USDA Tweaks Farmer Conservation Handbook Rules
Published Date: 6/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is updating some rules in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices to help farmers and landowners protect the environment better. These changes could affect how conservation projects are planned and done, and the public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026. No big costs are expected, but the updates aim to make conservation easier and more effective.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Monitoring Well Installation Stricter Rules
The Monitoring Well CPS (Code 353) now requires use of a licensed well driller, hydrogeologic site characterization before or during planning, decontamination and disposal of contaminated materials, and wells must be surveyed to 0.01 ft. These requirements apply when installing monitoring wells under this CPS.
On-Farm Secondary Containment Location Rules
The On-Farm Secondary Containment CPS (Code 319) clarifies that facility bottoms must be maintained at least 2 feet above the seasonal high-water table and clarifies location relative to floodplains; new criteria for vehicle filling areas and safety were added.
Energy-Efficiency Standards Require Disposal
The Energy Efficient Agricultural Operation (Code 374), Building Envelope (Code 672), and Lighting System (Code 670) CPSs add criteria that replaced equipment/components must be destroyed, disposed of, or recycled and that documentation is required to support implementation and operation.
State Adoption May Change Local Rules
NRCS is issuing revised conservation practice standards (CPSs) that State Conservationists can choose to adopt and add to their Field Office Technical Guides. If your State adopts these CPSs, how conservation projects are planned or approved in your State could change once the State incorporates them.
Dust Control Practice Lasts Longer
The Dust Control practice (Code 373) was renamed and expanded to cover vehicle and machinery restrictions and surface improvements, and the CPS lifespan was extended from 1 year to 3 years.
Irrigation Land-Leveling Adds Energy Goal
The Irrigation Land Leveling CPS (Code 464) was updated to reflect a related standard name change and adds a new purpose: reducing energy use.
Agricultural Waste Amendments: Approval & SDS Rules
The Amendments for Treatment of Agricultural Waste CPS (Code 591) adds product approval requirements, incorporates Safety Data Sheet (SDS) rules to reduce redundancy, and the agency says these revisions are anticipated to have minimal impact on planning, design, or implementation.
Well Decommissioning Guidance Streamlined
The Well Decommissioning CPS (Code 351) expands the definition to include devices similar to wells, allows use where soil or groundwater is known or suspected contaminated, and streamlines ASTM D5299 requirements by summarizing minimum requirements rather than referencing the full standard.
PAM Application Gets Drift & Flexibility Rules
The Anionic Polyacrylamide (PAM) Application CPS (Code 450) adds allowance for performance-based application adjustments for surface irrigation and adds drift-prevention criteria in critical areas; general considerations were updated to include source water protection.
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