United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water (4303)
Washington, DC 20460
EPA-821-R-01-017
January 2001
4>EPA Managing Manure Nutrients at
Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations
Draft Guidance
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CONTENTS
Chapter
1 INTRODUCTION
Page Number
I
IV
V
Nutrients in Animal Waste
Benefits of Nutrient Management
Requirement for Permit Nutrient Planning At AFOs
Applicability of NPDES Permitting Requirements and Effluent Limitations Guidelines and
Standards 3
Objectives of the Guidance 4
MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFO
Development and Implementation of the Permit Nutrient Plan for CAFOs 6
A
B
C
D
Preparation of the Plan ^r. . .£ 6
Components of the Plan 7
7
Amendments to the Plan
Review and Certification of the Plan
Components of CAFO Permit Nutrient Plan
Animc
E
F
Cover Sheet and Executive Summary 9
Animal Waste Collection, Storage, Treatment, and Transfer 10
Animal Waste Production 10
Animal Waste Collection 11
Animal Waste Storage 12
Animal Waste Treatment 17
Animal Waste Transfer 17
Evaluation and Treatment of Sites Proposed for Land Application 21
Identify Lands Receiving Animal Waste Applications 21
Identify Nearby Water Bodies and Environmentally Sensitive Areas . 21
Conduct Assessment of Surface Water and Groundwater 21
Conduct Soil Tests and Analyses 23
Identify Conservation Practices and Management Activities Needed for
Erosion Control and Waste Management 24
.and Application 28
Identify Planned Crop Rotations and Document Crop Nutrient
Requirements 28
Develop an Appropriate Nutrient Application Rate 29
Identify and Use an Appropriate Animal Waste Application Method . . 33
Evaluate the Timing of Animal Waste Applications 34
Understand Animal Waste Application Restrictions 35
Calibrate Animal Waste Application Equipment 36
Record of PNP Implementation 39
Animal Nutrition Management (Voluntary) 39
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CONTENTS (CONT.)
3
4
G Other Animal Waste Utilization Options 40
III Permit Nutrient Plan Requirement Checklist .^^ 41
SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN -^^^^F- 43
REFERENCES 66
Appendices
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Appendix I
Definitions and Acronyms
Copy of proposed ELG and NPDES Rule for Feedlots
Measuring the Amount of Animal Waste
Animal Waste Sampling
Soil Sampling and Testing
Leaching Index and Phosphorus Index
Agronomic Nutrient Application Rate
Calibrating Animal Waste Spreaders and Irrigators
Recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs)/Conservation Practice Standards
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DISCLAIME
Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use. The policies set forth in this
manual are not final Agency actions but are intended solely as guidance.
The manual does not substitute for the Clean Water Act or EPA's
regulations; nor is it regulation itself. Thus, it cannot impose legally-binding
requirements on EPA, States, or the regulated community, and may not
apply to a particular situation based upon the circumstances. EPA and
local decisionmakers retain the discretion to adopt approaches on a case-
by-case basis that differ from this guidance where appropriate. EPA may
change this guidance in the future.
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FOREWORD
This manual discusses the applicability and implementation of the
proposed effluent limitations guidelines and standards (ELGs) and National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements for
concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The main purpose of
this manual is to provide guidance to CAFO owners and/or operators and
permitters on complying with the permit nutrient plan requirements. This
is a draft document that is based on the proposed rule.
Confusion on the applicability of this manual may arise as otherfederal and
state agencies have also developed approaches for nutrient management
planning. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has
developed the Technical Guidance for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient
Management Plans. The USDA guidance is designed to provide technical
guidance for the development of comprehensive nutrient management
plans (CNMPs) under USDA's voluntary incentive program.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed this
manual to serve as a companion to USDA's guidance and has structured
the manual to match closely with USDA's guidance. The primary
difference, however, is that this manual is designed to assist CAFO owners
and/or operators and permit writers in complying with the Federal
requirements contained in EPA's proposed regulation. USDA's guidance
is designed to assist CAFO owners and/or operators in developing
voluntary CNMPs. Although this manual also provides additional
recommended (voluntary) practices for developing and implementing
permit nutrient plans at CAFOs, which are largely based on USDA's
technical guidance, it's main purpose is to provide guidance for complying
with the Federal requirements associated with developing and
implementing permit nutrient plans.
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INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
I
Nutrients in Animal Waste
Animal feeding operations (AFOs) generate manure, in some cases more than 100,000 tons per year.
Manure, which refers to the combination of feces and urine, consists primarily of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium), organic matter, salts, and metals. Amounts of hair, bedding, soil, feed, and
water in manure will vary on the type of operation and manure management practices at the facility, but
can be significant. Manure may also contain
pathogens, hormones, and antibiotics
depending on the feed, supplements, and
medications given to the animals.
AFOs also generate process wastewaters and
other wastes during the normal course of
operation. These wastes must be managed
similarly to manure because of their nutrient
content. In the context of this guidance,
process wastewaters refer to water directly or
indirectly used in the operation of the feedlot.
This includes spillage or overflow from animal
or poultry watering systems; washing, cleaning
or flushing pens, barns, manure pits, or other
feedlot facilities; direct contact swimming,
washing, or spray cooling of animals; and dust
control. Process wastewater also refers to any
precipitation (rain or snow) that comes into
contact with any manure, litter, bedding, or any
other raw material or product used or
generated from the production of animals or
poultry. Another waste of concern at AFOs is
silage leachate. Bunk silos are particularly
noted for producing silage leachate. The
amount of leachate produced depends on the
production methods, especially the moisture
content of the forage when harvested, and on
precipitation and resultant runoff from the bunk
silo and its drainage area.
Concerns About Nutrients at AFOs
AFOs have been identified as a major source of
nutrients impairing surface waters and groundwater in
the United States. Surface waters are affected by
storm water runoff from fields where feedlot waste
(i.e., animal manure) has been applied, direct runoff
from feedlot facilities, and in some cases, the failure
of manure containment structures such as lagoons.
National water quality data suggest that feedlots
alone, which does not account for potential runoff
from farms using manure as a fertilizer, are estimated
to adversely impact 16% of waters impaired by
agricultural practices. (National Water Quality Inventory:
1994 Report to Congress. U.S. EPA, Office of Water, 1995.)
Nutrients entering surface water can result in or
contribute to eutrophication (the main cause of
impaired surface water quality in the United States).
This results in excessive growth of algae and other
nuisance aquatic plants. These plants can reduce
available dissolved oxygen and reduce the normal
distribution of sunlight, which inhibits the
photosynthesis of resident plants and results in losses
of resident plants, habitat for benthic invertebrates,
and cover for fish. The oxygen reduction also leads to
fish kills. Nutrients produced at AFOs have caused
many fish kills nationwide. In New York, for example,
manure handling, disposal, or lagoon runoff resulted
in 14 fish kills from 1988 to 1992. (Gillette, D. Common
Environmental Problems Arising from Liquid Manure Systems,
Proceedings from the Liquid Manure Application System
Conference, 1994).
The manure, wastewaters, and other wastes
produced at AFOs are often mixed together at
some point in the operation. Therefore, for the purposes of this document, we use the term "animal
waste" to refer to the combination of manure, process wastewater, and other wastes produced at the
operation.
The nutrient and organic matter content of animal waste makes it a valuable resource that can be
effectively used for crop production and soil improvement. The nutrient content (primarily the nitrogen
content), however, is not stable and varies depending on waste storage and handling practices, age of
the waste, and land application practices used at the AFO. If not properly utilized, animal waste can be a
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INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1
major source of surface water and groundwater pollution. This happens through mechanisms such as
surface runoff, erosion, leaching into groundwater, and atmospheric releases of nutrients.
II Benefits of Nutrient Management
Nutrient accumulation can occur on cropland of livestock farms. To preserve the fertilizer value of the
animal waste, efforts must be taken to conserve the nutrients through nutrient management. The
objective of nutrient management is to supply adequate nutrients to the soil and plants without creating
an imbalance in the ecosystem. The goal of nutrient management is to prevent the excessive
application of nutrients from animal waste, biosolids, and commercial fertilizers at rates exceeding the
capacity of the soil and planned crops to assimilate nutrients and prevent pollution. Thus, nutrient
management must account for nutrients already present in the soil before animal waste application.
The practice of nutrient management serves four major functions:
# Supplies essential nutrients to soils and plants so that adequate food, forage, and fiber can be
produced.
# Provides for efficient and effective use of nutrient resources so that these resources are not
wasted.
# Minimizes environmental degradation caused by excess nutrients in the environment.
# Helps maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of the soil.
^^f ^^1^^^^
III Requirement for Permit Nutrient Planning At AFOs
In February 1998, the President released the Clean Water Action Plan, which provides a blueprint for
restoring and protecting water quality across the United States. The plan describes more than 100
specific actions to expand or strengthen existing efforts to improve water quality. It also identifies
polluted runoff as the most important remaining source of water pollution and provides for a coordinated
effort to reduce polluted runoff from a variety of sources. As part of this effort, the Clean Water Action
Plan called for the joint development of a unified national strategy by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to minimize the water quality and public
health impacts of AFOs. In March, 1999, EPA and USDA issued the Unified National Strategy for Animal
Feeding Operations.
_/ I I I I IVSI I I
. InMf
One important area that the Unified Strategy focuses on is the development of site-specific animal waste
nutrient management plans by AFOs. USDA has developed the Comprehensive Nutrient Management
Planning Technical Guidance, which will serve as the primary technical reference for USDA, state
personnel, private consultants, and AFO owners/operators.
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INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
IV Applicability of NPDES Permitting Requirements and Effluent Limitations
Guidelines and Standards
Definition of Point Source
The term "point source" means any discernible,
confined, and discrete conveyance, including but not
limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit,
well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock,
concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or
other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may
be discharged. This term does not include agricultural
stormwater discharges and return flows from irrigated
agriculture. (Section 502 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, as amended)
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)
are a subset of AFOs defined as point sources
and are regulated by EPA and authorized states
under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit program.
The NPDES permit program (40 CFR Part 122)
regulates the discharge of pollutants from point
sources to waters of the United States. EPA has
also issued Effluent Limitations Guidelines and
Standards (ELGs) for the Feedlots Point Source
Category (40 CFR Part 412) which establish the
technology-based discharge requirements that
are imposed in NPDES permits.
EPA's proposed rule co-proposes two alternatives for how to structure the revised NPDES program for
CAFOs. The first alternative is a "two-tier structure" that establishes a single threshold for each animal
sector. This alternative would establish a single threshold at the equivalent of 500 animal units above
which operations would be defined as CAFOs and below which facilities would become CAFOs only if
designated by the permit authority. The second alternative is a "three-tier structure" in which all
operations with 1,000 animal units or more would be defined as CAFOs; those with 300 to 1,000 animal
units would be CAFOs only if they meet certain conditions or if designated by the permit authority; and
those with fewer than 300 animal units would only be CAFOs if designated by the permit authority. The
500, 1,000, and 300 animal unit equivalent number of animals for each sector would be as follows:
Animal Type
Cattle excluding mature
dairy or veal
Veal
Mature dairy cattle
Swine weighing more than
Swine weighing 55
pounds or less
Chickens
Turkeys
Ducks
Horses
Sheep or Lamb
Two-Tier Structure
500 Animal Unit Equivalent
(no. of animals)
500
500
350
1,250
5,000
50,000
27,500
2,500
250
5,000
Three-Tier Structure
1,000 Animal Unit Equivalent
(no. of animals)
1,000
1,000
700
2,500
10,000
100,000
55,000
5,000
500
10,000
300 Animal Unit Equivalent
(no. of animals)
300
300
200
750
3,000
30,000
16,500
1,500
150
3,000
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INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1
See Section VII of the preamble to the proposed rule for a more detailed description of the CAFO
definition and limitations under EPA's NPDES permit and ELG programs.
V Objectives of the Guidance
This manual provides guidance on developing and implementing animal waste permit nutrient plans and
minimizing water pollution at your CAFO, both required components of the ELGs for CAFOs. This
manual is intended for use by CAFO owners and managers, permit writers, other regulatory agency
representatives, federal and state auditors, and consultants. The term "you" in this guidance, however,
specifically means the CAFO owner and/or operator. EPA has prepared this manual to work in
conjunction with USDA's technical guidance and other state nutrient management planning regulations
and policies.
e nutrient mam
This guidance document includes both EPA required and recommended practices. At a minimum,
CAFOs subject to ELGs and NPDES permitting requirements, which incorporate ELG requirements
where appropriate, must comply with all requirements in their permit as described in this guidance.
EPA's hope is that these facilities will also comply with all recommendations described in this guidance.
This guidance describes numerous best management practices for managing and land-applying animal
manure. It is EPA's hope that all other AFOs will also use this guidance to ensure proper management
of their animal manure.
The four major objectives of this guidance are:
<\FOs.
# Defining nutrient management goals at CAP
# Identifying actions and priorities that will be followed to meet the goals.
# Identifying measures and schedules for attaining the goals.
# Reducing threats to water quality and public health.
This manual is organized into four chapters and nine appendices.
# Chapter 2 identifies and briefly describes requirements and recommendations for developing and
implementing permit nutrient plans at CAFOs.
# Chapter 3 provides a sample CAFO Permit Nutrient Plan, including sample reporting forms and
calculations.
# Chapter 4 provides a listing of the references used to develop the manual.
# Appendix A provides a list definitions and acronyms used in the manual.
# Appendix B provides a copy of the proposed ELG and NPDES rule for feedlots.
# Appendix C provides methods and calculations for determining the amount of animal waste
nanaged in a storage facility.
# Appendix D provides a description of animal waste sampling procedures.
# Appendix E provides a description of soil sampling and testing procedures.
# Appendix F provides a description of the Leaching Index and Phosphorus Index tools used to
assess nutrient movement in water bodies.
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INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
# Appendix G provides methods for calculating agronomic nutrient application rates for animal
waste.
# Appendix H provides methods for calibrating animal waste application equipment.
# Appendix I provides recommended best management practices/conservation practice standards.
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CHAPTER 2: MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs
To prevent adverse environmental impacts, you should properly manage animal manure, process
wastes, wastewaters, and silage leachate from the time the animal excretes them or the animal operation
generates them to the time they are applied to the land. EPA believes a well-designed plan for
managing nutrients will help you become fully aware of the needed steps to successfully manage
nutrients produced at your operation and protect your community's natural resources.
This chapter provides information on animal waste permit nutrient plan development and
implementation. EPA used USDA's Technical Guidance for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient
Management Plans draft as the template for this guidance document. EPA believes USDA documents
and standards will serve as the primary technical references for developing animal waste permit nutrient
plans at CAFOs. To ensure adequate protection of surface water, however, EPA has developed specific
regulatory requirements that you must follow. The Agency has also identified additional voluntary
recommendations you should follow. This chapter also lays out the specific components required by
EPA in an animal waste permit nutrient plan. A checklist that you can use to ensure all components
have been addressed in your plan is located at the end of this chapter.
I Development and Implementation of the Permit Nutrient Plan for
CAFOs
A Preparation of the Plan
As a CAFO owner, you must prepare and implement a Permit Nutrient Plan (PNP) for your operation.
PNPs are complex documents that require knowledge in a number of different areas. Therefore, you
should undergo general nutrient management training to understand plan components and to
successfully implement your plan. Free training, which lasts between 1 and 4 days, is often available
from state agricultural Cooperative Extension Offices.
Your plan must be developed or approved by a certified specialist. These certified nutrient management
specialists are available nationwide to help you prepare your plan. Generally, nutrient management
specialists must complete a precertification training course, pass an examination, and receive continuing
education on a variety of topics. To earn certification, nutrient management specialists must have
competence in or an understanding of the following areas:
#
Soil science and soil fertility
Nutrient application and management
Crop production
Soil and manure testing and results
interpretation
Fertilizer materials and their
characteristics
Best management practices for use of
nutrients and water management
Environmental and economic impacts
associated with improper nutrient
management
Applicable laws and regulations
Accredited PNP Organizations
Approved organizations for certifying nutrient
management specialists include:
# Certified Crop Advisor Program of the
American Society of Agronomy.
# Land Grant University Certification
Programs.
# National Alliance of Independent Crop
Consultants.
# State Certification Programs.
# American Registry of Professional Animal
Scientists.
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
B Components of the Plan
Your PNP must include the following components (described in greater detail in section II of this
chapter):
# A cover sheet identifying the facility, who prepared the plan, and when the plan was prepared.
# An executive summary that briefly describes the overall operation, animal production, crop
production, application method and rates, and any environmental concerns at the local
watershed.
# An evaluation and discussion of animal waste collection, handling, storage, treatment, and
transfer facilities and practices, including estimates of waste produced and collected at the
operation and analyses of the waste contents.
# An evaluation, including soil test analyses and results of the fields that will receive animal waste
via land application.
# Documentation on how, when, and where animal waste was applied to the land, including
calculations used to develop an appropriate application rate, the method of land application, and
the date of animal waste application.
# Maintenance of specific records documenting animal waste management activities for a period
of 5 years.
In addition, EPA recommends evaluating possible opportunities to reduce the nutrient content of manure
through animal nutrition management, and if necessary, developing alternative uses for your animal
wastes.
C Amendments to the Plan
You are required to amend your PNP whenever the CAFO design or operation described in your
previous plan changes to an extent that materially affects the nutrient management requirements for the
animal operation. Examples of changes that would trigger the need to amend your PNP include a
substantial (>20%) change in the annual production of manure nitrogen and phosphorus, new or
substantially modified waste/runoff collection and storage facilities, changes to crop rotations, or
elimination or addition of fields receiving animal waste applications.
D Review and Certification of the Plan
Your original animal waste permit nutrient plan and any amendments to the plan must be reviewed and
approved by a certified nutrient management specialist. You may prepare and approve your own plan if
you are certified in nutrient management planning. In addition, you must review your plan annually and
rewrite it every five years to ensure that appropriate measures and practices are in place to protect
surface water quality.
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs
CHAPTER 2
Regulatory Requirements for Developing and Implementing PNPs at CAFOs
CAFOs must, at a minimum, comply with the following requirements:
Prepare and implement a PNP containing the components specified in Section II of this
chapter.
Amend the PNP when conditions at the CAFO have changed that materially affect the nutrient
requirements for the operation.
Review the PNP annually.
Rewrite the PNP every five years.
Use certified nutrient management specialists to prepare, review, and approve the original
plan and all amendments.
jve changed that mat<
Additional Recommended (Voluntary) Practices for Developing and Implementing PNPs at
CAFOs
EPA recommends that CAFOs implement the following voluntary practice:
# Undergo general nutrient management training.
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
II Components of CAFO Permit Nutrient Plans
EPA requires specific topics to be addressed in your plan. As necessary for your operation, your PNP
should address animal waste collection, storage, and treatment practices; land application of the animal
waste; and record keeping practices. In addition, you might want to address animal nutrition
management as a method of reducing manure's nutrient content. If animal waste is not applied to your
land as a source of nutrients, describe all relevant alternative uses of the waste such as selling it to other
farmers, composting and selling it, or using it for power generation. While nutrients such as nitrogen and
phosphorus are often major pollutants of concern, also address risk from other pollutants such as
pathogens, and identify ways to minimize water quality and public health impacts.
This section provides guidance on the preparation of the following components of your plan:
# Cover sheet
# Executive summary
# Animal waste collection, handling, storage, treatment and transfer
# Evaluation and treatment of sites proposed for land application
# Land application
# Record keeping
A Cover Sheet and Executive Summary
To facilitate the review process of your permit nutrient plan, you must prepare a brief cover sheet and an
executive summary of your plan. The cover sheet must contain the following information:
# Name and location of operation
# Name and title of the owner or operator
# Name and title of the person who prepared the plan
# Date (month, day, year) that plan was prepared
# Date (month, day, year) that plan was amended
The executive summary must contain the following information:
# Total average herd/flock size
# Total animal waste produced annually
# Description of manure collection, handling, storage, and treatment practices
# A Identification of planned crops (rotation), including realistic yield goals
Field condition as determined by appropriate soil phosphorus test for each field that will receive
manure
# Number of acres that will receive manure
# Animal waste application rate (gallons or tons/acre)
# Amount of manure transported off site
# Identification of watershed or nearest surface water body
A
A
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
B Animal Waste Collection, Handling, Storage, Treatment, and Transfer
To develop a permit nutrient plan, you must have a thorough understanding of the entire animal
operation and animal waste management system. Animal manure and other wastes generated at a
CAFO can only be managed effectively if they are identified and classified in terms of their management
requirements.
