Nearly $1 million awarded to Mayport farm project – The Courier Express

Project Funding and Scope

Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Loan Allocation

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded a loan of $966,000 to Nexgen Dairy Inc., located in Mayport, Clarion County. The funding is designated for a two-phase infrastructure project aimed at enhancing environmental management and operational sustainability, in alignment with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Project Details and SDG Alignment

Phase One: Main Farm Upgrades

The initial phase focuses on the construction of a new liquid manure storage facility measuring 121 feet in width and 14 feet in depth. This development directly addresses several SDGs:

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): By containing agricultural waste, the facility will significantly reduce the risk of nutrient runoff into local water sources, protecting water quality.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): This investment promotes sustainable agricultural practices by ensuring the responsible management of waste products.

Phase Two: Macadam Road Farm Enhancements

The second phase involves comprehensive upgrades at a secondary farm location. The objectives include:

1. Construction of a 96-foot by 42-foot heavy-use area.
2. Erection of a 32-foot by 42-foot roofed manure storage facility.
3. Modification of existing roof structures to prevent stormwater from entering pastures, thereby controlling runoff.

These actions further reinforce the project’s commitment to the SDGs:

• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The prevention of stormwater contamination and manure runoff protects the health of local terrestrial ecosystems and pastures.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By improving infrastructure, the project enhances the long-term productivity and sustainability of the farm, contributing to regional food security.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The investment supports a local agricultural enterprise, fostering sustainable economic growth while implementing critical environmental safeguards.

Conclusion

As stated by State Rep. Josh Bashline, this project represents a significant commitment to both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. The infrastructure upgrades will enable Nexgen Dairy Inc. to operate more sustainably, directly contributing to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals by protecting vital land and water resources for the community.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

The article highlights issues and solutions that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals, primarily focusing on sustainable agriculture, water quality, and environmental protection.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  This goal is relevant because the project supports a dairy farm, a key component of the food production system. The investment aims to help “local operations remain productive,” which aligns with the goal of promoting sustainable agriculture.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This is a central theme of the article. The project’s main environmental benefit is “protecting the land and water resources” by “reducing runoff” from manure. This directly addresses the need to improve water quality by preventing pollution from agricultural sources.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The project focuses on the environmentally sound management of agricultural waste (manure). By building dedicated storage facilities, the farm is adopting more sustainable production patterns that minimize its environmental footprint.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The article mentions the project will protect “the land” and prevent “stormwater runoff [from entering] the pastures.” This relates to protecting terrestrial ecosystems from pollution and degradation caused by agricultural activities.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 2.4

  “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production…” The project supports this target by investing in infrastructure (“liquid manure storage facility”) that makes the dairy farm’s operations more environmentally sustainable and resilient, thereby helping it “remain productive” while protecting natural resources.

• Target 6.3

  “By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution…” The project directly addresses this target. The stated purpose of the new manure storage facilities and roof modifications is to reduce pollution by preventing manure and contaminated stormwater from running off into the surrounding environment, thus “protecting the… water resources.”

• Target 12.4

  “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle…” Manure is a form of agricultural waste. The project’s focus on “improving manure storage” is a clear example of implementing environmentally sound waste management to reduce its release into water and soil.

• Target 15.1

  “By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems…” The effort to prevent runoff from entering “the pastures south of the new facilities” is a direct action to conserve and protect a local terrestrial ecosystem from agricultural pollution.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

While the article does not mention official SDG indicators or provide quantitative data, it implies several practical measures that can be used to track progress towards the identified targets:

• Implied Indicator for Target 2.4

  The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices can be measured by the construction and operational status of the new infrastructure. The article specifies a “121-foot-wide by 14-foot-deep liquid manure storage facility” and a “96-foot by 42-foot heavy-use area” with a “roofed manure storage facility.” The completion of this project serves as a tangible indicator of investment in sustainable farming.

• Implied Indicator for Target 6.3

  Progress in reducing water pollution can be measured by the volume of manure and contaminated runoff contained that would have otherwise entered local water systems. The project’s success is directly tied to its ability to reduce runoff, which is a measurable outcome, even if not quantified in the text.

• Implied Indicator for Target 12.4

  The adoption of sound waste management is indicated by the creation of dedicated and improved waste management facilities on the farm. The article details the construction of two separate, modern manure storage facilities, which represents a significant upgrade in the farm’s capacity to manage its waste responsibly.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thecourierexpress.com