Pet
and Animal Waste
Animal waste can be an excellent
fertilizer when properly composted and applied. When untreated and left
to enter waterways, however, it can cause two types of problems: over-abundance
of nutrients, and pathogenic/bacterial contamination.
Pet and livestock owners alike can follow these tips to help promote
stream health.
• If you own livestock, store and dispose
of manure properly. Manure piles should be placed where storm runoff
will not wash into the stream. You can contact your local office of the
Rutgers Cooperative Extension or Soil Conservation District for additional
technical information and for assistance in formulating a Farm Conservation
Plan.
• Don't let your animals walk in the stream as this will contribute to
nutrient pollution and streambank erosion.
• Horses and other farm animals should, ideally,
be fenced at least 50 feet away from the stream.
• Bridle path crossings should be restricted
from encroaching on the stream corridors.
• Manure, just as any fertilizer, should not be spread on fields or gardens
during wet seasons when the soil is saturated. Special care is required if the
area drains into a stream or wetland.
• Avoid walking your pet near ponds, lakes, and streams. Restrict the range
of your pet, don't let the streambank become the normal territory of your animal.
• Do not feed wild ducks and other waterfowl.
This can result in overpopulation and subsequently excessive nutrients
in the waterways.