Manure and wastewater management systems at CAFOs must be designed and operated in a manner
that minimizes water quality degradation. These systems vary by operation, but generally consist of five
basic components:
# Animal waste production
# Animal waste collection
# Animal waste storage
# Animal waste treatment/utilization
# Animal waste transfer
1 Animal Waste Production
To properly manage animal waste you must know how much is produced and its composition. Always try
to minimize and/or reduce the amount of waste generated at your operation. One way to accomplish this
is to divert clean water (e.g, rain falling on roofs of buildings, runoff from adjacent lands) from contact
with feedlots and holding pens, animal manure, or animal waste storage systems. Another option is to
use proper feeder designs and perform regular maintenance and adjustment of the feeder equipment to
prevent excess feed waste and spilled drinking water. As a CAFO owner and operator, you must
perform routine inspections of the animal production areas. The following inspections must be
conducted:
# Weekly inspections of all stormwater devices such as roof gutters to ensure they are free of
debris that could interfere with the diversion of clean stormwater.
# Weekly inspections of all stormwater devices that channel contaminated water to the wastewater
and manure storage and containment structure, to ensure they are free of debris.
# Daily inspections of all water lines providing drinking water to the animals to ensure there are no
leaks in these lines that could contribute unnecessary volume to liquid storage systems or cause
dry manure to become too wet.
jecome
as a re
Any deficiencies found as a result of these inspections must be corrected as soon as possible.
Documentation of these inspections and any repairs performed must be included in your PNP.
The amount and composition of animal waste that you can collect and apply to the land varies
considerably from farm to farm and from species to species. These variations are caused by differences
in operating practices (e.g., composition of the feed ration; type and amount of bedding and water added
or lost; animal waste collection, handling, and storage practices; and method and time of land
application) and geographical factors such as climate.
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
Quantity of Animal Waste Produced
To develop appropriate animal waste application rates, you must obtain accurate estimates of the
amount and composition of animal waste and process wastewater available for land application. The
amount of waste generated at your facility is directly linked to the number of animals you maintain.
However, because the composition of animal waste changes as it ages, the amount collected and
applied to the land is often much less than the amount generated by the animals. Therefore, you should
estimate the amount of animal waste that will be available for land application by calculating the volume
of manure and waste stored on site and/or by calculating the quantity of animal waste removed during
cleaning times. Your estimates must include milk parlor washwater and egg washwater. See Appendix
C for methods for determining the amount of animal waste in a pile, pond, or lagoon.
Animal Waste Sampling & Testing
Because the nutrient content of animal waste depends on many site-specific practices, do not use
average values to develop your plan. As a CAFO owner, you must sample your animal waste annually
and send the samples to an accredited laboratory for analyses of at least total nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium. Consider analyzing the animal waste for percentage of dry matter, ammonium nitrogen (NH4-
N), moisture content, calcium, manganese, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, copper, pH, and electrical
conductivity (a common measurement of total dissolved salts) to better assess the resource value of the
animal waste. Additional analyses on pathogen levels can also be performed. Check with state and
local Cooperative Extension Offices for a list of analyses you should conduct on your animal waste.
Samples must be collected from all manure storage areas, both liquid and dry, as well as any wastewater
or stormwater storage areas.
To develop good estimates of the nutrient
content of your animal waste, you should
sample waste stored on site each time it is
removed, unless you are a daily spread —1 Samples of your animal waste should be taken as
... ..... , _. close as possible to spreading to account for nutrient
operation, where waste should be sampled
Animal Waste Sampling
The key to an accurate analysis is proper sampling.
losses during handling and storage. However, you
should allow sufficient time between sampling and
spreading to obtain and interpret results of manure
analyses.
several times throughout the year. Collect
samples as close to the time of land application
as possible, leaving sufficient time between
sampling and land application to obtain and
interpret the results of the analyses. If you
provide bedding to your animals, make sure to include both bedding and manure in your samples. You
should also sample each form of animal waste stored on site (e.g., stockpiled solids, separated solids,
lagoon or pond effluent, lagoon or pond sludge) because they will often be applied to the land separately.
See Appendix D for a description of sampling procedures for solid waste, semi-solid waste, liquid waste,
and poultry litter.
a desci
Overtime you should compare your feed rations, numbers of animals maintained, and weights of
animals against the values used in your plan. The plan must be amended if the current nutrient levels
are significantly different than those present when developing the plan.
2 Animal Waste Collection
The ease of collecting livestock and poultry waste often depends on the amount of freedom given to the
animals. If animals are allowed to move freely within a given space, animal waste will be deposited
randomly. Collection can be automated as in scrape and flush dairy barns or manual as in removal of
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
waste from a dry lot with a front-end loader. You can improve the efficiency of animal waste collection
by paving alleys and by installing gutters and slotted floors with mechanical and hydraulic equipment.
Also you must properly maintain your animal waste collection systems to ensure proper flow of animal
wastes.
You should keep production and collection of unnecessary waste to a minimum. For example, you can
reduce the amount of contaminated runoff from open holding areas by restricting the size of open
holding areas, roofing part of the holding area, and installing gutters and diversions to direct
uncontaminated water away from animal waste. You can also cover stockpiles of animal waste to
reduce nutrient losses and contaminants in the runoff.
Unroofed confinement areas such as dry lots must have a system for collecting and confining
contaminated runoff. You can accomplish this by using curbs at the edge of paved lots and reception
pits where the runoff exits the lots, or by using diversions, sediment basins, and underground outlets at
unpaved lots. At unpaved beef feedlots, carefully remove animal waste so as not to break the seal on
the soil the waste has created. This seal helps prevent the downward movement of contaminated water.
You should also recycle flush water used at dairy and swine operations to the maximum extent possible
to reduce the volume of contaminated water that must be managed. Dirt lots should have soil added to
fill holes and retain the original grade of the lot.
3 Animal Waste Storage
You should evaluate the soils, geology, and topography of the site, as well as the location and layout of
your operation to determine the best type of storage facility for your operation. Animal waste storage
facilities should be built following approved standards (e.g., USDA NRCS standards) and should be
located away from water bodies, floodplains, drinking water wells, and other environmentally sensitive
areas. Construction and maintenance of buildings, collection systems, conveyance systems, and
permanent and temporary storage facilities should prevent leakage of organic matter, nutrients, and
pathogens to surface or groundwater. Lagoons and ponds should have sufficient freeboard and be
structurally sound (e.g., free of cracks and not eroding). You must conduct weekly visual inspections of
the manure storage areas to check for integrity of the structures and to note the depth of the manure and
process wastewater in the impoundment.
The type and design of your storage facilities ultimately dictates when and how you must use animal
waste. For example, if you have more than adequate storage for all the waste you expect your operation
to produce and collect, you will have the flexibility to schedule land application of waste when weather
and field conditions are suitable and when nutrients in the waste can best be used by crops.
Storage facilities for solid animal waste include waste storage structures such as houses for poultry litter,
pits, stockpiles, dry lots, compost piles, and pads. As a CAFO owner, you must manage all seepage and
runoff from these units. Liquid and slurry animal waste can be stored in storage ponds/lagoons or in
aboveground or belowground tanks. Storage ponds/lagoons must be designed to provide capacity for
the waste generated at the operation, plus normal precipitation less expected evaporation, precipitation
expected from the 25-year, 24-hour storm, runoff generated during the storage period, and accumulated
solids. Storage lagoons that are used to anaerobically degrade animal waste also need a specified
treatment volume. A minimum of 1 foot of freeboard is also required. Figure 1 provides a cross section
view of a storage pond and identifies the components necessary to determine the adequate volume of
the pond. CAFO owners must install permanent depth markers in all surface impoundments to monitor
the unit's storage capacity. These depth markers must indicate the design volume, the minimum
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freeboard necessary to allow for the 25-year, 24-hour storm, and the depth of the animal waste and
process wastewater. Check water levels weekly to ensure capacity for the 25-year, 24-hour storm exists
and monitor weather forecasts for predictions of major storm events.
Figure 1
Cross Section of Animal Waste Storage Pond
V
\
Freeboard
Depth of 25-year, 24-hour storm event
Required \ Depth of normal precipitation less evaporation
volume
\
Manure and wastewater volume
V
Sludge volume
In the event of a catastrophic or chronic rainfall event, you must document the rainfall duration, amount
of rainfall, and the estimated volume of any overflow that occurs as the result of this event.
You might want to consider designing a remote animal waste storage facility located near fields receiving
waste as opposed to near animal housing facilities. Animal waste is typically transported by pump or
tanker to the remote storage facilities throughout the year, minimizing labor for moving animal waste
during field application. Remote storage facilities might also provide location options where odor or
visual nuisances are of less concern or where soil permeability is better suited for animal waste storage.
Animal Mortalities
A by-product of all animal feeding operations is dead animals. Despite improved health and production
practices, intermittent mortality is expected. Regardless of the cause of the mortality, proper disposal of
carcasses is required to ensure biosecurity, to avoid creating nuisance conditions, and to manage the
nutrients and possible pathogens decaying carcasses produce. As a CAFO owner, you must develop
and implement a plan for properly handling and disposing of dead animals in a timely manner. Dead
animals should be disposed within 2 days.
Methods for disposal include burial, incineration, rendering, and composting. Mortalities may not be
disposed of in any liquid manure or stormwater storage or treatment system. You must determine the
most appropriate method based on the type(s) of animal(s) maintained at your operation, state laws, and
storage capabilities. For example, many poultry producers previously used fabricated pits for burying
dead birds, but due to potential contamination of groundwaterfrom nutrients leaching from these pits,
many states have prohibited them. Currently, many poultry producers are effectively composting dead
birds between layers of litter/cake and straw. Because of the size of cattle carcasses, most beef and
dairy producers use rendering as their primary method of disposal. Swine producers bury, incinerate,
render, and compost their mortalities. During the last several years, more swine producers have
switched from burial to composting.
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Maintenance of Storage Facilities
Animal waste storage areas that are constructed, maintained, or operated improperly might overflow,
leak, or burst. You might not notice a small leak from your storage structure, but animal waste could flow
through tile drains or old well casings into the water system. If an animal waste storage unit breaks down
or bursts, you will have extensive property and environmental damage. Therefore, diligently maintain
your storage areas and identify potential problems before they arise. This can be accomplished by
performing daily and weekly visual inspections of all areas that store or handle animal wastes. Look fo
the following common problems during your inspections:
# Visible seepage or erosion of waste storage embankments
# Vegetation growing in storage areas
# Animals accessing storage areas
# Reduced freeboard
# Improperly functioning rain gauges
# Improperly functioning irrigation equipment
A7
nkments
Safety precautions are also important around animal waste storage areas. Proper fences, barriers, and
signs should be installed at all storage areas. Safety equipment should also be available, and everyone
who works in the storage areas should know how to operate it safely.
Emergency Response Plan
fsr
nd cause a major release of pollutants
Any type of storage system can fail and cause a major release of pollutants into the environment. You
can minimize the impact of these releases if you are prepared, however. This means developing and
implementing an emergency response plan. A copy of you emergency response plan must be placed in
your permit nutrient plan. The plan should identify all the steps to take when a spill or release of animal
waste occurs. A copy of the plan should be posted so employees can quickly determine what actions to
take and who to contact. Figure 2 provides an example emergency response plan for a CAFO.
Generally, an emergency response plan for CAFOs should include the following actions:
# Take initial steps to eliminate the source of the spill, if possible. This might involve turning off all
pumping equipment, plugging tile outlets or leaks, or repairing broken lines.
# Review the extent of the emergency. Determine how much help is needed to control and clean
up the release. Determine the type of emergency (e.g., rainfall caused an overflow of storage
pond A); estimate the area covered and distance the waste has traveled from the spill area (e.g.,
5 acres, 1/4 mile); determine whether the waste has reached wells, tile lines, ditches, waterways,
roads, etc; provide a damage report (e.g., fish kill, property damage); and determine what type of
assistance is needed (e.g., earth moving equipment to block the gully leading to the nearby
creek).
Immediately contact designated personnel and/or appropriate state or local agencies. Your plan
should identify the name(s) and phone number(s) of the appropriate office(s) to call.
# Develop an emergency action plan. This might require a number of different activities such as
placing soil on the edge of the storage pond to plug the discharge area, removing remaining
waste from the pond, and applying it to surrounding fields at appropriate application rates.
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An important part of any emergency response plan is prevention. You can prevent spills from liquid
irrigation and drag hose systems by having an automatic shutoff on pumping equipment or by
establishing radio communications with the pump operator to turn off the animal waste flow in emergency
situations. You should also check all irrigation, transfer lines, or valves before pumping or transferring
animal waste. Look for defects and insecure connections. Put only solid pipe sections over any
watercourse, stream, municipal drain, and catchbasins. Also, make sure there is no chance of back-
siphoning when transferring to another tank.
'water
You should also monitor tile outlets before, during, and after applying animal wastes for any sign of \
contamination. A change in the water color of running tiles indicates a potential animal waste spill. If
any trace of animal waste is noticed, stop applying, plug the tile, and take necessary steps to handle the
contaminated flow.
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Figure 2
Sample Emergency Response Plan for CAFOs
Emergency Response Plan for Animal Waste Spills or Emergencies
Facility Name:
Address:
Telephone:
County/Region:
Township:
Lot Number:
To prepare for an event such as an overtopped storage structure, animal waste spill, milkhouse waste
spill, sludge spill, or any other occurrence that conveys animal waste into surface or groundwater, I will
make the following equipment available to contain and control the spill:
Steps to be taken if an animal waste, milkhouse
1. Eliminate the source of the spill, if possible:
occurs are:
Agency:
2. Contact the following designated personnel/agencies:
Name:
Name: Agency:
Name: Agency:
Phone:
.Etione:
Phone:
3. Contain and clean up
ill/release:
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4 Animal Waste Treatment
Treatment can be considered any action designed to reduce the pollution potential of the animal waste,
including physical, biological, and chemical treatment. You should handle and treat animal waste in a
manner to prevent or minimize the loss of nutrients to the atmosphere during storage; to make the
material a more stable fertilizer when land-applied; or to reduce pathogens, vector attraction, and odors,
as appropriate. Removing nutrients in an appropriate fashion from animal waste can be an important
strategy if you are faced with limited storage capacity and/or limited cropland when applying wastes at
agronomic rates for the crops being grown.
Many treatment systems have been developed for use with animal wastes. Typical reasons for treating
animal wastes include ease of storage or transport; reducing odor potential; extracting energy; and
concentrating, partitioning, or removing nutrients. Some commonly used treatment options are briefly
described below.
x
# Solids separation. Solid and liquid wastes are separated to reduce the solids entering a liquid
storage facility to extend its storage capacity, to facilitate reusing the liquid in a flushing system,
to reduce clogging of irrigation sprinklers, or when volume reduction aids treatment. Animal
waste can be separated through sedimentation (gravity), centrifuging, or screening.
# Treatment in lagoons. After solids removal, waste can be treated as a liquid in an anaerobic or
aerobic lagoon or in an anaerobic digester. An anaerobic lagoon changes the waste composition
by reducing the nitrogen content through ammonia volatilization. Anaerobic lagoons can also
effectively reduce odors if managed properly. If minimizing odors is a critical concern at your
operation, however, you should consider treatment in an aerobic lagoon or a covered digester.
Aerobic lagoons operate within a depth range of 2 to 5 feet to allow oxygen entrainment
necessary for the aerobic bacteria, but typically require significant aeration and space. In an
anaerobic digester, liquid waste is confined in an air-tight vessel such as a covered lagoon and
decomposed, producing biogas that can be used as an energy source.
# Composting. Composting consists of the aerobic biological decomposition of the animal
waste's organic matter. Many farmers use composting to improve handling, enhance
marketability, and/or reduce odor and nuisance problems associated with animal wastes. During
composting, animal waste is stabilized when nitrogen is converted from the unstable ammonia
form to a more stable organic form.
Animal Waste Transfer
Manure and waste collected from within a barn or confinement area must be transferred to the storage or
treatment facility or directly to an end use such as land application. In many cases, the transfer function
is just an extension of the collection function. At more complex facilities, however, transfer methods
must be designed to overcome distance and elevation changes between collection and storage facilities.
In these situations, mechanical equipment such as pumps, pipelines, and tank wagons, might be needed
to move the animal waste.
Animal waste transported off site must be sampled at least once a year for total nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium. EPA is co-proposing two options for managing off-site transfer of animal waste. Under
one option, CAFO owners and operators would be required to obtain a certification from off-site land
applicators stating that they are land applying CAFO-generated manure at proper agricultural rates. As
part of this option, you as the CAFO owner would also be required to maintain records of transfer,
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including the name of the recipient and quantity transferred, and would be required to provide the
recipient with an analysis of the contents of the waste and a brochure describing the recipient's
responsibilities for proper management of the animal waste. Under the second co-proposed option,
CAFO owners and operators would only be required to keep records of off-site transfer of animal waste.
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Regulatory Requirements for Animal Waste Collection, Handling, Storage, Treatment, and
Transfer
CAFOs must, at a minimum, comply with the following requirements:
ted^
# Animal production areas must be routinely inspected.
# Animal waste must be sampled annually.
# Each form of animal waste must be sampled.
# Animal waste must be tested annually by an accredited laborator
# Analyses of animal waste must include total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
# Feedlot runoff must be contained and adequately managed.
# Runoff diversion structures and animal waste storage structures must be visually inspected
for seepage, erosion, vegetation, animal access, reduced freeboard, and functioning rain
gauges and irrigation equipment, on a weekly basis.
# Water lines must be visually inspected on a daily basis.
# Deficiencies based on visual inspections must be identified and corrected within a reasonable
timeframe.
# Depth markers must be permanently installed in all surface impoundments.
# Lagoons, ponds, and tanks must be maintained to retain capacity for the 25-year, 24-hour
storm event.
At a minimum, CAFO PNPs must include the following information:
tv
# Quantity of animal waste produced and collected during each 12 month period.
# Calculations for estimating the amount of animal waste collected.
# Animal waste sampling techniques.
# Animal waste test results.
# Emergency response plan.
# Plan for properly handling and disposing of dead animals in a timely manner.
# Records of off-site transfer of animal waste.
# Records of rainfall duration, amount of rainfall, and the estimated volume of any overflow
that occurs as the result of any catastrophic or chronic rainfall event.
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Additional Recommendations (Voluntary) for Animal Waste Collection, Handling, Storage,
Treatment, and Transfer
In addition to the Regulatory Requirements listed above, EPA recommends that CAFOs conduct the
following activities:
# Estimate the maximum livestock capacity of the animal operatic
# Estimate the maximum number of livestock maintained at the
substantially different than the maximum livestock capacity.
# Estimate the annual number of livestock produced.
# Divert clean water from contact with animal housing and animal waste collection and storage
areas.
# Estimate the amount of animal waste produced by calculating the volume of manure and
waste stored on site or removed during cleaning.
# Sample stored waste each time it is to be used.
# Periodically, analyze animal waste for percentage of dry matter, ammonium nitrogen, total
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, moisture content, calcium, manganese, magnesium, sulfur,
zinc, copper, and electrical conductivity.
# Improve the efficiency of manure collection.
# Inspect animal waste handling and storage areas frequently for potential problems.
# Review of potential water contamination sources from existing animal waste handling,
collection, storage, and spreading practices.
# Estimate the capacity needed for storage.
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C Evaluation and Treatment of Sites Proposed for Land Application
Land application is the most common, and usually the most desirable method, of using manure and other
animal wastes because of the value of the nutrients and organic matter in these materials. Therefore, it
is extremely important that you thoroughly evaluate and properly maintain all land that will receive
animal waste applications. This evaluation can be accomplished in five major steps:
# Identify lands to receive animal waste applications.
# Identify nearby water bodies and environmentally sensitive areas.
# Assess the potential for feedlot and animal waste storage facilities to contaminate groundwater,
and assess the potential for groundwater to have a direct hydrologic link to surface water.
