth procedure involved in the execution of Mushroom IPM is not actually a step, but rather theselection, integration, and implementation of several individual control techniques into a system. Sometools and techniques are well known and readily available to growers.

1. Fly Exclusion

The most effective way to deal with flies is to fly proof against invading adults. Cracks in walls,around air conditioners, and pipes are usual routes of initial fly invasion. Netting over doors andlimiting the amount of traffic into a room at critical times greatly reduces the possibility ofinfestation. A 100-mesh or finer nylon screen installed over fan intakes, vents, doors, and otheropenings keeps flies out. When the screening is properly installed, flies cannot crawl under oraround it. Install screening before Phase II composting begins and fasten the screen with battenstrips, held tight with short nails or staples. Remember, screening on a fan reduces the amount ofair the fan moves, so such adjustment in air volumes may be needed to supply the compost or cropwith enough air.

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2. Control of Phase II

Compost and air temperatures in excess of 130°F for a few hours kills flies at all stages.Temperatures of 140°F for 3 or more hours kills most disease and weed-mold fungi. Monitoringthe air and compost temperatures during the pasteurization stage of Phase II composting insuresthe elimination of unwanted pests. After pasteurization, it is imperative to keep a pasteurized room(compost) free of pests as reintroduction neutralizes the positive effects of pasteurization.

3. Short Spawn-run and Casing

Required are fewer days at 75°F, optimum spawn running temperature or lower spawn runtemperatures, more time needed by larvae to evolve into mature adults, and more time needed forone generation to complete its life cycle. Spawning must be a very sanitary operation. Workers’clothes and shoes must be clean and free of debris as is true for tools and equipment. Spawningshould be the first job of the day.

Plastic on Mushroom Beds

Clear polyethylene film (1 to 2 mil) protects compost from infestation but eggs can be laid on theedges of compost not covered by plastic. A pesticide drench to the edges may be needed ifmonitors indicate flies are present.

Casing

Casing soil may be pasteurized to kill pests harmful to the mushroom crop. Most insects die at130°F, but higher temperatures (140°F for 60 min) are required to kill some pathogens. Aftertreatment, soil must be stored in a clean, closed building or covered with clean polyethylene film.

The number and kind of nematodes in peat moss varies with the location of the peat bog. Somepeat moss packaged in sealed plastic bags and stored in a dust-free area may not requirepasteurization before use. However, assess peat moss for the presence of nematodes beforedeciding if pasteurization is not necessary. Moisten the peat moss, hold at room temperature for14 to 18 days, and assay for nematodes; dry, bagged peat may only contain eggs and the presenceof eggs without larvae (worms) may result in a faulty conclusion.

4. Sanitation

Good sanitation practices eliminate breeding and roosting sites of insects. Remove or neutralizedecaying organic matter (stumps and trash), stagnant water, rubbish, and garbage. Minimize dustaround the farm by salting, paving, or oiling driveways and directing vehicles away from thegrowing room.

5. Crop Termination

Fly control at the end of the crop is equally important to that during cropping. Before removing thespent compost from rooms, wet the surface, walls, and woodwork and raise the composttemperature to 140°F for at least 4 hours. Flies in an infested room try to escape when the airtemperature reaches 100°F and higher, so keep all cracks sealed and doors and vents closed; keep

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the flies in the room so the steam kills them. Finally, pasteurize the emptied house (with the boardslaid out) at 160°F for 6 hours or 150°F for 8 hours.

6. Pesticide Use

Pesticide usage might be restricted to events, suggesting the Economic Threshold level of damagewill occur as determined by the use of monitors. Insecticides have value when used at the end of acrop, before pasteurizing, to prevent fly movement between rooms. Application of insecticidesshould be restricted to the time of day when peak fly movement occurs inside a growing room whenadult flies are the target. Larvacides must be applied when larvae are susceptible for maximumeffectiveness. Outside sprays are most effective when flies are resting, swarming, and roosting.

H.6. BROAD CONSIDERATIONS OF THE MUSHROOM FARM COMMUNITY

Finally, consider the entire mushroom farm community as an agroecosystem. An isolated farm has the bestchance of quickly controlling pest problems but mushroom farming is not always an isolated business, andsome isolated farms have continuing pest problems. Far too often, the pest management practices of onefarm affect pest problems at another farm. Each room, block, and farm probably has a certain number ofpests, called the background population. These populations are specific for each farm and will vary fromcrop to crop and season to season. Breezeway and outdoor monitors aid in establishing the backgroundlevels of insect populations. One reason background populations may vary is the direction and speed of thewind. Wind at peak periods of fly activity will carry some of the flies downwind, producing an increase inthe size of the downwind background populations. The wise pest management manager should be aware ofhis neighbor’s practices and problems and adjust his programs to anticipate expected problems from off-farm sources. The most effective management program can be amplified or negated by phenomenaoccurring somewhere else.

H.7. CONCLUSION

IPM works, and monitoring is the key to its success. Second, grower-to-grower cooperation can only aid inbetter management practices. The sharing and consolidation of knowledge gained by experience, mostlyyears of observation and experience coupled with precise record keeping, can greatly improve present pestmanagement programs. Knowledge not shared is eventually lost and then needs to be rediscovered.Foresight, cooperation, and a willingness to accept new ideas will permit the use of integrated pestmanagement and progress from the Pesticide Age to an age of more enlightened and more effective pestcontrol.

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