# Conduct soil tests and analyses.
# Identify conservation practices and management activities needed for erosion control and waste
management.
Each of these steps is described in more detail below.
1 Identify Lands Receiving Animal Waste Applications
To accurately identify lands receiving animal waste applications, you must identify and provide the
counties and watershed codes where the feedlots and lands receiving animal wastes are located. This
identification must include all lands under your operational control, both owned and rented. You should
also provide farm maps or aerial photographs that identify the animal feeding operation's boundaries,
individual field boundaries, field numbers and acreages, and soil types and slopes. Aerial photographs
will also provide information on vegetation, surface runoff patterns, erosion conditions, proximity to
cultural features, and other details.
2 Identify Nearby Water Bodies and Environmentally Sensitive Areas
You must identify, preferably on the maps, locations of nearby surface water bodies. You should also
identify other environmentally sensitive areas such as sinkholes, streams, springs, lakes, ponds, wells,
gullies, and drinking water sources where the application of animal wastes is restricted. Environmentally
sensitive areas should be considered as areas that would facilitate the transport of nutrients, pathogens,
and other potential contaminants into surface water bodies or groundwater. You should remain aware of
these areas and, if necessary, modify your animal waste collection, storage, and treatment practices to
ensure that animal waste does not come into contact with these areas. US Geological Survey
topographic quadrangles might assist you in identifying sensitive areas. The quadrangles provide
information about slopes; location of forested areas; topographic relief; and distances to identified
resource features, such as wells, watercourses, houses, roads, and other cultural features.
3 Conduct Assessment of Surface Water and Groundwater
To develop appropriate animal waste application rates and identify appropriate conservation practices,
you should understand the potential for animal waste nutrients and other potential contaminants such as
pathogens to migrate to surface and groundwater via surface runoff and leaching. CAFOs subject to
effluent limitations guidelines that require zero discharge from the production area to surface water via
groundwater (i.e., all existing and new beef and dairy operations, and new swine and poultry operations,
see proposed §§412.33(a), 412.35(a), and 412.45(a) in Appendix B) are assumed to have a direct
hydrologic connection to surface water. These CAFOs, therefore, are required to either achieve zero
discharge from the production area via groundwater and perform the required groundwater monitoring or
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provide a hydrologist's statement that there is no direct connection of groundwater to surface water at the
facility. The remainder of this section discusses the type of assessment that EPA expects to be
performed by CAFO owners and operators to determine if there is a direct connection of groundwater to
surface water.
Hydrologic Link Assessment
For more information on groundwater, contact your
state or local Cooperative Extension Office. Or, see
the following NRCS references:
# National Engineering Handbook (NEH)
Section 16, Drainage of Agricultural Lands
# NEH Section 18, Ground Water
# Engineering Field Handbook (EFH) Chapter
12, Springs and Wells
# EFH Chapter 14, Drainage
To conduct your assessment, use a qualified
technical expert to ensure that all aspects of
nutrient transport have been evaluated. To
determine if there is a hydrologic link from
surface water to groundwater, you must
evaluate a number of parameters including
soil depth and type, depth to water table,
hydrogeologic characteristics of the surficial
aquifer, proximity to surface water, and other
physical features of the watershed. Other critical features may include land-surface form, geologic
texture, and climate. Land-surface form can be used to quantify land-surface slopes and relief.
Geologic texture provides estimates of surficial and deep subsurface permeability which control
infiltration, the production of overland flow, and groundwater flow rates. Climate characteristics can be
used to approximate available water to surface and groundwater systems. Areas that are likely to have
surface water and groundwater interactions are wet plains with highly permeable surface and
subsurfaces such as bedrock, and wet plateaus with poorly permeable surface and highly permeable
subsurface. One way to determine if you have a hydrologic link is to evaluate the water depths between
the closest surface water body and groundwater and then stress (e.g., pump) one of the water bodies to
see if it affects the other. Check with state and local Cooperative Extension Offices to identify the most
appropriate method of determining if you have a hydrologic link between surface and groundwater.
Surface Runoff & Leaching Assessment
You need to understand how nutrients and other contaminants can migrate from your operation to water
bodies before assessing the potential risks associated with your operation. Surface runoff of animal
waste nutrients occurs when precipitation exceeds soil permeability. In this situation, excess water runs
off the land carrying soluble and suspended materials such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Groundwater
contamination is likely in areas where soils have high leaching potential, and in areas with thin soils over
fractured limestone or poorly cemented or fractured sandstone bedrock. Local geologic maps and reports
can provide information on types of bedrock, bedrock structure, depth to bedrock, location of fault zones,
characteristics of unconsolidated deposits, depth to water table, aquifer characteristics, and other
geologic and groundwater information at your operation.
Soils vary in their abilities to transmit water. Differences in soil permeability are caused by varying pore
sizes, which are related to the soil's texture and structure. Soils with lower permeability might allow the
time needed for transformation and plant uptake of nutrients, while soils with high permeability might
leach contaminants or nutrients. Permeability can be measured in a laboratory or estimated based on
soil characteristics. You can assess the potential for surface loss and leaching for each soil group
identified at your operation by using soil survey reports, available from USDA Natural Resource
Conservation Services. These reports provide soil map units, photos of features near a site, information
on seasonal flooding and the water table, and engineering interpretation and soil classification.
Several tools, such as the Soil Nitrogen Leaching Index (LI) and Phosphorus Site Index (PI), might assist
your assessment of the potential risk of nitrogen and phosphorus movement to water bodies. The LI
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was developed by USDA Agricultural Research Services to help determine the degree to which water
containing soluble nutrients such as nitrate-nitrogen percolates below the crop root zone. The LI
provides an estimate of the average percolation below 1-meter crop root zone based on the hydrologic
soil group, the amount of average annual precipitation, and the average amount of seasonal precipitation
(October through March). The unit of measurement or vulnerability rating for the LI is inches of water
infiltrating below the 1-meter root zone. The LI does not look at the leaching potential of specific
nutrients, but rather the intrinsic probability of leaching occurring if nutrients are present and available to
leach. A high vulnerability rating (or inches of water infiltrating below the root zone) indicates that the
leaching potential of nutrients through the soil and into the groundwater is high for that site. In that case,
additional applications of animal waste might not be recommended. The LI is available in section II of
USDA's Field Office Technical Guide.
The Phosphorus Index, also developed by USDA, is a simple assessment tool that examines the
potential risk of phosphorus movement to water bodies in two steps. Part A evaluates potential
phosphorus loss due to site and transport characteristics (e.g., soil erosion, subsurface drainage,
leaching potential, distance to surface water). Part B evaluates potential phosphorus loss due to
management practices (e.g., animal waste application rate, application method). The final phosphorus
loss rating should range from <8 to >32 with 32 considered a "very high" potential for phosphorus
movement from the site. The PI is available in USDA's Field Office Technical Guide, state supplements
to the National Agronomy Manual, or state technical notes. See Appendix F for more information on the
Nitrogen Index and the Phosphorus Index.
Your assessment of the potential transport of nutrients and other contaminants from the feedlot and crop
fields to surface and groundwater should contain a narrative description of the overall risks associated
with your operation. This includes risks associated with topography and other geographical
considerations and risk associated with operating and management practices.
4 Conduct Soil Tests and Analyst
^^^L
Soil testing is an important agronomic tool for determining crop nutrient needs. A soil test is a laboratory
procedure that measures the plant-available portion of soil nutrients. This measurement is used to
predict the amount of nutrients that will be available during the growing season. Soil test results form the
basis for determining nutrient recommendations at your operation. Traditional soil tests include tests for
pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, soil organic matter, and electrical conductivity. As a CAFO owner
you must conduct soil tests every 3 years on all fields receiving animal waste and analyze the soil for at
least phosphorus. EPA also recommends analyzing the soil for nitrogen, potassium, pH, salinity, metals,
micronutrients, and organic matter content.
Generally, the soil test report contains the laboratory test results, plus fertilizer and liming
recommendations for the next two crops in the rotation. Additional information regarding the
recommended time and method of fertilizer and lime applications will also be provided in the form of a
soil test note accompanying the report. In certain parts of the country, the pre-plant nitrate test and pre-
sidedress nitrate test are used to determine whether additional nitrogen is necessary after the crop has
begun growing.
You should sample each field area where animal waste nutrients are to be applied. If different field
areas have different soil types, past cropping histories, or different production potentials, you should
sample and manage the fields separately. To ensure that a representative soil sample is collected from
each field, sample the entire area for each individual field at an appropriate depth, and thoroughly mix all
samples for an individual field together. Apportion part of this mixed soil as a representative sample for
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this individual field. Next, send samples for each field to an accredited laboratory for analyses. An
accredited laboratory is one that has been accepted in one or more of the following programs:
# State certified programs.
# The North American Proficiency Testing Program (Soil Science Society of America).
# Laboratories participating in other programs whose tests are accepted by the Land Grant
University in the state in which the tests are used as the basis for nutrient application.
Soil fertility specialists at state land grant universities have conducted extensive research to determine
the most suitable extraction solutions, to correlate soil tests and crop yields, and to calibrate soil tests
with nutrient recommendations. These specialists can provide valuable information and work with you to
ensure accurate testing. As a CAFO owner, you must collect and analyze your soil samples in
accordance with acceptable extension protocols and state nutrient management standards. These
protocols must be included in your PNP.
The analytical results from a soil test extraction are relatively meaningless by themselves. Soil nutrient
levels must be interpreted by you and/or the certified nutrient management specialist in terms of the
soil's ability to supply the nutrients to crops. Most soil test laboratories indicate the interpretation of the
results by use of qualitative terms such as "low," "medium or optimum," and "high or very high." Results
are related to quantities of nutrients extracted. When several samples have been collected from the
same field, you should compare the soil test reports to determine the best rate of animal waste
application and liming. See Appendix E for information on soil sampling, soil testing, and soil analysis
interpretations.
5 Identify Conservation Practices and Management Activities Needed for Erosion
Control and Waste Management
Reducing the amount of runoff and eroded sediment that can reach surface water will in turn reduce the
amount of nutrients that can reach the surface water. Numerous management practices for the control
of runoff and soil erosion have been researched, developed, and implemented. Runoff and erosion
control practices range from changes in agricultural land management (e.g., cover crops, diverse
rotations, conservation tillage, contour farming, contour strip cropping) to the installation of structural
devices (e.g., diversions, grade stabilization structures, grassed waterways, terraces). You should
implement an approved USDA/NRCS conservation plan on all fields.
The principal causes of soil erosion are insufficient vegetative cover (usually the result of inappropriate
tillage and cropping practices for local site conditions); overexposure through use of cultivated crops on
soils not suited to cultivation; and use of improper tillage implements and methods used in preparation
and tillage of the soil. You can minimize soil erosion by using the soil to produce crops to which it is
suited, using adequate fertilizer and lime to promote vigorous growth of plants, and using appropriate soil
preparation and tillage methods or conservation tillage.1
1 Nagle S., G. Evanylo, W.L. Daniels, D. Beegle, V. Groover. Chesapeake Bay Region Nutrient
Management Training Manual. Chapter 2: Basic Soil Science.
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Leaving all or part of the previous crop's residue
on the soil surface is one conservation tillage
practice that can reduce soil erosion. This
practice reduces erosion by decreasing the
splash effect of rainfall and surface runoff and
increasing infiltration. On a bare soil surface, soil
particles are dislodged from soil aggregates by
the explosive action of falling raindrops. Once
soil particles are dislodged, they can be
transported by sheet or concentrated flow across
the soil surface. Surface residue cover protects
soil particles from the forces of precipitation and
reduces any movement. Surface residue can
also form small dams that slow surface runoff, increase opportunities for infiltration, and reduce soil
crusting. With no-till/strip-till systems, the amount of surface residue cover can approach 80% to 90%
after high residue crops, which can reduce erosion by 94 percent. Residue management also reduces
the amount of sediment reaching surface water.2 When animal waste is surface-applied in no-till/strip-till
and ridge-till systems, however, you might need to change your application practices and/or carefully
plan your application to reduce chances of surface runoff because incorporation of animal waste might
not be appropriate. Incorporation of animal waste by injection is the recommended application method in
a no-till or strip-till situation.3 See Appendix I for a listing of commonly considered conservation practice
standards that can be used when developing a permit nutrient plan.
No-Till & Strip-Till Systems
In a no-till system, the residue is left undisturbed from
harvest through planting except for narrow strips that
cause minimal soil disturbance.
In a strip-till system, the residue is often left
undisturbed from harvest through planting except for
strips up to a third of the row width. These strips are
cleared of residue or tilled for warming and drying
purposes either before or during the planting
operation.
USDA/NRCS CORE4 Conservation Practices Training Guide. Chapter 2: Impacts of Residue
Management Practices. Core4 Conservation Practices, August 1999.
3 USDA/NRCS CORE4 Conservation Practices Training Guide. Chapter 4: Conservation Tillage
Equipment. Core4 Conservation Practices, August 1999.
25
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CHAPTER 2
Regulatory Requirements for Evaluation and Treatment of Sites Proposed for Land Application
At a minimum, CAFOs must comply with the following requirements:
t
# Perform soil tests every 3 years using accepted Extension protocols.
# Conduct separate soil samples on each field receiving animal waste.
# Analyze soil for total phosphorus in accordance with state nutrient management standards.
At a minimum, CAFO PNPs must contain the following information:
County(ies) and watershed code(s) where feedlot and land receiving animal was
applications are located.
Location of nearby surface water bodies.
Total acres of operation under the control of the CAFO (owned and rented) and total acres
where animal waste will be applied.
Soil sampling methods.
Soil analytical methods.
Soil test results.
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Additional Recommendations (Voluntary) for Evaluation and Treatment of Sites Proposed for
Land Application
In addition to the Regulatory Requirements listed above, EPA recommends that CAFOs conduct the
following activities:
# Analyze soils for pH, salinity, metals, micronutrients, and organic matter content.
# Implement an approved USDA/NRCS conservation plan on all fields receiving animal wastes.
# Perform the surface water and groundwater assessment using a certified nutrient
management specialist.
# Evaluate soil leaching and permeability at the feedlot in the surface water and groundwater
assessment.
# Classify soils at the feedlot and manure storage areas in terms of their hydrologic
classification.
# Provide farm maps or aerial photos indicating:
S Location and boundaries of operation.
S Individual field boundaries.
S Field number (identification) and acreages.
S Soil types and slopes.
S Location of nearby surface waters and other environmentally sensitive areas (e.g.,
wetlands, sinkholes) where animal waste application is restricted.
# Provide results and discussion of the surface water and groundwater assessment including the
date of the assessment, name of person performing the assessment, and supporting research
and/or analyses used in the assessment.
CAFOs located within a hydrologic unit area identified or designated as having impaired water quality
associated with nitrogen or phosphorus should assess the potential export of nitrogen and/or
phosphorus from fields receiving animal waste using a specified crop rotation. The assessment
should include:
# Record of the phosphorus site rating for each field according to the selected assessment tool.
# Discussion of potential phosphorus accumulation in the soil and potential impact on the
environment, animal health, and human health.
# Discussion of potential soil phosphorus draw-down from the production and harvesting of
crops.
# Information about conservation practices and animal waste management actions that could
reduce potential phosphorus movement from the field.
# Amount of land needed to properly apply animal waste on a phosphorus basis.
Identification of the desired soil phosphorus level.
L_
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CHAPTER 2
D Land Application
As a CAFO owner you must evaluate the environmental impacts of the land application of all nutrients
from animal wastes, commercial fertilizers, biosolids, and other nutrient sources. You must also plan
your nutrient applications to ensure that the proper amounts of all nutrients are applied in a way that
minimizes risks to water quality and public health. You can develop appropriate land application
practices, which are those that maximize the nutrient value of animal waste and minimize surface runoff
and leaching of nutrients, by using the following six-step process:
#
#
#
#
#
#
ements
Identify planned crop rotations and document crop nutrient requirements.
Develop an appropriate animal waste application rate.
Identify and use an appropriate animal waste application method.
Evaluate the timing of animal waste applications.
Understand animal waste application restrictions.
Calibrate animal waste application equipment.
Each of these steps are described more fully below.
Identify Planned Crop Rotations, and Document Crop Nutrient Requirements
The first step in developing appropriate land
application practices is to identify your
planned crop rotations. A rotation is the
growing of a sequence of crops to optimize
yield and crop quality, minimize the cost of
production, and maintain or improve soil
productivity. As a CAFO owner you must
describe your planned sequence of crops
(e.g., corn for silage, soybeans), preferably
for 5 years. This should include your
planting and harvesting dates and residue
management practices. You should start
with last year's crop and project the crop rotation for the next 4 years. Crop rotation is important in
calculating total nutrient needs over the period of the rotation, nutrient buildup, and nutrient removal via
harvesting.
Benefits of Crop Rotations
A cropping sequence with a variety of crop types
(grasses, legumes) and rooting characteristics
(shallow roots, deep roots, tap roots) better utilizes
available soil nutrients. Following a shallow-rooted
crop with a deep-rooted crop helps scavenge nutrients
that might have moved below the root zone of the first
crop.
Source: CORE4 Conservation Practices, August 1999
Once your have identified your crops,
determine and document the crops'
nutrient requirements (i.e., nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium) and include a
description of the expected crop yield.
Plant growth can require more than 20
chemical elements; 16 of these elements
are considered essential for plant growth.
The primary essential elements include
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nutrient requirements of specific crops
are readily available from your state and
local Cooperative Extension Offices.
Sixteen Essential Elements for Plant Growth
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Iron
Manganese
Boron
Molybdenum
Copper
Zinc
Chlorine
Sulfur
Source: Chesapeake Bay Region Nutrient Management Training
Manual
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The total nutrient requirements for your fields are largely based on your expected crop yields. Generally,
the higher the yield expectation, the higher the nutrient requirement. Methods for calculating expected
yield goals include using past crop yields for that field, county yield records, soil productivity tables, or
local research. Your expected yield must be based on realistic soil, climate, and management
parameters. An unrealistic estimate can result in either too many or too few nutrients being applied.
Because climate can significantly affect yields, you should base your expectations on data from at least
the last 5 years. Given a crop rotation, Cooperative Extension Offices and/or soil laboratories can and
often do provide recommended nutrients/amendments to meet your expected yield. This
recommendation takes the current soil test for that field into consideration and should be used as the
crop nutrient requirements for that year.
s
2 Develop an Appropriate Nutrient Application Rate
The objective for determining an application rate is to match, as closely as possible, the amount of
available nutrients in animal waste with the amount required by the crop. The basic equation for
calculating agronomic application rates for animal wastes is:
Agronomic application rate = Crop nutrient requirement - Nutrient credits
Crop nutrient requirement = Crop nutrient uptake x crop yield
Nutrients credits =J Legume nitrogen credits + nitrogen residual from past
animal waste applications + nutrients from commercial
fertilizer applications + irrigation water nitrate nitrogen +
ither nitrogen credits
oth<
ents av
apply in the animal waste. Each of these credits is des
# Credits from previous legume crops. Atmos
Essentially, nutrient credits are all other nutrients available to your crop in addition to the nutrients you
scribed further below.
previous legume crops. Atmospheric nitrogen is fixed by legume plants and
brought into the soil. Amounts of nitrogen added by legume production vary by plant species
and growing conditions. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Office or Land Grant
University to determine appropriate legume credits for your crop rotations.
^B
# Residuals from long-term animal waste applications. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient that
Dccurs in the soil and plants in many forms. Figure 3 presents estimated availability of different
forms of nitrogen in animal waste. Not all nitrogen that you apply in animal waste applications is
available to the crop during the year of application. Some of the nutrients require organic
material decomposition before they are made available for plants. A percentage of last year's
nitrogen and a smaller percentage of previous years' nitrogen will become plant-available during
the crop season. For example, 12% of organic nitrogen might be available from 1 year ago, 5%
might be available from 2 years ago, and 2% might be available from 3 years ago. Because
these values depend on animal types and local climate, you should use mineralization rates from
your local Cooperative Extension Office to determine the amount of nitrogen available from
previous animal waste application. Typically, phosphorus and potassium are considered 100%
plant-available the year of application. Therefore, little or no residual amounts of phosphorus
and potassium are calculated.
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Figure 3. Availability of Manure Nitrogen
Urine
ammonium-N
Ammonium N % Available
Sidedress application
Incorporated 100
Sprinkler irrigation 50
Preplant application & incorporated:
Immediately
One day later
Two days later
Three days later
4
Not incorporated
95
50 (cattle)
70 (swine)
25 (cattle)
50 (swine)
15 (cattle)
35 (swine)
5 to 20
Preplant application in fall
before spring planting 0
Organic N from % Available
Present application
Beef/dairy
Solid (including feedlot) 25
Stored liquid
Compost
Swine
Stored liquid
Poultry
Deep pit
Solid with litter 30
Solid without litter 35
Organic N from % Available
1 yew ago 12
2 years ago 5
3 years ago 2
Crop Ammonium N Organic N Organic N
available = from present + from present + from past
application application application
Source: Core4 Conservation Practices, August 1999
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# Nutrients supplied by commercial fertilizer and/or biosolids applications. Pound-for-
pound, animal waste does not have the same value as commercial fertilizer. Farmers often
supplement animal waste applications with commercial fertilizer applications. Furthermore,
since animal waste contains relatively high concentrations of phosphorus, crops are not supplied
with sufficient amounts of nitrogen when waste is applied on a phosphorus basis. Therefore,
commercial nitrogen fertilizer will likely be required to meet the crop's nitrogen requirements.
You must include the nutrient contribution from commercial fertilizers and biosolids in your
animal waste application rate calculations. Provide the date (day, month, year) of each
commercial fertilizer and/or biosolids application.
# Irrigation water. Irrigation water, especially from shallow aquifers, contains some nitrogen in
the form of nitrate nitrogen. Also, water from runoff ponds and storage lagoons contains
nutrients. To calculate the amount of nitrogen applied with irrigation water, you must conduct a
water analysis to determine the concentration of nitrate nitrogen in the water (in ppm or mg/l).
The amount of nitrogen added in irrigation water equals the nitrate nitrogen concentration
multiplied by the irrigation water volume (in acre-inches) and a conversion factor of 0.23.
# Other nitrogen credits. Other nitrogen credits come from atmospheric deposition from dust
and ammonia in rainwater. Atmospheric deposition is recorded by a number of weatherstations
throughout the United States and can be obtained from the National Atmospheric Deposition
Program, Fort Collins, Colorado. Atmospheric deposition can range from a few pounds of
nitrogen per acre to more than 30 pounds.
J>W
The use of animal waste as a nutrient source requires careful planning because the nutrients contained
in the waste are not balanced in the same proportion as crop requirements. While most animal waste
has a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio from 3-2-3 to 2-1-2, crops require nutrients in a ratio of 8-1-3
or 3-1-2. Therefore, applying animal waste based on one of the crops' nutrient requirements creates
either a nutrient deficiency or excess for the other two elements. Most state guidelines/policies allow
animal waste applications at rates sufficient to meet, but not exceed the nitrogen needs of agronomic
crops. In areas with high soil phosphorus levels, however, states often recommend that animal waste be
applied at rates sufficient to meet, but not exceed the phosphorus needs of agronomic crops.
Excess levels of phosphorus application will build up in the soil and be expressed by higher soil test
levels. The rate of buildup depends on the soil type, soil test method, and excess level of phosphorus
application. As a general guidance rule, it takes between 8 to 16 pounds of excess phosphorus to raise
the soil test level of phosphorus by 1 pound.4 Many states have developed a relationship between soil
test levels of phosphorus and the potential for significant phosphorus movement to surface or
groundwater. Some states have set threshold soil test levels of phosphorus at which either animal waste
application should be based on the crops' phosphorus requirements or management practices should be
put into place to control runoff and erosion. Above some soil test phosphorus levels, there might even
be a total restriction of additional phosphorus application to the field. Some states also use the results
from the Phosphorus Site Index to determine whether animal waste should be applied on a nitrogen or
phosphorus basis.
As a CAFO owner you must not exceed the crops' and soils' nitrogen requirements. In addition, you
must not exceed annual agronomic crop or soil requirements for phosphorus under the following
circumstances:
4 USDA/NRCS CORE4 Conservation Practices Training Guide. Appendix A - Phosphorus Buildup
Calculation.
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CHAPTER 2
Phosphorus Test/Indicator
Rating
Soil test
Soil phosphorus thresholds
Phosphorus Index
"high" or "very high"
3/4 to 2 times the
threshold
"high"
You must not apply any animal waste orwastewater under the following circumstances:
Phosphorus Test/Indicator
Soil test
Soil phosphorus thresholds
Phosphorus
Index ^
Rating
"excessive"
> 2 times the threshold
"very high"
In addition, multiyear applications of animal wastes or wastewater on a phosphorus basis are prohibited
under the following circumstances unless manure application equipment designed for dry poultry manure
or litter cannot obtain an application rate low enough to meet a phosphorus based application rate as
determined by the PNP.
Phosphorus Test/Indicator
Rating
Soil test
Soil phosphorus thresholds
Phosphorus Index
"high" or "very high"
3/4 to 2 times the
threshold
"high"
In the situation of the dry poultry manure application, if a phosphorus-based application occurs during
one given year that exceeds the crop removal rate for that given year, no additional manure, litter, or
wastewater can be applied to the same land in subsequent years until all of the applied phosphorus has
been removed from the field via crop removal and harvest.
In some areas animal waste application rates might need to be based on parameters other than
nutrients. For example, in regions of the country where farmlands are overloaded with salt, the salt
content of animal waste, often measured as electrical conductivity, might be the appropriate parameter
for limiting land application rates. If you are using these alternative application rates, you must not
exceed the nutrient requirements of the planned crops. See Appendix G for information on calculating
nutrient application rates.
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3 Identify and Use an Appropriate Animal Waste Application Method
You should always apply animal waste uniformly and at your approved application rate. As a CAFO
owner, you must provide the date (day, month, year) and method of each animal waste application. To
better describe the conditions on the day of the application, you must also provide rainfall amounts for
the 24-hour period before and after application. Although many equipment options exist, there are
basically two general methods of application: subsurface application and surface application. The
method of application is generally dictated by the form of the waste (i.e., solid, semisolid, liquid).
# Subsurface application. Solid, semisolid, and liquid waste can all be applied using this
method. When feasible, this is the preferred method of animal waste application. Subsurface
applications can be conducted by mechanically incorporating the waste into the soil or by
injecting the waste directly into the soil. Mechanical incorporation can be performed using
moldboard plows, chisel plows, or heavy discs. To reduce nutrient losses, mechanical
incorporation should be conducted before waste dries, usually within 2 days or less of
application. Injection requires a liquid waste spreader and equipment to deposit waste below the
soil surface. To prevent nutrient losses, the openings made by the injectors must be closed
following application.
Immediate incorporation of waste in the spring will increase the amount of plant-available
nitrogen by reducing ammonia loss. Incorporation in soils with low runoff potential can help
prevent the movement of nutrients and pathogens from animal waste to surface waters. Where
soil erosion is a problem, however, tillage might result in unacceptable losses of soil and
nutrients.
Injection is likely the best method of incorporating liquid and semisolid animal waste in reduced-
till or no-till cropping systems because crop residues left on the surface act as a mulch, and
exposed soil surface is minimal.
^H
# Surface application of liquid waste (irrigation). The three predominant systems used for
surface application of liquid animal wastes (irrigation) are solid sets, center pivots, and traveling
guns. Solid set systems are series of sprinklers generally supplied by underground pipe. Center
pivot systems are generally used in large fields and must be able to travel in a circle. Traveling
guns are high-pressure, high-output, single-nozzle systems that crawl down travel lanes in the
field. Liquid wastes can also be surface applied with tank spreaders.
Irrigation can save considerable amounts of time and labor when applying large volumes of
wastewater and/or liquid animal waste. Sometimes is might be necessary to dilute liquid animal
wastes with fresh water for salinity or other plant requirements, or to facilitate application via
irrigation. Irrigation provides you with flexibility in applying animal wastes during the growing
season and has the added advantage of supplying water during the growing season's drier
periods. Infiltrating liquid can carry much of the easily volatilized ammonia into the soil, although
some ammonia will still be lost from the spray before it reaches the soil. The irrigation system
must, however, be matched to the topography, cropping program, nutrient, and water needs of
the crops, as well as infiltration, percolation rate, and water holding capacity of the soil. You
should not use irrigation to apply animal wastes unless solids have been removed or chopped
very fine. If solids are present, the nozzles will clog and the system will not operate properly.
Irrigation may also produce aerosol sprays that can cause odor problems.
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# Surface application of dry, solid waste. This application method is very effective at applying
dry, bulky animal wastes such as poultry litter. Surface application is typically conducted using a
box spreader with a chain-drag delivery to a fan or beater spreader mechanism or tank wagon
equipped with splash plates.
sm or tar
Although this is a relatively easy method for applying animal wastes to the land, it has several
disadvantages. First, when you apply animal wastes to the surface of the soil without
incorporation, most of the unstable, rapidly mineralized organic nitrogen from the waste will be
lost through the volatilization of ammonia gas. Volatilization will increase with time, temperature,
wind, and low humidity. Surface application without incorporation also increases the likelihood of
nutrient losses via surface runoff. Surface runoff losses are more likely on soils with high runoff
potential, soils subject to flooding, soils that are snow-covered and/or frozen (via runoff once the
snow melts or soil thaws), and soils with little or no vegetative cover. Second, aerosol sprays
produced by mixing animal wastes and air during this type of application can carry odors
considerable distances. Third, this application method provides poor distribution of nutrients,
which can be aggravated with heavy winds. In addition, precision application of animal wastes,
such as poultry litter, with a geared box spreader can be difficult.
You can reduce nutrient losses when using surface application by implementing soil conservation
practices such as contour strip cropping, crop residue management, cover crops, diversion
terraces, vegetative buffer strips, and grass waterways. You can get more information about
conservation practices from your local soil and water conservation district and USDA's Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
Evaluate the Timing of Animal Waste Applications
Timing of animal waste application is an important consideration for nutrient availability. The longer
waste is in the soil before crops take up the nutrients, the more those nutrients, especially nitrogen, can
be lost through volatilization, denitrification, leaching, and surface runoff. In essence, the timing of
application should be driven by common sense. You should carefully consider the hydrologic cycle and
hydrologic sensitivity of your fields when making management decisions. Ideally, you should apply all
animal waste after the threat of spring runoff has diminished and just prior to the period of maximum
crop uptake.
# Spring applications. Applications made during this time are best for conserving nutrients
because the threat of surface runoff and leaching diminish in late spring. This time period is also
favorable because it is just before the period of maximum crop uptake, allowing for efficient
nutrient utilization.
# Summer applications. Early summer is an ideal time to apply animal waste because it is
generally the time of maximum crop uptake. The problem is applying the waste without
damaging crops, however. Options for applying animal waste in the early summer include side-
dressing waste by injecting it between corn rows, irrigating liquid waste over corn rows when the
corn is 3 to 12 inches tall (taller corn stalks can suffer more leaf damage), or applying waste to
forages such as hay fields and grasses after the first and second cuttings, or to pastures with
small stubble. You can also apply mid to late summer applications onto harvested stubble fields.
Nitrogen in the animal waste stimulates more growth of the cover crop, especially for non-
legume species that require nitrogen. The cover crop takes up the nutrients and holds them in
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an organic form in the plant, preventing them from leaching or being tied up in the soil complex.
These nutrients might then be available for next year's crop when the crop residue breaks down.5
# Fall applications. Fall application of animal waste generally results in greater nutrient loss than
spring application regardless of the application method, but especially if the waste is not
incorporated into the soil. The increase in nutrient loss results from mobile nutrients such as
nitrogen leaching out of the soil during this period. Many of the nonleachable nutrients react with
the soil to form insoluble compounds that build soil fertility but some are bound so tightly that
they might not be available for the next crop. In fall, waste is best applied at low rates to fields
that will be planted in winter grains or cover crops. If winter crops are not planted, waste should
be applied to the fields containing the most vegetation or crop residues. Sod fields to be plowed
the next spring are also acceptable, but fields where corn silage was removed and a cover crop
will not be planted are undesirable sites.
# Winter applications. Winter waste applications typically result in the greatest nutrient losses.
Research indicates that winter applications increase runoff during rainfall events. Most of the
seasonal runoff occurs during snowmelt in late winter or early spring. Also, animal waste applied
in winter generally does have the opportunity to dry and anchor to the soil surface or to be
incorporated into the soil. If you must apply waste during the winter, apply it to fields that have
the lowest runoff and erosion potential. The fields should not be subject to spring flooding, and
you should try to incorporate the waste into the soi
5 Understand Animal Waste Application Restrictions
Although animal waste is a valuable resource, it can also cause extensive damage if placed in
environmentally sensitive areas or applied at inappropriate times. To protect water quality, you must not
apply animal waste closer than 100 feet to any surface water body, tile line intake structure, sinkhole, or
agricultural well head. In addition, you should not apply animal waste in the following areas or under the
following conditions:
# Near or in wetlands, riparian buffer areas, water sources, wells, drinking water supplies, high
slope areas, and high erosion areas.
# Within concentrated water flow areas (vegetated or nonvegetated) such as ditches, waterways,
gullies, swales, and intermittent streams.
# ^f When the hydraulic load/irrigation water exceeds the infiltration rate of the soil.
When crops are not being grown.
When the ground is frozen or snow-covered.
# When measurable precipitation is occurring on the day of application.
5 Martin H.D., and C. Brown. Manure Application Scheduling. Proceeding from the Liquid Manure
Application Systems Conference. Rochester, NY. 1994.
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6 Calibrate Animal Waste Application Equipment
You must calibrate your spreaders and irrigation equipment at a minimum of once per year. You should
calibrate you equipment before each application period to ensure that animal wastes are delivered at the
proper rate of application. Spreaders can discharge waste at varying rates depending on forward travel
speed, power takeoff speed, gear box settings, discharge opening, width of spread, overlap patterns, and
other parameters. Calibration defines the combination of settings and travel speed needed to apply
animal waste at a desired rate. There are two basic calibration techniques:
The load-area method, which involves measuring the waste amount in a loaded spreader and
then calculating the number of spreader loads required to cover a known land area.
The weight-area method, which requires weighing waste spread over a small surface and
computing the quantity of waste applied per acre.
#
#
The best calibration method depends on the type of spreader you plan to use. Soil-injection, liquid
spreaders must be calibrated using the load-area method because soil-injected waste cannot be
collected. Liquid waste that is surface-applied through a tank spreader is also best measured by the
load-area method because of the difficulty in collecting the liquid waste. But it can be measured with the
weight-area method. You can use either method to measure solid and semisolid waste. See Appendix H
for more information on calibration of animal waste spreaders and irrigation equipment.
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Regulatory Requirements for Land Application
At a minimum, CAFOs must comply with the following requirements:
x
# Do not exceed nitrogen requirements of the crops or soils.
# Do not exceed the annual agronomic or soil requirements for phosphorus if:
S Soil phosphorus tests are rated as "high" or "very high."
S Soil phosphorus tests are equal to 3/4, but not greater than 2 times the soil
phosphorus threshold value.
S Phosphorus Index rating is "high."
# Do not apply animal wastes if:
S Soil phosphorus tests are rated as "excessive."
S Soil phosphorus tests are greater than 2 times the soil phosphorus threshold value.
S Phosphorus Index rating is "very high."
# Muliyear applications of animal waste on a phosphorus basis under the following conditions,
unless manure application equipment designed for dry poultry litter cannot obtain the require
application rate:
S Soil phosphorus tests are rated as "high" or "very high."
S Soil phosphorus tests are equal to 3/4, but not greater than 2 times the soil
phosphorus threshold value.
S Phosphorus Index rating is "high."
# Calibrate manure spreader and irrigation equipment at least once per year.
At a minimum, CAFO owners and managers must not apply animal wastes to the following areas:
# Within 100 feet of any surface water, tile line intake structure, sinkhole, or agricultural well
head.
At a minimum, CAFO PNPs must include the following information:
# Identification of all planned crops.
# Expected crop yields and the basis for yield estimates for each crop.
# Crop planting dates.
# Actual crop yields.
# Identification of fields receiving animal waste.
# Total acreage receiving animal waste.
# Animal waste application rate.
# Identification of whether animal waste application rate is based on nitrogen, phosphorus, or
other parameter.
Amount of any other nutrients applied to the land in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium.
# Calculations showing total nutrients applied to the land.
# Animal waste application method.
# Estimate of nitrogen losses based on application method and route of the nitrogen loss.
# Date of animal waste application.
# Date of calibration of application equipment.
# Rainfall amounts 24 hours before and after application.
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Additional Recommendations (Voluntary) for Land Application
In addition to the Regulatory Requirements listed above, EPA recommends that CAFOs conduct the
following activities:
)OIUItx.
yof
'ater
# Incorporate animal wastes into the soil within 2 days of application, whenever possible.
# Apply animal wastes just prior to the period of maximum crop uptake.
# Do not apply animal wastes when measurable precipitation is occurring on the day
application.
# Do not apply animal wastes to riparian buffer areas.
# Do not apply animal wastes within 200 feet of wells, springs, and pubic drinking water
supplies.
# Do not apply animal wastes within 200 feet of a water source when the slope is greater than
8%.
# Do not apply animal wastes where land is eroding at more than 5 tons per acre per year.
# Do not apply animal wastes where land is eroding at 5 to 10 tons per acre per year unless
grass filter strips are installed at the points where runoff/erosion leave the field.
# Do not apply animal wastes prior to 30 days before the normal growing season.
# Do not apply animal wastes when soil is snow-covered to a depth greater than 1 inch.
# Do not apply animal wastes when soil is snow-covered to a depth of less than 1 inch unless
the animal waste is incorporated.
# Do not apply animal wastes when soil is frozen and/or saturated.
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E Record of PNP Implementation
As a CAFO owner you must maintain a record of activities related to animal waste management and
animal waste application to the land. These records will assist you in your annual review of the permit
nutrient plan and in making management decisions that might affect your operation's manure and waste
production, collection, storage, treatment, and application to the land.
You must maintain records associated with the "Regulatory Requirements" in the tables identified at the
end of sections II.B through II.D fora period of at least 5 years. In addition, if you sell or otherwise
transport your animal waste off site for usage on lands that are not under your operational control, you
must maintain the following records for a period of at least 5 years:
# Animal waste analyses
# Amount of animal waste, by weight, sold or transported off site
# Dates (day, month, year) when manure was sold or transported off site
# Destination or third party hauler
You should consider keeping all records related to animal waste management and permit nutrient
planning together in one centralized area (e.g., a three-ring binder). Centralized record keeping can
assist you in performing the requirements and additional recommendations identified in this chapter.
These include reviewing past test results to determine if changes should be made to your animal waste
application rate, tracking when activities such as soil sampling need to be performed, and recording
required data such as the dates of animal waste application and equipment calibration.
F Animal Nutrition Management
If you have determined that you need to reduce the nutrient content of the animal waste because you do
not have enough available cropland to apply all of your waste at the recommended application rate,
consider animal nutrition management. With animal nutrition management, you can reduce the amount
of both nitrogen and phosphorus, in animal manure. Animal nutrition management can include the use
of low-phosphorus corn and enzymes such as phytase, which can be added to nonruminant animal diets
to increase the utilization of phosphorus and/or the use of finely ground or pelletized feed to increase
digestion. You can also reduce the input of nutrients and better utilize the nutrients in the forage to
reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus excreted by the animal. These approaches will produce
manure with a nitrogen-phosphorus ratio closer to that required by crops and forage plants, thereby
reducing the amount of excess nutrients applied to the land and the amount of animal waste requiring
increased storage times.
It is becoming more common for poultry, swine, and dairy producers to develop and implement feeding
strategies as part of their overall nutrient management plans. An animal nutritionist, such as a certified
professional from the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, should be consulted if
voluntary animal nutrition management area is included in a PNP. A brief discussion of the strategies
used at these operations is provided below. Whether or not animal nutrition management is included in
a PNP, an animal nutritionist should be consulted before making any changes in feeding strategies to
ensure changes will maintain animal health and productivity.
# Poultry feeding strategies. Three possible strategies for decreasing the amount of phosphorus
excreted by broilers and layers are: feeding the birds a formulation closer to the actual amount of
39 December 15, 2000
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
phosphorus required by them6; using feed additives (e.g., enzymes such as phytase, enzyme
cocktails, and vitamin D3 metabolites) that maximize the availability of phosphorus for broilers;
and using new ingredients that are low in phytate phosphorus, such as the high available
phosphorus corns currently being developed and tested.7 You can also decrease the nutrients in
the animal waste by controlling feed spills and wasteage that would otherwise become part of the
collected animal waste.
# Swine feeding strategies. Possible strategies for reducing the nutrient content of swine
manure are: feeding the pigs a formulation closer to the actual amount required by the animals
for optimum rather than maximum performance8; implementing multi-phase feeding and
separate sex feeding; improving feed efficiency; using high-quality protein sources and
crystalline amino acids; and improving the availability of phosphorus in feeds with phytase9.
# Dairy feeding strategies. The amount of nutrients excreted in dairy manure can be reduced by
feeding the cows a formulation that better matches their nutritional requirements10 and by
improving feeding accuracy. Monitoring milk urea nitrogen levels is a tool for evaluating protein
feeding levels in dairy cows, and routine use could lower the nitrogen content of dairy manure11.
More information on feeding strategies to reduce nutrient production at your operation can be obtained
from your industry associations (e.g., National Cattlemen's Beef Association), your local Cooperative
Extension Office, and land grant universities that are conducing research in this area.
G Other Animal Waste Utilization Options
Animal manure and waste collected from CAFOs is typically utilized as a fertilizer for plants or as a soil
amendment. You can also use animal waste as a source of energy, bedding, animal feed, and mulch,
however. Although there are a number of alternative uses for animal waste, in practice only a small
fraction of animal waste is used for purposes other than land application.
Alternative uses of cattle waste include composting, recovery of energy, refeeding to livestock, bedding,
algae and fish production in lagoons, and reclamation of sandy and mined soil. You can use solids from
solids separation operations for livestock bedding; mix it with grains and other materials for refeeding to
National Research Council Nutrient Requirements of Poultry, Ninth Revised Edition. National Academy
Press, Washington, D.C. 1994.
Angel, R. Feeding Poultry to Minimize Manure Phosphorus. Proceedings from Managing Nutrients and
Pathogens from Animal Agriculture. Camp Hill, PA. 2000.
P,
8
National Research Council Nutrient Requirements of Swine, Tenth Revised Edition. National Academy
ress, Washington, D.C. 1998.
Harper, A. F. Managing Swine Feeding to Minimize Manure Nutrients. Proceedings from Managing
Nutrients and Pathogens from Animal Agriculture. Camp Hill, PA. 2000.
10 National Research Council Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, Seventh Revised Edition. National
Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 2000.
11 Jonker, J.S., R.A. Kohn, and R.A. Erdman. Milk Urea Nitrogen Target Concentrations for Lactating Dairy
Cows Fed According to National Research Council Recommendations. J. Dairy Sci. 82: 1261-1273. 1999.
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
cattle; or dry, bag, and sell it on the retail market. Waste can also be treated in an anaerobic digester to
produce a source of energy. During anaerobic digestion, liquid waste is confined in an airtight vessel and
decomposed, producing methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water vapor as gaseous by-
products. You can then use this biogas for powering electricity generating equipment. The electricity
can be used at the animal operation or sold to a local utility. You can also use the gas directly to run
animal heating equipment. Additional uses of waste include pyrolysis, hydrogasification, oil conversion
processes, and fish farming. Pyrolysis is a process in which animal waste is pretreated by
thermochemical processes in a closed system at elevated temperatures. This process produces a gas
fraction that is an oil or fuel when condensed.12
as^
Broiler (not turkey) litter, when mixed with feed grains, is a successful feed for cattle. More than 4% of
the poultry litter produced in the United States was fed to cattle in 1992. You can also sell poultry litter to
nurseries and garden stores as an organic soil amendment for home owners or have it pelletized and
marketed as a fertilizer.13 In addition, you can incinerate the litter and use it as a fuel source or compost
the litter and reuse it as bedding materials for animals such as turkeys.
Swine waste has been used to generate energy via anaerobic digestion to heat pig housing. It is also
occasionally refed to other animals. In some instances, however, the copper levels and antimicrobial
drug residues found in swine waste have limited its beneficial uses. Treating and/or drying swine waste
makes it much easier and cheaper to transport off site.
Ill Permit Nutrient Plan Requirement Checklist
The following list summarizes the minimum requirements for a CAFO permit nutrient plan. You should
include additional components, as necessary, to adequately characterize and describe your operation
and the land areas that will receive animal waste applications. Chapter 3 provides a sample permit
nutrient plan that provides a suggested template for formatting your plan, as well as an example of the
type of information you should provide.
12 Eghball B., and J. F. Power. Management of Manure from Beef Cattle in Feedlots and Minor Classes of
Livestock. Agricultural Utilization of Municipal, Animal and Industrial Byproducts.
13 Moore P.A, T.C. Daniel, A.N. Sharpley, and C.W. Wood. Poultry Manure Management. Agricultural
Utilization of Municipal, Animal and Industrial Byproducts.
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MANAGING MANURE AND ITS NUTRIENTS AT CAFOs CHAPTER 2
CAFO Permit Nutrient Plan Requirements
General Information
Q Cover sheet
Q Executive summary
Animal Waste Production
Q Quantity of animal waste produced and collected during each 12 month period
Q Calculations for estimating the amount of animal waste collected
Q Animal waste sampling techniques
Q Animal waste test results
Animal Waste Handling, Collection, Storage, and Treatment
Q Emergency response plan
Q Plan for properly handling and disposing of dead animals in a timely manner
Q Records of catastrophic or chronic rainfall event that cause overflows
Land Application Sites
Q County(ies) and watershed code(s) where feedlot and land receiving animal waste applications are located
Q Location of nearby surface water bodies
Q Total acres of operation under the control of the CAFO (owned and rented) and total acres where animal waste will be
applied
Q Soil sampling methods
Q Soil analytical methods
Q Soil test results
Land Application
Q Identification of all planned crops
Q Expected crop yields and the basis for yiek
Q Crop planting dates
Q Actual crop yields
Q Identification of fields receiving animal waste
Q Total acreage receiving animal waste
Q Animal waste application rate
Q Identification of whether animal waste application rate is based on nitrogen, phosphorus, or other parameter
Q Amount of any other nutrients applied to the land in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
Q Calculations showing total nutrients applied to the land
Q Animal waste application method
Q Estimate of nitrogen losses based on application method and route of the nitrogen loss
Q Date of animal waste application
Q Date of calibration of application equipment
Q Rainfall amounts 24-hours before and after application
Other Uses/Off-Site Transfer
Q Description of other use
Q Date of off-site transfer (day, month, year)
Q Quantity of waste transported off site
Name and location of recipient of animal waste
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CHAPTER 3: SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
This chapter presents an example of a CAFO permit nutrient plan that complies with all of EPA's
regulatory requirements described in this guidance manual. EPA believes this example serves as the
minimum plan for CAFOs. Additional information might be required in your plan to properly characterize
your operation and nutrient management practices. Consult with your state and local Cooperative
Extension Office to determine the information that should be included in your site-specific plan.
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
Facility Name:
Operator Name:
COVER SHEET
The Dairy Farm
Joe Farmer
Telephone Number: (301)555-1212
Street Address:
1234 Milk House Road
Revisions (Date and Description):
Original plan prepared March 30, 2000
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Annual Number of Livestock Produced or Housed On Site:
Approximately 850 cows (lactating, dry, heifers, and calves) are housed on site annually.
Average Herd/Flock Size:
The average herd is 500 lactating cows, 150 heifers, 100 dry cows, and 50 calves.
Total Amount of Animal Waste Produced Annually:
Waste Type
Solid A
Liquid ^^r
Annual Production/Collection
5,875 tons
6.6 million gallons
Description of Animal Waste Collection, Handling, Storage, and Treatment
Practices:
A waste storage lagoon is used to store liquid wastes from the milking center and flush barns, runoff from
the feedlot, and direct precipitation. Wastes from the milking center and flush barns are treated with a
solid/liquid separator prior to discharge into the storage lagoon. A concrete slab is used to store solid
wastes from the dry lot, calf hutches, and solids separator.
Crop Production History for Past 5 Years:
Field Number
1
1
1
\
2
2
3
3
4
4
Acres
250
250 ^^V
250 f
125
125
125
175
175
200
200
Year
1995- 1997
1998-1999
1998- 1999
1995-1997
1998- 1999
1998-1999
1995- 1997
1998-1999
1995- 1997
1998-1999
Crop
Alfalfa
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Alfalfa
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Corn-silage
Alfalfa
Corn-silage
Alfalfa
Yield (tons/acre)
5, 5,6
20,22
3,4
5,5,6
21,22
3,4
23,21,20
5,5
23, 20, 20
5,5
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (CONT.)
Animal Waste Application Rate:
Field Number
1
1
2
2
3
4
Crop
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Alfalfa ^
Alfalfa ^P
Nutrient Basis for
Application Rate
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Application Rate
(Ib/acre)
143
13 "^^^
143
13
0
0
Watershed Information Including Environmental Concerns:
The Dairy Farm is located in the "Livestock" watershed (code 01-01-01-01) and 0.5 miles southeast from
Freestall Creek, the nearest water body. The watershed nutrient of concern is nitrogen.
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN CHAPTER 3
ANIMAL WASTE PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT
(This section of the plan should quantify the number of animals maintained at the operation and the
amount of animal waste produced and collected. It should also describe the required animal waste
storage capacity for the operation and compare that to the available animal waste storage capacity.)
Maximum Livestock Capacity:
The Dairy Farm's maximum capacity is 1,250 head.
Maximum Number of Livestock Maintained at Any One Time:
(Only required if substantially different than the maximum livestock capacity.)
The Dairy Farm has maintained a maximum of 900 head at any one time.
Annual Number of Livestock Produced or Housed On Site:
500 milking cows; 150 dry cows; 100 heifers; 100 calves (approximately 50% of the calves born are
transferred to beef backgrounding operations after weaning).
Quantity of Animal Waste Produced and Collected Annually:
(Include all calculations used to estimate the quantity of waste produced and collected.)
Solid Waste: Solid waste is collected from the dry lot where the dry cows and heifers are housed and the
hutches where the calves are housed. Approximately 8,000 pounds of manure are collected weekly and
transferred to a concrete slab for storage until land application. This was calculated by weighing the
front-end loader before and after a load of manure was removed from the dry lot.
In addition 31,000 pounds of solids from the solids separator are generated daily. This is from milking
center and freestall barn waste. This was also calculated by weighing the front-end loader before and
after removing the solids.
Therefore, annual collection of solid animal waste can be calculated from the following equation.
Solid waste = (8,000 Ibs/week x 52 weeks/yr) + (31,000 Ibs/day x 365 days/yr)
11,730,000 Ibs/yr + 2000 Ibs/ton
= 5,875 tons/yr
Liquid Waste: Liquid waste collected and stored in the waste storage pond consists of flush water from
the milking center (parlor, holding area, and milk room); flush water from the freestall barns where the
milking cows are housed; runoff from the feedlot; and direct precipitation. An estimated total of 6.6
million gallons/year of liquid waste is produced at the operation. The following calculations were used to
estimate the quantity of liquid waste produced and collected at The Dairy Farm.
Milking Center = 30 gallons/cow/day x 500 cows/day
= 15,000 gallons/day x 365 days/yr
= 5,475,000 gallons/yr
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
ANIMAL WASTE PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT (CONT.)
Flush Barns
recycled
Most of the water used to flush the freestall barns is recycled from the
lagoon. However, one day's worth of flushing is calculated as part of the
lagoon's design capacity.
100 gallons/cow/day x 600 cows/day
60,000 gallons/yr.
Runoff
f
Direct Precipitation
Total Liquid Waste
Collection area = 15 acres
Annual precipitation is assumed to be 5 inches and 40% is assumed to
runoff the dry lot
15 acres x 43500 sf/acre x 5 inches/yr -M2 inches/ft x 40%
108,800 cfx 7.48 gal/cf
813,824 gallons/yr
Inches precipitation/yrx surface area x 1 inch/12 ft
5 inches/yr x 1 inch/12 ft x 200 ft x 425 ft
35,500 cf/yr
265,000 gallons/yr
5,475,000 gal/yr + 60,000 gal/yr + 813,824 gal/yr + 265,000 gal/yr
6,613,824 gallons/
313,824 gallons/yr
Storage Capacity of Animal Waste Storage Facilities:
(Describe the required annual animal waste storage capacity for the operation and compare that to the
available animal waste storage capacity.)
The storage facilities used at The Dairy Farm are a waste storage lagoon and a concrete slab for storage
of solid animal wastes including separated solids. The waste storage lagoon and concrete slab were
both designed for 180 days of storage. The storage lagoon is 12 feet deep, 425 feet long, and 200 feet
wide with a maximum capacity of 7.6 million gallons. The concrete slab is 300 feet long by 200 feet
wide, and assuming a pile height of 10 feet, has a maximum capacity of 200,000 cubic feet or 6,100 tons
of animal waste.
The available storage capacity is more than adequate for 180 days of storage. The design capacity of
the lagoon and concrete slab both exceed the annual volume of waste. However, all of the animal waste
can not be applied to the four fields in the current crop rotation. The operation is currently selling some
of the solid manure to neighboring farms for use as a nutrient source.
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
ANIMAL WASTE ANALYSIS
(This section of the plan should describe the methods used to sample animal wastes at the operation and
provide the results of the animal waste testing)
ofanimc
Animal Waste Sampling Techniques:
(Describe the sampling techniques used to sample each form of animal waste managed on site.)
Solid Waste Sampling:
Sampled the solid waste stored on the concrete slab using a hand-made sampling device (similar to a
soil auger). Collected 6 random samples from wastes stored on the slab and mixed all 6 samples
together in a 5-gallon bucket. Filled the sample container with this "mixed" sample, leaving 2 inches of
airspace, and put it in a cooler until shipping later that day. A diagram identifying all of the sample
locations is attached to this plan.
Liquid Waste Sampling:
Sampled the waste storage lagoon using a plastic cup attached to a long pole. Collected 8 random
samples from around the shoreline of the lagoon and mixed all 8 samples together in a 5-gallon bucket.
Filled the sample container with the mixed sample, leaving 2 inches of airspace, and put in a cooler with
ice until shipping later that day.
Results of Animal Waste Analyses:
(For each waste form or location that was sampled, provide the results of the current analysis. Also,
attach a copy of the actual lab results.)
Animal Waste
Type
Solids from
concrete slab
Liquid waste from
storage lagoon
Date Sampled
March 1 , 2000
March 1 , 2000
Nutrient Content
TKN
9
Ibs/ton
12
lbs/1000gal
TP
3
Ibs/ton
6
lbs/1000gal
K
6
Ibs/ton
10
lbs/1000gal
pH
7.4
7.5
Name and Address of Laboratory Conducting the Analysis:
The animal wastes were shipped to:
Waste Plus
1122 Laboratory Rd.
Analysis, MD 12345
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN CHAPTER 3
REVIEW OF POTENTIAL WATER CONTAMINATION SOURCES
of nutrient co
(This section of the plan should identify and describe all of the potential sources of nutrient contamination
at the operation, the best management practices used by the operation to minimize water contamination,
and the operation's animal mortality plan.)
Description of All Animal Waste Handling, Collection, Storage, and Land
Application Practices:
Liquid animal wastes from the milking center and freestall barns, used to house the milking cows, are
flushed and stored in an earthen lagoon. Animal waste is collected from the freestall barns with flush
alleys. Temporary storage is provided by a below-ground, reinforced concrete reception pit. Flush water
used in the system is recycled from the waste storage lagoon. Flush tanks are filled using a pump and
pipeline. Runoff from the feedlot and leachate from the feed storage is also directed to the storage
lagoon. Wastes from the lagoon are pumped from the lagoon using a 6-inch PVC pipeline that is buried
and the pipeline is flushed with clean water following each use.
Animal wastes from the dry lot, used to house dry cows and heifers, is scraped weekly and transferred
via a front-end loader to the concrete storage slab. Animal wastes from the calf hutches are also
collected weekly and stored on the concrete storage slab.
Wastes from the flush alleys, milk parlor, and milk house are treated with a stationary, inclined-screen
solid/liquid separator prior to discharge into the storage lagoon. Separated solids are stored on an
adjacent concrete slab. Wastes collected in the reception pit are agitated and pumped to the separator
once a day. The screen on the solid/liquid separator is clean-water rinsed following each use to prevent
solids from drying and adhering to the screen.
Animal wastes are land applied to 750 acres of adjacent cropland prior to each crop planting. Solid
wastes are applied using a surface spreader with incorporation within 2 days of application. Liquid
wastes are applied via a center pivot irrigation system.
Identification of Best Management Practices Used to Protect Surface Water and
Groundwater:
A number of best management practices are currently used by The Dairy Farm to protect surface and
groundwater. First, all clean water is diverted away from animal housing and animal waste handling
areas by using roof gutters and down spouts and all runoff from the feedlot itself is directed to the waste
storage lagoon. Second, The Dairy Farm uses a permanently installed lagoon depth marker to estimate
the volume of waste in the lagoon and ensure that it does not exceed the design standards of the lagoon.
The top of the lagoon embankment elevation is 1.5 feet above the spillway crest, which is an allowance
for the head to operate the spillway and freeboard. The vegetative cover within the lagoon area is
mowed frequently during the growing season and weeds and woody vegetation are controlled with
herbicides.
The Dairy Farm also performs periodic inspections of the lagoon and concrete storage pad looking for
cracks and checking drains to see that they are operative. All necessary repairs are made soon after
they are identified. The Dairy Farm also leaves all crop residues on the soils until a new crop is planted
to minimize nutrient losses from the fields.
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CHAPTER 3
REVIEW OF POTENTIAL WATER CONTAMINATION SOURCES (CONT.)
Description of Plan for Properly Handling and Disposing of Dead Animals in a
Timely Manner:
All mortalities are picked up daily by the local rendering plant.
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CHAPTER 3
DESCRIPTION OF LAND APPLICATION FIELDS
(This section of the plan should describe the location and size of all fields designated to receive animal
waste applications. In addition, this section should describe the methods used to sample the soils at the
fields and present the results of the soil tests.)
Location (County) of Operation and Land Application Field
4
The Dairy Farm and all land application fields are located in Holstein County, Marylan
Watershed Code(s) of Operation and Land Application Fields:
The Dairy Farm and all land application fields are located within the "Livestock" watershed. The
Livestock watershed code is 01-01-01-01.
Total Acres of Operation:
The Dairy Farm owns and operates a total of 770 acres; 750 acres of cropland and 20 acres for the dairy
operation. No land is currently rented.
Total Acres of Land Application Fields:
Four fields are used for land application for a total of 750 acres. The fields are identified on the site map
attached to this plan.
Field Number
1
I
4
Acres
250
125
175
200
Describe the Methods Used to Sample the Soils of the Land Application Fields:
The soils of each of the 4 fields used for land application were sampled separately. Soil samples were
collected at a depth of approximately 8 inches using a soil auger. Twenty samples were obtained from
each field. Sample locations were identified using a zig-zag pattern across the field. The samples from
one field were mixed together in a clean 5-gallon bucket. The soil sample jar was then filled with the
mixed sample. All samples were sent via Fed Ex to the laboratory on the day that they were collected.
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CHAPTER 3
DESCRIPTION OF LAND APPLICATION FIELDS (CONT.)
Describe the Analytical Methods Used to Sample the Soils of the Land
Application Fields:
Soil samples were sent to Waste Plus, an accredited laboratory, and analyzed for pH, nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium, soil organic matter, and electrical conductivity (EC). The laboratory used the
recommended/standardized chemical extraction and testing procedure for the crop, climate, and soils of
the area. A listing of the analytical methods used by Waste Plus is attached to this plan.
Results of Current Soil Test:
(For each field that was sampled, provide the results of the current soil test. Also, attach a copy of the
actual lab results.)
Field Number
1
2
3 ^
4
Current Soil Test Levels
(Ib/acre)
N
20
25
26
22
pA
75
^T' 70
60
78
K
" 90
110
^ 80
W 95
PH
6.2
5.8
6.3
6.1
Soil Organic
Matter (%)
2.2
2.6
2.4
2.6
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CHAPTER 3
FARM MAP
(This section of the plan should identify the location and boundaries of the operation; individual field
boundaries; field numbers and acreages; soil types and slopes; location of nearby surface waters and
other environmentally sensitive areas.)
ocation of nearby surface
The Dairy Farm Site Map
Gnl
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CHAPTER 3
FARM MAP (CONT.)
The Dairy Farm Soil Map
Field Boundary
Farmstead Boundary
FTSL - Farm Town Silty Loam, 0-3% slope
FTL - Farm Town Loam, 0-3% slope
MHL - Milk House Loam, 2-5% slope
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SURFACE & GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT
(This section of the plan should thoroughly describe the surface and groundwater assessment that was
conducted at the operation. The assessment must include an evaluation of soil leaching and permeability
index at the feed/of and land application fields.)
Name of Person Performing Surface & Groundwater Assessment and Date That
Assessment Was Performed:
Mr. N. Planner, March 5, 2000
Name, Location, and Description of Closest Surface Water Body:
The closest surface water body is the "Freestall" creek which is located southwest of The Dairy Farm
approximately 0.5 miles. The Freestall creek is a slow flowing creek running north to south.
Depth to Aquifer:
The groundwater aquifer is located approximately 80 feet below the soil surface of The Dairy Farm and
adjacent land application fields. The depth to aquifer was obtained from local geologic maps provided by
the local Cooperative Extension Office^
Hydrologic Classification o
There are 3 primary soil types present at the operation: Farm Town Silty Loam, Farm Town Loam, and
Holstein Loam. All of these soils are moderately drained and classified in the "B" hydrologic soil group.
These "B" soils are described as moderately deep to deep, moderately drained, moderately fine to
moderately coarse texture. The infiltration capacity/permeability, leaching potential, and runoff potential
are considered moderate. This information was obtained from local soil maps for the area that were
provided by the local Cooperative Extension Office.
Results and Discussion of Surface and Groundwater Assessment:
(Include or reference supporting research and/or analyses used in the assessment.)
Surface Runoff & Leaching Assessment
Each of the 4 land application fields and the feedlot at The Dairy Farm were assessed in terms of their
potential for surface runoff and leaching. For surface runoff, the areas were assessed with respect to
drainage, areas of concentrated flow, slope gradient, slope length, ability to access the fields in the
winter moths, and proximity to neighbors. The results of these assessments, by area, are presented in
the following table.
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CHAPTER 3
SURFACE & GROUNDWATER ASSESSMENT (CONT.)
Area
Field 1
Field 2
Field 3
Field 4
Feedlot
Characteristic
How well do
the soils
drain?
Moderately
drained
Moderately
drained
Moderately
drained
Moderately
drained
Moderately
drained
Are there any areas
of concentrated
flow?
No
No
No
No
^5
Does the slope gradient
and length increase
potential for runoff?
0-5% gradient and 0-300
ft length; therefore, little
potential for runoff
0-5% gradient and 0-300
ft length; therefore, little
potential for runoff
0-5% gradient and 0-300
ft length; therefore, little
potential for runoff
0-5% gradient and 0-300
ft length; therefore, little
potential for runoff
0-5% gradient and 0-300
ft length; therefore, little
potential for runoff
Is winter
access a
problem?
No
No
No
No
No
Is proximity to
neighbors a
problem?
No
No
No
No
No
The potential for phosphorus transport to water bodies was assessed using the Phosphorus Index. The
Phosphorus Index provides a rating based on soil erosion, subsurface drainage, leaching potential,
distance to surface water, and land application practices. For each of the land application fields and the
feedlot, the Phosphorus Index loss rating was <8 and considered to be low. Therefore, based on all of
these assessments, the surface runoff potential at The Dairy Farm appears to be very low and land
application of animal wastes should not pose an increased risk to surface and groundwater.
For leaching potential, the areas were assessed with respect to their leaching index rating. The leaching
index is a simple index which was used to assess the soils based on their saturated hydraulic
conductivity and storage capacity, and the average annual rainfall and the seasonal distribution of the
rainfall for the area. The leaching index ratings were obtained from the Field Office Technical Guide,
Section II-3 for Holstein County, MD. (A copy of this information is attached to this plan.) The leaching
index for all four fields and the feedlot were below 2 inches. Therefore, it is assumed that proper land
application of animal wastes would not contribute to soluble nitrogen leaching below the root zone.
Hydrologic Link Assessment
An assessment was conducted to determine if there is a hydrologic link between the groundwater and
surface water at The Dairy Farm. Local geologic maps and reports, made available through the local
Cooperative Extension agent, were used to thoroughly characterize the soils, subsurface, and
groundwater aquifer at the operation. Additional maps and reports were used to characterize "Freestall"
creek. After reviewing the maps and reports, it was determined that there is not a hydrologic link
between surface and groundwater at The Dairy Farm.
57
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES
(This section of the plan should identify all planned crops with associated planting and harvesting dates
and expected yields. In addition, this section should identify the recommended nutrient requirements for
the planned crops and expected yields, provide calculations for determining all applicable nutrient credits
for each field, and provide calculations for determining the recommended animal waste application rate
for each field.)
Harve
Identify All Planned Crops and Expected Planting Dates, Harvesting Dates, an
Yields:
(Describe the basis for all expected crop yields (e.g., based on previous yields for that crop, based on
county yields for the last 5 years).)
-
Field Number
1
1
Basis for Expectec
Average historic yie
2
2
Basis for Expectec
Average historic yie
3
Basis for Expectec
Average historic yie
Basis for Expectec
Average historic yie
Planned Crop
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
i Yields:
Ids for corn-silage an
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
i Yields:
Ids for corn-silage an
Expected
Planting Date
April 2000
September 2000
d winter wheat on Fie
April 2000
September 2000
d winter wheat on Fie
Alfalfa | March 2000
i Yield:
Id for alfalfa on Field Number 3.
Alfalfa
i Yield:
Id for alfalfa on Field
March 2000
Number 4.
Expected
Harvesting Date
September 2000
December 2000
Id Number 1.
September 2000
December 2000
Id Number 2.
September, 2000
September, 2000
Expected Yield
20 tons/acre
6 tons/acre
20 tons/acre
6 tons/acre
5 tons/acre
5 tons/acre
Describe Crop Residue Management Practices:
Crop residues are left on all of the fields until planting begins for the next crop.
58
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES (CONT.)
Recommended Crop Nutrient Requirements:
(This information is generally provided by the local Cooperative Extension Office and based on planned
crops, expected crop yields, and current soil test results.)
Field Number
1
1
2
2
3
4
Acres
250
250
125
125
175
200 ^
Crop
I
Corn-silage
Winter wheat ^
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Alfalfa
Alfalfa
Nutrient
Requirements
(N)
1 80 Ib/acre
40 Ib/acre
1 80 Ib/acre
40 Ib/acre
0 Ib/acre
0 Ib/acre
Nutrient
Requirements
(P)
20 Ib/acre
30 Ib/acre
20 Ib/acre
30 Ib/acre
0 Ib/acre
0 Ib/acre
Alfalfa is a legume crop which can obtain all of its required nitrogen from the atmosphere and soil.
Therefore, to prevent additional build up of phosphorus in the soils, animal wastes will not be applied to
them.
Nutrients in Animal Wastes:
(Provide an estimate of the total number of pounds or gallons of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
that are available in the animal wastes produced at the operation.)
Animal
Waste
Liquid
Solids
Total
Waste
Produced
6,613,824
gallons
5,875 tons
Nitrogen
Content of
Waste
6 Ib/ 1 ,000 gal
9 Ib/ton
Phosphorus
Content of
Waste
3 lb/1 ,000 gal
3 Ib/ton
Potassium
Content of
Waste
4 lb/1 ,000 gal
6 Ib/ton
TOTAL
Total
Nitrogen
in Waste
39,683 Ib
52,875 Ib
92,558 Ib
Total
Phosphorus
in Waste
19,841 Ib
1 7,625 Ib
37,466 Ib
Total
Potassium
in Waste
26,455 Ib
35,250 Ib
61 ,705 Ib
59
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES (CONT.)
: lequme
Nutrient Credits:
(Calculate the nutrient credits for the fields receiving animal waste based on previous legume crops,
residue nitrogen from previous animal waste applications, commercial fertilizer/biosolids applications,
residue nitrogen from irrigation water, and other sources deemed appropriate from your local Cooperative
Extension Office. Provide a basis for each nutrient credit.)
Field Number
1
(Corn-silage)
1
(Winter wheat)
2
(Corn-silage)
2
(Winter wheat)
Nutrient Credits - Nitrogen
Previous
Legume
Crops
0
0
0
0
Residual N from
Previous Animal
Waste
Applications
17 Ib/acre
17 Ib/acre
17 Ib/acre
17 Ib/acre
£
N from Commercial
Fertilizer/Biosolids
Applications
1 0 Ib/acre
1 0 Ib/acre
Fo Ib/acre^
1 0 Ib/acre
Residue N from
Irrigation Water
°
0
0
0
Other
Sources
0
0
0
0
Total
27
27
27
27
Fields 3 and 4 are not included in this calculation as animal wastes will not be applied to them.
Discussion of Nutrient Credits
Fields 1 & 2:
No legume crops were planted the year before on this field. Therefore, credits from previous legume
crops = 0.
Animal waste was applied at a rate of 100 Ibs of nitrogen/acre for last 2 years. Therefore, residual
nitrogen exists from these previous applications. The residual nitrogen was calculated by multiplying the
mineralization factor by the application rate for the three previous years of animal waste application. The
following mineralization factors were used: 12% for 1 year ago and 5 % for 2 years ago. These
mineralization factors were obtained from the local Cooperative Extension Office.
N residual ^f- 0.12 x 100 Ib/acre + 0.05 x 100 Ib/acre
17 Ib/acre
Starter commercial fertilizer will be applied to the fields prior to planting of corn-silage. A nitrogen credit
of 10 Ib/acre will be obtained from this commercial fertilizer application.
Irrigation water is applied to these fields. Water tests conduced by the county indicate that only very
small concentrations of nutrients are present in the water, and are therefore, assumed negligible and not
included in these calculations.
The local Cooperative Extension Office did not identify any additional sources of nutrient credits for this
operation.
60
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*DRAFT DOCUMENT BASED ON PROPOSED RULE**
SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES (CONT.)
Plant Available Animal Waste Nutrients:
(Provide a calculation of the amount of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in the animal wastes that
would be available to the crops in the first year for the application method to be used by the operation.)
!mal was
All calculations and factors used for The Dairy Farm were obtained from the local Cooperative Extension
Office.
Plant Available Nitrogen (PAN)
PAN liquid = (% Available Organic N + % Available NH4) x 83.45
PAN soNd = (% Available Organic N + % Available NH4) x 20
% Available Organic N |iquid = (%Total N - %NH4) x Mineralization Factor
(0.15-0.06) x 0.35
0.03
= %NH4 x Conservation Factor
0.06x0.64
0.04
% Available NH4
liquid
% Available Organic N
solid
% Available NH4
solid
(%Total N - %NH4) x Mineralization Factor
(0.61 -0.12)x0.35
0.17
%NH4 x Conservation Factor
0.12x0.64
PAN
(0.03+ 0.04) x 83.45
5.8lb/1,000gal
(0.17+ 0.08)x20
5 Ib/ton
Plant Available Phosphorus
Assume 100% of phosphorus in animal waste is available to the plants.
61
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES (CONT.)
Land Application Rate:
(Provide the calculated land application rate for each field and each crop and all formulas and
assumptions used to calculate the rate. Also calculate the total amount of animal wastes that will be
applied to the fields and compare that to the annual amount of animal wastes produced at the operation.)
^
All animal waste applications to Fields 1 and 2 will be made on a nitrogen-basis. No animal wastes are
applied to Fields 3 and 4.
Manure Application Rate nitrogen = Recommended Crop Nutrient Requirements N - Nutrient Credits N
Field
Number
1
1
2
2
Acres
250
250
125
125
Crop
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Corn-silage ^A
Winter wheat
Recommended
Crop Nutrient
Requirements
(Nitrogen)
1 70 Ib/acre
35 Ib/acre
1 70 Ib/acre
35 Ib/acre
Nutrient Credits
(Nitrogen)
27 Ib/acre
27 Ib/acre
27 Ib/acre
27 Ib/acre
Application Rate
(Nitrogen)
PAN
143 Ib/acre
8 Ib/acre
143 Ib/acre
8 Ib/acre
Therefore 143 pounds/acre of PAN will be applied to corn-silage planted on Fields 1 and 2 in the spring
and 13 pounds/acre of PAN will be applied to winter wheat planted on Fields 1 and 2 in the fall.
Liquid animal waste will be applied to the corn-silage on Field 1 at a rate of 24,655 gallons/acre for a
total of 6,163,750 gallons of animal waste.
Application rate gallons/acre
^
143 Ib PAN/acre x 1,000 gal/5.8 Ib PAN
24,655 gallons/acre
The rate of 143 Ib PAN/acre results in 74 Ibs/acre of phosphorus being applied to the field.
Liquid a
Phosphorus application rate
24,655 gallons/acre x 3 Ib P/1,000 gallons
74 Ib/acre
nimal waste will be applied to the winter wheat on Field 1 at a rate of 1,379 gallons/acre for a
total of 344,750 gallons of animal waste.
Application rate gallons/acre
8 Ib PAN/acre x 1,000 gal/5.8 Ib PAN
1,379 gallons/acre
The rate of 8 Ib PAN/acre results in 4 Ibs/acre of phosphorus being applied to the field.
Phosphorus application rate
1,379 gallons/acre x 3 Ib P/1,000 gallons
4 Ib/acre
62
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*DRAFT DOCUMENT BASED ON PROPOSED RULE**
SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES (CONT.)
Solid animal waste will be applied to the corn-silage on Field 2 at a rate of 29 tons/acre for a total of
3,625 tons of animal waste.
Application rate gallons/acre = 143 Ib PAN/acre x 1 ton/5 Ib PAN
= 29 tons/acre
The rate of 143 Ib PAN/acre results in 87 Ibs/acre of phosphorus being applied to the field.
^J
Phosphorus application rate = 29 tons/acre x 3 Ib/ton
= 87 Ib/acre
Solid animal waste will be applied to the winter wheat on Field 2 at a rate of 1.6 tons/acre for a total of
200 tons of animal waste.
Application rate gallons/acre = 8 Ib PAN,
= 1.6 ton/aci
I/acre x 1 ton/5 Ib PAN
ere
The rate of 8 Ib PAN/acre results in approximately 5 Ibs/acre of phosphorus being applied to the field.
Phosphorus application rate ^f 1.6 tons/acre x 3 Ib/ton
4.8 Ibs/acre
The total amount of liquid animal waste applied to Field 1 over the course of the year is:
Liquid waste applied to the field = 6,163,750 + 344,750
= 6,508,500 gallons per year
The total amount of solid animal waste applied to Field 2 over the course of the year is:
Solid waste applied to the field = 3,625 + 200
= 3,825 tons
Nearly all of the liquid wastes will be removed from the lagoon and applied to the fields over the course
of the year. Approximately 65% of the solid animal waste will be applied to the fields over the course of
the year. The excess 2,050 tons of solid waste will be sold to neighboring farms.
63 December 15, 2000
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES (CONT.)
Land Application Summary:
(For each application of animal manure and commercial fertilizer/biosolids, by field, provide the date of
application, the method of application, and the application rate. Also provide the date of application
equipment calibration and the rainfall amounts 24 hours before and after each application.)
Field
Number
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2 ^
Crop
Corn-silage
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Winter wheat
Corn-silage
Corn-silage
Winter wheat
Winter wheat
Application Type
(animal waste,
commercial
fertilizer, biosolids)
Commercial fertilizer
(starter nitrogen)
Animal waste
Commercial fertilizer
(starter nitrogen)
Animal waste
Commercial fertilizer
(starter nitrogen)
Animal waste
Commercial fertilizer
(starter nitrogen)
Animal waste
Application Date
April 15, 2000
May 1 , 2000 -
June 1 , 2000
October 1 , 2000
October 1 , 2000 -
October 30,2000
April 15, 2000
May 1 , 2000
October 1 , 2000
October 30,2000
Application Method
Solids spreader
Center Pivot Irrigation
System
Solids spreader
Center Pivot Irrigation
System
Solids spreader
Solids spreader
Solids spreader
Solids spreader
Application Rate
N
1 0 Ib/acre
143
Ib/acre
10
Ib/acre
8
Ib/acre
1 0 Ib/acre
143
Ib/acre
10
Ib/acre
8 Ib/acre
^P
0
74 Ib/acre
0
4
Ib/acre
0
87 Ib/acre
0
5 Ib/acre
Application Date
April 15, 2000
May 1 , 2000 - June 1 , 2000
October 1 , 2000
October 1 , 2000 - October 30, 2000
Rainfall Amount 24 Hours Before
Application
0 inches
Animal waste was applied every day
over the course of the month. Rainfall
for the month was 0.5 inches between
May 3 and May 7.
0 inches
Animal waste was applied every day
over the course of the month. Rainfall
for the month was 1 .2 inches between
October 1 5 and October 30.
Rainfall Amount 24 Hours After
Application
0 inches
Animal waste was applied every day
over the course of the month. Rainfall
for the month was 0.5 inches between
May 3 and May 7.
0 inches
Animal waste was applied every day
over the course of the month. Rainfall
for the month was 1 .2 inches between
October 1 5 and October 30.
64
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SAMPLE CAFO PERMIT NUTRIENT PLAN
CHAPTER 3
LAND APPLICATION OF ANIMAL WASTES (CONT.)
Type of Application Equipment
Calibration Dat
Solid spreader
April 14,2000
Center Pivot Irrigation System
April 30, 2000
Center Pivot Irrigation System
September 30, 2000
Alternative Uses of Animal Wastes:
(Describe alternative uses of animal wastes, if applicable. If animal wastes are sold or given away to a
third party, provide the date that the animal waste was removed from the operation and the amount, by
weight, of the animal waste that was taken off site.)
Some solid animal waste is sold to local farmers for use as a nutrient source.
Waste w
Amount of Animal Waste Transported Off Site
Date Animal
was Transported Off Site
2,050 tons solid animal waste
October 16, 2000
65
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*DRAFT DOCUMENT BASED ON PROPOSED RULE**
CHAPTER 4: REFERENCES
Angel, R. Feeding Poultry to Minimize Manure Phosphorus. Proceedings from Managing Nutrients and
Pathogens from Animal Agriculture. Camp Hill, PA. 2000.
Barker, J. C., J.P. Zublena. Components of a Complete Manure Management Plan. EBAE 185-93.
1996. North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC.
Bartok, J.W. Fertilizer and Manure Application Equipment. 1994. Northeast Regional Agricultural
Engineering Service Cooperative Extension. Ithica, NY.
Carlson, K.R. Quality Environmental Stewardship Consultation Guide, Best Management Practices for
Sustaining the Environment. Milk & Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Center, Inc. Stratford, IA.
Craig, P.M., D.B. Beegle. Nutrient Management Plan Writing Workbook. 1999. Pennsylvania State
University. University Park, PA.
Eghball, B., and J.F. Power. Management of Manure from Beef Cattle in Feedlots and Minor Classes of
Livestock. Agricultural Utilization of Municipal, Animal and Industrial Byproducts.
Gamroth, M., and J. Moore. Nutrient Management for Dairy Production: Assessing Your Manure
Management for Water Quality Risk. 1996. Oregon State University Extension Service. Marion County
Office. Salem, OR.
Harper, A.F. Managing Swine Feeding to Minimize Manure Nutrients. Proceedings from Managing
Nutrients and Pathogens form Animal Agriculture. Camp Hill, PA. 2000
Hart, J., M. Gangwer, M. Graham, and E.S. Marx. Nutrient Management for Dairy Production: Dairy
Manure As A Fertilizer Source, EM 8586. 1997. Oregon State University Extension Service. Corvalis,
OR.
Hart, J., E.S. Marx, and M. Gangwer. Nutrient Management for Dairy Production: Manure Application
Rates for Forage Production. 1997. Oregon State University Extension Service. Marion County Office.
Salem, OR.
Hermanson, R.E., E.L. Thomason. Managing Livestock Manure to Protect Groundwater. 1992.
Washington State University Cooperative Extension. Yakima County, WA.
tural F
Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Introduction and Instructions for the Manure Management Plan
Form. Des Moines, IA.
Iowa State University. Managing Manure Nutrients for Crop Production. Iowa State University
Extension. Ames, IA.
Iowa State University. Livestock Industry Facilities & Environment Fact Sheets. Land Application for
Effective Manure Nutrient Management. 1995. Iowa State University Extension. Ames, IA.
Iowa State University. Livestock Industry Facilities & Environment Fact Sheets. Swine Manure
Management and Iowa's Manure Law. 1997. Iowa State University Extension. Ames, IA.
Jonker, J.S., R.A. Kohn, and R.A. Erdman. Milk Urea Nitrogen Target Concentrations for Lactating Cows
Fed According to National Research Council Recommendations. Journal of Dairy Science. Volume 82,
pp 1261-1273. 1999.
66 December 15, 2000
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***DRAFT DOCUMENT BASED ON PROPOSED RULE***
REFERENCES CHAPTER 4
Klausner, S. Nutrient Management: Crop Production and Water Quality. 1997. Cornell University.
Department of Soil, Crop and Atmospheric Sciences. Ithica, NY.
Madison, F., K. Kelling, L. Massie, and L.W. Good. Guidelines for Applying Manure to Cropland and
Pasture in Wisconsin. 1995. University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Madison, Wl.
Martin, H.D., C. Brown. Manure Application Scheduling. Proceeding from the Liquid Manure Application
Systems Conference. Rochester, N.Y. 1994.
Maryland Cooperative Extension. Nutrient Manager Newsletter: Focus on Phosphorus. 1997.
University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. College Park, MD.
Maryland Cooperative Extension. Soil Fertility Management, Interconverting Among Soil Test Analyses
Frequently Used in Maryland. 1996. University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. College Park, MD.
Maryland Cooperative Extension. Soil Sampling Procedures for Nutrient Management. 1998.
University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. College Park, MD.
Maryland Nutrient Management Program. Maryland Nutrient Management Training Manual. 1999.
Maryland Department of Agriculture. Annapolis, MD.
Maryland Department of Agriculture. Nutrient Management Plans Criteria Regulations (Draft). 2000.
Annapolis, MD.
J. Hart, M. Ganwer, C.G. Cogger,
Marx, E.S., N.W. Christensen, J. Hart, M. Ganwer, C.G. Cogger, and A.I. Bary. Nutrient Management
for Dairy Production: The Pre-Sidedress Soil Nitrate Test (PSND for Western Oregon and Western
Washington. 1997. Oregon State University Extension Service. Corvallis, OR.
Moore, P.A., T.C. Daniel, A.N. Sharpley, and C.W. Wood. Poultry Manure Management. Agricultural
Utilization of Municipal, Animal and Industrial Byproducts.
Nagle, S., G. Evanylo, W.L. Daniels, D. Beegle, and V. Grover. Chesapeake Bay Region Nutrient
Management Training Manual. Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. Crop & Soil Environmental
Sciences. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Blacksburg, VA.
National Pork Producers Council. On Farm Odor/Environmental Assistance Program. Accessed from
the Internet March 29, 2000.
National Research Council Nutrient Requirements of Poultry, Ninth Revised Edition. National Academy
Press, Washington, D.C. 1994.
National Research Council Nutrient Requirements of Swine, Tenth Revised Edition. National Academy
Press, Washington, D.C. 1998.
National Research Council Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, Seventh Revised Edition. National
Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 2000.
Ohio Cooperative Extension. Bulletin 604. Ohio Livestock Manure and Wastewater Management
Guide. Ohio State University. Columbus, OH.
67 December 15, 2000
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REFERENCES CHAPTER 4
Pennsylvania State University. Nutrient Management Legislation in Pennsylvania Fact Sheets. Who
Will Be Affected, Plan Content Reguirements, Farm Identification, Summary of the Plan, Nutrient
Allocation and Use, Excess Manure Utilization Plans, Record Keeping, Manure Handling and Storage,
Storm Water Runoff Control, Nutrient Management Specialist Certification Program, Plan Review and
Approval, and Plan Implementation. Accessed from the Internet on March 14, 2000.
Sturgul, S., L. Bundy, and F. Madison. Phosphorus Management Practices. University of Wisconsin-
Madison and University of Wisconsin-Extension. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Madison,
Wl.
Sullivan, D., C. Cogger, and A. Bary. Nutrient Management for Dairy Production: Which Test is Best,
Customizing Dairy Manure Nutrient Testing. 1997. Oregon State University Extension Service,
Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension
Service. Corvallis, OR.
~\e University of
Texas Cattle Feeders Association. Pollution Prevention Plan. Amarillo, TX.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook. 1992. USDA Soil
Conservation Service. Washington, DC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Agricultural Phosphorus and
Eutrophication. 1999. Washington, DC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. CORE4 Conservation
Practices Training Guide. 1999. Washington, DC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Part 402 - Nutrient
Management. 1999. Washington, DC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Conservation Practice
Standard. Nutrient Management, Code 590. 1999. Washington, DC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Issue Brief. Animal Manure
Management. 1995. Washington, DC.
U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Unified National Strategy for
Animal Feeding Operations. 1999. Washington, DC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. National Water Quality Inventory. 1994 Report
to Congress. 1995.
U.S. Geological Survey. The Quality of Our Nation's Waters—Nutrients and Pesticides. 1999. Reston,
VA.
Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service. Nutrient Management, Practices for Wisconsin Corn
Production and Water Quality Protection. University of Wisconsin-Extension. Madison, Wl.
University of Wisconsin. Manure Management Fact Sheets. Manage Manure to Everyone's Advantage.
1995. University of Wisconsin-Extension and University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences. Madison, Wl.
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REFERENCES
CHAPTER 4
Washington Cooperative Extension. Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving
Animal Manure Storage, Fact Sheet 7. 1993. Washington State University Cooperative Extension.
Pullman, WA.
Washington Cooperative Extension. Assessing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination from Animal
Manure Storage, Worksheet 7. 1993. Washington State University Cooperative Extension. Pullman,
WA.
Washington Cooperative Extension. Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving
Animal Lot Management, Fact Sheet 8. 1993. Washington State University Cooperative Extensior
Pullman, WA.
Wolkowski, R.P. A Step-By-Step Guide to Nutrient Management. Nutrient and Pest Management
Program. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison, Wl.
69
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APPENDICES
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APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS
[Most of these definitions were taken from the USDA Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook.]
AFO
Aerobic
Aerobic bacteria
Ammonia nitrogen
Ammonia volatilization
Anaerobic
Anaerobic bacteria
Anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic lagoon
Animal waste
Bacteria
Bedrock
Animal feeding operation
Having or occurring in the presence of free oxygen.
Bacteria that require free elemental oxygen for their growth.
The nitrogen component of the gas (NH3) released by the
microbiological decay of plant and animal proteins, usually reported as
NH3N.
The loss of ammonia gas to the atmosphere.
The absence of molecular oxygen, or growing in the absence of oxygen.
Bacteria that do not require the presence of free or dissolved oxygen.
Conversion of organic matter in the absence of oxygen under controlled
conditions to such gases as methane and carbon dioxide.
A unit to treat animal waste by predominantly anaerobic biological action
using anaerobic organisms, in the absence of oxygen, for the purpose of
reducing the strength of the waste.
B^
The combination of all wastes generated and/or produced at an animal
feeding operation. This includes manure, silage leachate, process
wastewater, and process generated wastewater.
A group of universally distributed, rigid, essentially unicellular
procaryotic micro-organisms.
Best management
practices
Biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD)
CAFO
The solid rock that underlies the soil and other unconsolidated material
rthat is exposed at the surface.
Activities, prohibitions, maintenance procedures, and other
management practices found to be the most effective and practicable
methods to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to waters of the
United States. Best management practices include operating
procedures, and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge
or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage.
An indirect measure of the concentration of biodegradable substances
present in an aqueous solution. Determined by the amount of dissolved
oxygen required for the aerobic degradation of the organic matter at 20N
C.
Concentrated animal feeding operation.
A-l
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Composting
Conservation practice
Cover crop
Crop rotation
Denitrification
ELGs
EPA
Effluent
Electrical conductivity
Erosion
A process of aerobic biological decomposition of organic material
characterized by elevated temperatures that, when complete, results in a
relatively stable product suitable for a variety of agricultural and
horticultural uses.
A specific structural, managerial, or cultural treatment of natural
resources commonly used to meet a specific need in planting and
carrying out soil and water conservation programs.
A close-growing crop, whose main purpose is to protect and improve the
soil and use excess nutrients or soil moisture during the absence of the
regular crop, or in the nonvegetated areas of orchards and vineyards.
A planned sequence of crops.
The chemical or biological reduction of nitrate (NO3) or nitrite (NO2) to
gaseous nitrogen, either as molecular nitrogen (N2) or as an oxide of
nitrogen (e.g., N20)
Effluent limitations guidelines and standards.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The liquid discharge from a waste treatment process.
Conductivity of electricity through water or an extract of soil.
r>
ie wearing away of
Eutrophicatio
Evapotranspiration
a
3n A na
i_ j
The wearing away of the land surface by water, wind, ice, or other
geologic agents and by such processes as gravitational creep.
itural or artificial process of nutrient enrichment whereby a water
body becomes abundant in plant nutrients and low in oxygen content.
Feedlot^ A
i
The loss of water from an area by evaporation from the soil or snow
cover and transpiration by plants.
concentrated, confined animal or poultry growing operation for meat,
milk, or egg production, or stabling, in pens or houses wherein the
animals or poultry are fed at the place of confinement and crop or forage
growth or production is not sustained in the area of confinement.
iroundwater V\
»
ydraulic conductivity Tl
:/ater filling all the unblocked pores of underlying material below the
ater table.
The rate of flow of water in gallons per day through a cross section of
one square foot under a unit hydraulic gradient, at the prevailing
temperature (gpd/ft2).
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Hydrologic soil groups
Infiltration
A classification system used by the Natural Resource Conservation
Service to group soils according to their runoff-producing characteristics.
The chief consideration is the inherent capacity of soil bare of vegetation
to permit infiltration. The slope and the kind of plant cover are not
considered, but are separate factors in predicting runoff. Soils are
assigned to four groups. In group A are soils having a high infiltration
rate when thoroughly wet and having a low runoff potential. They are
mainly deep, well drained, and sandy or gravelly. In group D, at the
other extreme, are soils having a very slow infiltration rate and thus a
high runoff potential. They have a claypan or clay layer at or near the
surface, have a permanent high water table, or are shallow over nearly
impervious bedrock or other material.
The downward entry of water into the immediate surface of soil or othe
material.
Dther
Infiltration rate
The rate at which water penetrates the surface of the soil at any given
instant, usually expressed in inches per hour. The rate can be limited by
the infiltration capacity of the soil or the rate at which water is applied at
the surface.
Karst topography
Lagoon
Land applic
Manure
Micronutrient
Mineralization
A type of topography that is formed in limestone, gypsum, and other
similar type rock by dissolution and is characterized by sinkholes, caves,
and rapid underground water movement.
A reservoir or pond built to contain materials such as water and animal
wastes until they can be removed or decomposed either by aerobic or
anaerobic purposes.
Application of material such as animal waste to land for reuse of the
nutrients and organic matter for their fertilizer and soil conditioning
values.
The removal of soluble constituents, such as nitrates or chlorides, from
soils or other material by the movement of water.
A mixture of water and manure that behaves more like a liquid than a
solid, usually less than 10% solids.
A chemical element required, in relatively large amounts, for proper
plant growth (e.g, nitrogen).
The fecal and urinary excretions of livestock and poultry.
A chemical element required, in relatively small amounts, for proper
plant growth (e.g., magnesium).
The microbial conversion of an element from an organic to an inorganic
state.
NPDES
Nitrogen
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
A chemical element, commonly used in fertilizer as a nutrient, which is
also a component of animal wastes.
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Nitrogen fixation
No-till
Nonpoint source
Nutrients
Nutrient management
Nutrient management
specialist
Open lot
The biological process by which elemental nitrogen is converted to
organic or available nitrogen.
A planting procedure that requires no tillage except that done by a
coulter in the immediate area of the crop row.
Entry of effluent into a water body in a diffuse manner so there is no
definite point of entry.
Organic matter
PNP
Pathogen
Percolation
Permeability
Elements required for plant or animal growth such as nitrogen,
phosphorus, or potassium.
Phosphorus
Managing the amount, source, placement, form, and timing of the
application of nutrients and soil amendments to ensure adequate soil
fertility for plant production and to minimize the potential for
environmental degradation, particularly water quality impairment.
A person who provides technical assistance for nutrient management
and has the appropriate certification.
Pens or similar confinement areas with dirt, concrete paved or hard
surfaces, wherein animals are substantially or entirely exposed to the
outside environment, except where some protection is afforded by
windbreaks or small shed-type shade areas. "Open lot" is synonymous
with the terms "cowyard," "dirt lot," and "dry lot," which are terms widely
used in the industry.
The organic fraction of the material such as soil exclusive of undecayed
plant and animal residue.
Permit nutrient plan.
Disease causing micro-organisms; generally associated with viruses or
bacteria (e.g., E coli).
The downward movement of water through soil.
The quality of the soil that enables water to move downward through the
profile. Permeability is generally measured as the number of inches per
hour that water moves downward through the saturated soil.
A documented record of how nutrients will be used for plant production
prepared for reference and use by the producer or landowner.
The negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale
ranges from 0 to 14. Values below 7 are considered acidic and those
above are considered alkaline.
One of the primary nutrients required for the growth of plants.
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Point source
Process generated waste
water
Process waste water
Reduced tillage
Runoff
Sheet erosio
Slope
USDA
USGS
Any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance, including but not
limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure,
container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel
or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be discharged.
This term does not include agricultural stormwater discharges and return
flows from irrigated agriculture. (Section 502 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, as amended)
Water directly or indirectly used with the operation of the CAFO for any
and all of the following: spillage or overflow from animal or poultry
watering systems; washing, cleaning, or flushing pens, barns, manure
pits, or other CAFO facilities; direct contact swimming, washing, or spray
cooling of animals; litter or bedding; dust control; and stormwater which
comes into contact with any raw materials, products or by-products of
the operation
Any process-generated wastewater and any precipitation (rain or snow)
which comes into contact with any manure, litter, or bedding, or any
other raw material or intermediate or final material or product used in or
resulting from the production of animals or poultry or direct products
(e.g., milk, eggs).
A management practice whereby the use of secondary tillage operations
is significantly reduced.
The part of precipitation or irrigation water that appears in surface
streams or water bodies; expressed as volume (acre-inches) or rate of
w (gallon:
flo
illons per minute, cubic feet per second).
W mS^±-
Soil erosion occurring from a thin, relatively uniform layer of soil
particles on the soil surface.
The inclination of the land surface from the horizontal. Percentage of
slope is the vertical distance divided by horizontal distance, then
multiplied by 100.
United States Department of Agriculture
Unites States Geological Society
25-year, 24-hour storm event The maximum 24-hour precipitation event expressed in inches with a
probable recurrence interval of once in 25 years, as defined by the
National Weather Service
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APPENDIX B: COPY OF PROPOSED ELG AND NPDES RULE FOR FEEDLOTS
PART 122-EPA ADMINISTERED PERMIT PROGRAMS: THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE
ELIMINATION SYSTEM
1. The authority citation for part 122 continues to read as follows:
Authority: The Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 etse
2. Amend § 122.21 by adding subparagraphs (i)(1)(iv) through (ix) to read as follows:
§ 122.21 Application fora permit (applicable to State programs, see § 123.25).
summary of the
(1)***
(iv) Either a copy of the cover sheet and executive summary of the permittee's current Permit
Nutrient Plan that meet the criteria in 40 CFR 412.37(b) and is being implemented, or draft copies of
these documents together with a statement on the status of the development of its Permit Nutrient Plan.
If the CAFO is subject to 40 CFR Part 412 and draft copies are submitted, they must, at a minimum,
demonstrate that there is adequate land available to the CAFO operator to comply with the land
application provisions of part 41 2 of this Chapter, if applicable, or describe an alternative to land
application that the operator intends to implement.
(v) Acreage available for application of manure and wastewater;
(vi) Estimated amount of manure and wastewater that the applicant plans to transfer off-site;
(vii) Name and address of any person or entity that owns animals to be raised at the facility,
directs the activity of persons working at the CAFO, specifies how the animals are grown, fed, or
medicated, or otherwise exercises control over the operations of the facility;
(viii) Indicate whether buffers, setbacks or conservation tillage are implemented at the facility to
control runoff and protect water quality; and
x) Latitude and longitude of the CAFO, to the nearest second.
(ix)
3. Section 122.23 is revised to read as follows:
§ 122.23 Concentrated animal feeding operations (applicable to State NPDES programs, see
§123.25).^^
(a) Definitions applicable to this section:
(1) For land on which manure from an animal feeding operation or concentrated animal feeding
operation has been applied, the term "agricultural storm water discharge" means a discharge composed
entirely of storm water, as defined in § 122.26(a)(13), from a land area upon which manure and/or
wastewater has been applied in accordance with proper agricultural practices, including land application
of manure or wastewater in accordance with either a nitrogen-based or, as required, a phosphorus-based
manure application rate.
(2) An animal feeding operation or AFO is a facility where animals (other than aquatic animals)
have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of 45 days or more in any
12-month period. Animals are not considered to be stabled or confined when they are in areas such as
pastures or rangeland that sustain crops or forage growth during the entire time that animals are present.
Animal feeding operations include both the production area and land application area as defined below.
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OPTION 1 FOR PARAGRAPH (a)(3)
(3) Concentrated animal feeding operation or CAFO means an AFO that either:
(i) Confines a number of animals equal to or greater than the number specified in any one or
more of the following categories. For the purposes of determining the number of animals at an
operation, two or more AFOs under common ownership are considered to be a single AFO if they adjoin
each other or if they use a common area or system for the disposal of wastes. Once an operation is
defined as a CAFO, the requirements of this section apply with respect to all animals in confinement at
the operation and all wastes and waste waters generated by those animals, regardless of the type of
animal.
(A) 350 mature dairy cattle;
(B) 500 veal;
(C) 500 cattle other than veal or mature dairy cattle;
(D) 1,250 swine each weighing over 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds);
(E) 5000 swine each weighing less than 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds);
(F) 250 horses;
(G) 5,000 sheep or lambs;
(H) 27,500 turkeys;
(I) 50,000 chickens; or
(J) 2,500 ducks; or
(ii) Is designated as a CAFO under paragraph (b) of this section.
OPTION 2 FOR PARAGRAPH (a)(3):
(3) Concentrated animal feeding operation or CAFO means an AFO which either is defined as a
CAFO under paragraph (a)(3)(i) or (ii) of this section, or is designated as a CAFO under paragraph (b) of
this section. Two or more AFOs under common ownership are considered to be a single AFO for the
purposes of determining the number of animals at an operation, if they adjoin each other or if they use a
common area or system for the disposal of wastes. Once an operation is defined as a CAFO, the
requirements of this section apply with respect to all animals in confinement at the operation and all
wastes and waste waters generated by those animals, regardless of the type of animal.
(i) Tier 1 AFOs. An AFO is a CAFO if more than the numbers of animals specified in any of the
following categories are confined:
(A) 700 mature dairy cattle;
(B) 1,000 veal;
(C) 1,000 cattle other than veal or mature dairy cattle;
(D) 2,500 swine each weighing over 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds);
(E) 10,000 swine each weighing less than 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds);
(F) 500 horses;
(G ) 10,000 sheep or lambs;
(H) 55,000 turkeys;
(I) 100,000 chickens; or
(J) 5,000 ducks.
(ii) Tier 2 AFOs. (A) If the number of animals confined at the operation falls within the following
ranges for any of the following categories, the operation is a Tier 2 AFO. A Tier 2 AFO is a CAFO unless
it meets all of the conditions in paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(B) of this section and its operator submits to the
Director a certification that it meets those conditions. The certification shall take the form specified in
section 122.22(d).
(11200 to 700 mature dairy cattle,
(21300 to 1,000 veal,
(31300 to 1,000 cattle other than veal or mature dairy cattle,
(41750 to 2,500 swine each weighing over 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds),
(513,000 to 10,000 swine each weighing less than 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds),
(61150 to 500 horses,
(713,000 to 10,000 sheep or lambs,
(8116,500 to 55,000 turkeys,
(9130,000 to 100,000 chickens, or
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(10) 1,500 to 5,000 ducks.
(B) A Tier 2 AFO is not a CAFO if it meets all of the following conditions and its operator submits
to the Director a certification that it meets the following conditions:
(_/l Waters of the United States do not come into direct contact with the animals confined in the
operation;
(21 There is sufficient storage and containment to prevent all pollutants from the production area
from entering waters of the United States as specified in 40 CFR Part 412.
(3.1 There has not been a discharge from the production area within the last five years;
(41 No part of the production area is located within 100 feet of waters of the United States;
(5} In cases where manure or process-generated wastewaters are land applied, they will be land
applied in accordance with a Permit Nutrient Plan that includes the BMP requirements identified at 40
CFR 412.31 (b) and 412.37; and
OPTION 1 FOR PARAGRAPH (a)(3)(ii)(B)(6):
(6] With respect to the off-site transfer of manure or process-generated wastewaters to persons
who receive 12 tons or more of manure or wastewater in any year, the owner or operator will first obtain
assurances that, if the manure will be land applied, it will be applied in accordance with proper agriculture
practices, which means that the recipient shall determine the nutrient needs of its crops based on
realistic crop yields for its area, sample its soil at least once every three years to determine existing
nutrient content, and not apply the manure in quantities that exceed the land application rates calculated
using one of the methods specified in 40 CFR 412.31(b)(1)(iv); adequate assurances include a
certification from the recipient, the fact that the recipient has a permit, or the existence of a State
program that requires the recipient to comply with requirements similar to 40 CFR 412.31 (b). The owner
or operator will provide the recipient of the manure with a brochure to be provided by te state permitting
authority or EPA that describes the recipient's responsibilities for appropriate manure management.
OPTION 2 FOR PARAGRAPH (a)(3)(M)(B)(6):
(6] With respect to manure or process-generated wastewaters that are transferred off-site, the
owner or operator will first provide the recipient of the manure with an analysis of its content and a
brochure to be provided by the State permitting authority or EPA that describes the recipient's
responsibilities for appropriate manure management.
(4) The term land application area means any land under the control of the owner or operator of
the production area whether it is owned, rented, or leased, to which manure and process wastewater
from the production area is or may be applied.
(5) The term operator, for purposes of this section, means:
(i) An operator as that term is defined in § 122.2; or
(ii) A person who the Director determines to be an operator on the basis that the person
exercises substantial operational control of a CAFO. Whether a person exercises substantial operational
control depends on factors that include, but are not limited to, whether the person:
(A) Directs the activity of persons working at the CAFO either through a contract or direct
supervision of, oron-site participation in, activities at the facility;
(B) Owns the animals; or
(C) Specifies how the animals are grown, fed, or medicated.
(6) The term production area means that part of the AFO that includes the animal confinement
area, the manure storage area, the raw materials storage area, and the waste containment areas. The
animal confinement area includes but is not limited to open lots, housed lots, feedlots, confinement
houses, stall barns, free stall barns, milkrooms, milking centers, cowyards, barnyard, exercise yards,
animal walkways, and stables. The manure storage area includes but is not limited to lagoons, sheds,
liquid impoundments, static piles, and composting piles. The raw materials storage area includes but is
not limited to feed silos, silage bunkers, and bedding materials. The waste containment area includes
but is not limited to settling basins, and areas within berms, and diversions which separate
uncontaminated storm water Also included in the definition of production area is any eggwash or egg
processing facility.
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(b) Designation as a CAFO. The EPA Regional Administrator, or in States with approved
NPDES programs, either the Director or the EPA Regional Administrator, may designate any AFO as a
CAFO upon determining that it is a significant contributor of pollutants to the waters of the United States.
(1) In making this designation, the Director or the EPA Regional Administrator shall consider the
following factors:
(i) The size of the AFO and the amount of wastes reaching waters of the United States;
(ii) The location of the AFO relative to waters of the United States;
(Hi) The means of conveyance of animal wastes and process waste waters into waters of the
United States;
(iv) The slope, vegetation, rainfall, and other factors affecting the likelihood or frequency of
discharge of animal wastes and process waste waters into waters of the United States; and,
(v) Other relevant factors.
OPTION 1 FOR PARAGRAPH (b)(2)
(2) No AFO shall be designated under this paragraph (b) until the Director or the EPA Regional
Administrator has conducted an on-site inspection of the operation and determined that the operation
should and could be regulated under the permit program; except that no inspection is required to
designate a facility that was previously defined or designated as a CAFO.
OPTION 2 FOR PARAGRAPH (b)(2)
(2) No AFO shall be designated under this paragraph (b) until the Director or the EPA Regional
Administrator has conducted an on-site inspection of the operation and determined that the operation
should and could be regulated under the permit program; except that no inspection is required to
designate a facility that was previously defined or designated as a CAFO. In addition, no AFO with less
than 300 animal units may be designated as a concentrated animal feeding operation unless:
(i) Pollutants are discharged into waters of the United States through a manmade ditch, flushing
system, or other similar manmade device; or
(ii) Pollutants are discharged directly into waters of the United States which originate outside of
the facility and pass over, across, or through the facility or otherwise come into direct contact with the
animals confined in the operation.
(c) Who must apply for an NPDES permit?
(1) All CAFOs must apply for a permit. For all CAFOs, the CAFO owner or operator must apply
for an NPDES permit, except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Specifically, the CAFO
owner or operator must either apply for an individual NPDES permit or submit a notice of intent for
coverage under a CAFO general permit. If the Director has not made a general permit available to the
CAFO, the CAFO owner or operator must apply for an individual permit.
(2) Exception. The CAFO owner or operator does not need to apply for an NPDES permit if the
owner or operator has received from the Director a determination under paragraph (e) of this section that
the CAFO has no potential to discharge.
(3) Co-permitting. Any person who is an "operator" of a CAFO on the basis that the person
exercises substantial operational control of a CAFO (see §122.23(a)(5)(ii)) must apply for a permit. Such
operators may apply for an NPDES permit either alone or together as co-permittees with other owners or
operators of the CAFO.
(d) In which case will the Director not issue an NPDES permit? The Director shall not issue
an NPDES permit if the Director has determined that the CAFO has "no potential to discharge" pursuant
to paragraph (e) of this section.
(e) "No potential to discharge" determinations.
(1) Determination by Director. The Director, upon request, may make a case-specific
determination that a CAFO has no potential to discharge pollutants to waters of the United States. In
making this determination, the Director must consider the potential for discharges from both the
production area and any land application areas, and must also consider any potential discharges via
ground waters that have a direct hydrologic connection to surface waters. For purposes of this
subsection, the term "no potential to discharge" means that there is no potential for any CAFO manure or
waste waters to be added to waters of the United States, without qualification. For example, a CAFO
may not claim that there is no potential to discharge even if the only pollutants that the CAFO has a
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***DRAFT DOCUMENT BASED ON PROPOSED RULE***
potential to discharge would be exempt from NPDES requirements. A CAFO has a potential to
discharge if it has had a discharge within the preceding five years.
(2) Supporting information. In requesting a determination of no potential to discharge, the CAFO
owner or operator must submit any supporting information along with the request. The Director has
discretion to accept or reject any additional information that is submitted at a later date.
(3) Requesting a "no potential to discharge" determination does not postpone the duty to apply for
a permit. The owner or operator must apply for a permit according to the date specified in section (f)
unless it has received a no potential to discharge determination before that date.
(4) CAFO bears the risk of any actual discharge. Any unpermitted CAFO that discharges
pollutants into the waters of the United States is in violation of the Clean Water Act even if it has
received a "no potential to discharge" determination from the Director.
(f) By when must I apply for a permit for my CAFO?
(1) For all CAFOs, the owner or operator of the CAFO must apply for an NPDES permit no later
than [insert date that is three years after the date of publication of the final rule], except as provided in
subsections (2) through (6).
(2) Operations that are defined as CAFOs prior to [insert date that is three years after the date of
publication of the final rulel. For operations that are CAFOs under regulations that are in effect prior to
[insert date that is three years after the date of publication of the final rule], the owner or operator must
apply for an NPDES permit under 40 CFR 122.21 (a) within the time period specified in 40 CFR
122.21 (c).
(3) Operations that become CAFO new sources or new dischargers after [insert date that is three
years after the date of publication of the final rulel. For operations that meet the criteria in 40 CFR
122.23 for being defined as a CAFO for the first time after [insert date that is three years after the date of
publication of the final rule], the owner or operator must apply for an NPDES permit 180 days prior to the
date on which they first meet those criteria.
(4) Operations that are designated as CAFOs. For operations for which EPA or the Director has
issued a case-specific designation that the operation is a CAFO, the owner or operator must apply for a
permit no later than 90 days after issuance of the designation.
(5) Persons who are operators because they exercise "substantial operational control" over a
CAFO. Persons who the Director determines to be operators because they exercise substantial
operational control over a CAFO must apply for a permit within 90 days of the Director's determination.
(6) No potential to discharge. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a CAFO that
has received a "no potential to discharge" determination under paragraph (e) of this section is not
required to apply for an NPDES permit.
(g) Are AFOs subject to Clean Water Act requirements if they are not CAFOs? AFOs that
are neither defined nor designated as CAFOs are subject to NPDES permitting requirements if they
discharge the following from a point source:
(1) Non-wet weather discharges: discharges from their production area or land application area
that are not composed entirely of storm water as defined in § 122.26(b)(13).
(2) Wet weather discharges: discharges from their land application area that are composed
entirely of storm water as defined in § 122.26(b)(13), if the discharge has been designated under §
122.26(a)(1)(v) as requiring an NPDES permit. Discharges may be designated under § 122.26(a)(1)(v) if
they are not agricultural storm water discharges as defined in § 122.23(a)(1).
(h) If I do not operate an AFO but I land apply manure, am I required to have a NPDES
permit? If you have not been designated by your permit authority, you do not need a NPDES permit to
authorize the discharge of runoff composed entirely of storm water from your manure application area.
The land application of manure that results in the point source discharge of pollutants to waters of the
United States may be designated pursuant to §122.26(a)(1)(v) as requiring a NPDES permit if the
application is not in accordance with proper agriculture practices. Proper agricultural practices means
that the recipient shall determine the nutrient needs of its crops based on realistic crop yields for its area,
sample its soil at least once every three years to determine existing nutrient content, and not apply the
manure in quantities that exceed the land application rates calculated using one of the methods specified
in 40 CFR 412.31 (b)(1)(iv).
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its soil at least once every three years to determine existing nutrient content, and not apply the manure in
quantities that exceed the land application rates calculated using the method specified in 40 CFR
412.31(b)(1)(iv) chosen by the Director;
(B) Land apply the wastes in compliance with the terms of an NPDES permit that addresses for
discharges from the land application area; or
(C) Use the manure for purposes other than land application.
(ii) Obtain from any commercial waste hauler the name and location of the recipient of the
wastes, if known;
(iii) Provide the recipient of the manure with an analysis of its content; and
(iv) Provide the recipient of the manure with a brochure to be provided by the State permitting
authority or EPA that describes the recipient's responsibilities for appropriate manure management.
(5) Record keeping requirements. Requirements to keep, maintain for five years and make
available to the Director or the Regional Administrator:
(i) Records of the inspections and of the manure sampling and analysis required by 40 CFR
412.37(a);
(ii) Records required by 40 CFR 412.37(e) related to the development and implementation of
Permit Nutrient Plans required by 40 CFR 412.37(b); and
(iii) Records of each transfer of wastes to a third party, including date, recipient name and
address, quantity transferred, an analysis of manure content and a copy of the certifications required by
paragraph (j)(4) of this section. If the waste is transferred to a commercial waste hauler, records of
where the hauler indicated it would take the waste, if known. If the waste is to be packaged as fertilizer,
incinerated or used for a purpose otherthan direct land application, records of the analysis of the manure
are not required.
OPTION 2 FOR PARAGRAPHS (j)(4) and (5):
(4) Transfer of manure to other persons. Prior to transferring manure and other wastes to other
persons, the permittee shall:
(i) Provide the recipient of the manure with an analysis of its content;
(ii) Provide the recipient of the manure with a brochure to be provided by the State permitting
authority or EPA that describes the recipient's responsibilities for appropriate manure management; and
(iii) Obtain from any commercial waste hauler the name and location of the recipient of the
wastes, if known.
(5) Record keeping requirements. Requirements to keep, maintain for five years and make
available to the Director or the Regional Administrator:
(i) Records of the inspections and of the manure sampling and analysis required by 40 CFR
412.37(a);
(ii) Records required by 40 CFR 412.37(e) related to the development and implementation of
Permit Nutrient Plans required by 40 CFR 412.37(b); and
(iii) Records of each transfer of wastes to a third party, including date, recipient name and
address, quantity transferred, and an analysis of manure content. If the waste is transferred to a
commercial waste hauler, records of where the hauler indicated it would take the waste, if known. If the
waste is to be packaged as fertilizer, incinerated or used for a purpose otherthan direct land application,
K; of the analysis of the manure are not required.
(6) For CAFOs subject to 40 CFR 412.43 (existing swine, poultry and veal facilities), the Director
9termine based on topographical characteristics of the region whether there is a likelihood that a
CAFO may discharge from the production area via ground water that has a direct hydrologic connection
to waters of the United States. If the Director finds there is such a likelihood, and the Director
determines there is the potential for an excursion of State water quality standards due to such discharge,
the Director must impose any water quality-based effluent limits necessary to comply with §122.44(d).
The Director may omit such water quality-based effluent limits from the permit if the permittee has
provided a hydrologist's statement that demonstrates to the Director's satisfaction that there is no direct
hydrologic connection from the production area to waters of the United States.
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(k) What additional terms and conditions must be required in NPDES permits issued to
CAFOs that are not subject to part 412, Subparts C and D?
(1) All CAFOs not subject to part 412. In cases where a CAFO has fewer than the number of
animals necessary to make it subject to the requirements 40 CFR Part 412, and the Director is
establishing effluent limitations on a case-by-case basis based on best professional judgment under
section 402(a)(1)(B) of the Act, the Director shall consider the need for the following effluent limitations:
(i) Limits on the discharge of process wastewater pollutants from the production area, including
limits based on the minimum duration and intensity of rainfall events for which the CAFO can design and
construct a system to contain all process-generated wastewaters from such event;
(ii) Limits on discharges resulting from the application of manure to land, including restrictions on
the rates of application of nitrogen and phosphorous;
(iii) Requirements to implement best management practices to ensure the CAFO achieves
limitations under paragraphs (1) and (2);
(iv) Requirements to develop and implement a Permit Nutrient Plan that addresses requirements
developed under paragraphs (1), (2) and (3); and
(v) If the CAFO is in an area with topographic characteristics that indicate a likelihood that
ground water has a direct hydrologic connection to waters of the United States, requirements necessary
to comply with § 122.44, unless the permittee submits a hydrologist's statement that the production area
is not connected to surface waters through a direct hydrologic connection.
(2) CAFOs subject to part 412, Subparts A and B. In addition to the applicable effluent
limitations, when developing permits to be issued to CAFOs with horses, sheep or ducks subject to
Subparts A and B of 40 CFR 412, the Director shall consider the need for effluent limitations for
wastestreams not covered by Subparts A and B, including the need for the requirements described in
paragraphs (k)(1)(ii) through (v) of this section.
(I) How will the public know if a CAFO is implementing an adequate permit nutrient plan?
(1) The Director shall make publicly available via the worldwide web or other publicly available
source, and update every 90 days:
(i) A list of all CAFOs that have submitted a notice of intent for coverage under a general permit,
and
(ii) A list of all CAFOs that have submitted a notice that their permit nutrient plan has been
developed or revised.
(2) The Director shall make publicly available the notices of intent, notice of plan development,
and the cover sheet and executive summary of the permittee's Permit Nutrient Plan. If the Director does
not have a copy of the cover sheet and executive summary of the permittee's current Permit Nutrient
Plan and the cover sheet and executive summary are not publicly available at the CAFO or other
location, the Director shall, upon request from the public, obtain a copy of the cover sheet and executive
summary. Until required by the Director, the CAFO operator is not required to submit cover sheet or
executive summary to the Director.
(3) Confidential business information. The information required to be in Permit Nutrient Plan
cover sheet and executive summary, and required soil sampling data, may not be claimed as
confidential. Any claim of confidentiality by a CAFO in connection with the remaining information in the
Permit Nutrient Plan will be subject to the procedure in 40 CFR Part 2.
4. Section 122.28 is amended by:
a. Removing the word "or" at the end of paragraph (a)(2)(i) and adding the word "or" at the end
of paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(D).
b. Adding paragraph (a)(2)(iii).
c. Adding two sentences to the end paragraph (b)(2)(ii)
d. Redesignating paragraph (b)(3)(i)(G) as paragraph (b)(3)(i)(H) and adding a new paragraph
e. Adding paragraph (b)(3)(vi).
The additions read as follows:
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§ 122.28 General permits (applicable to State NPDES programs, see § 123.25).
(a) * * *
(2) * * *
(iii) Concentrated animal feeding operations.
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) * * * Notices of intent for coverage under a general permit for confined animal feeding
operations must include: a topographic map as described in § 122.21 (f)(7); name and address of any
other entity with substantial operational control; a statement whether the owner or operator has
developed and is implementing its Permit Nutrient Plan and, if not, the status of the development of its
Permit Nutrient Plan. New sources subject to 40 CFR Part 412 shall also provide a copy of a draft plan
that, at a minimum, demonstrates that there is adequate land available to the CAFO operator to comply
with the land application provisions of 40 CFR Part 412 or describes an alternative to land application
that the operator intends to implement.
* * *
* * *
* * *
(3)
(G) The discharge is from a CAFO. In addition to the other criteria in paragraph (b)(3) of this
section, the Director shall consider whether general permits are appropriate for the following CAFOs:
£/] CAFOs located in an environmentally or ecologically sensitive area;
{2| CAFOs with a history of operational or compliance problems;
{3| CAFOs that are exceptionally large operation as determined by the Director; or
{4| Significantly expanding CAFOs.
* * *
(vi) Prior to issuing any general permits for CAFOs, the Director, after considering input from
the public, shall issue a written statement of its policy on which CAFOs will be eligible for general
permits, including a statement of how it will apply the criteria in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(G) of this section.
6. Remove Appendix B to part 122.
9. Part 412 is amended to read as follows:
PART 412 - CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS (CAFOs) POINT SOURCE
CATEGORY
bility.
Sec.
412.0 General applicability
412.1 General definitions.
412.2 General pretreatment standards.
Subpart A - Horses and Sheep
412.10 Applicability.
412.11 Special definitions.
412.12 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT).
412.13 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available control technology
economically achievable (BAT).
412.15 New source performance standards (NSPS).
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Subpart B - Ducks
412.20 Applicability.
412.21 Special definitions.
412.22 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT).
412.25 New source performance standards (NSPS).
412.26 Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS).
Subpart C - Beef and Dairy
:the best
412.30 Applicability
412.31 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT)
412.32 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best control technology for
conventional pollutants (BCT)
412.33 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available control technology
economically achievable (BAT).
412.35 New source performance standards (NSPS).
412.37 Additional measures
Subpart D - Swine, Veal and Poultry
412.40 Applicability
412.41 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT)
412.42 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best control technology for
conventional pollutants (BCT)
412.43 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available control technology
economically achievable (BAT).
412.45 New source performance standards (NSP?
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1311, 1314, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1342 and 1361.
§ 412.0 General applicability.
This part applies to process wastewater discharges resulting from concentrated animal feeding
operations (CAFOs). Manufacturing activities which may be subject to this part are generally reported
under one or more of the following Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes: SIC 0211, SIC 0213,
SIC 0241, SIC 0259, or SIC 3523 (1987 SIC Manual).
§ 412.1 General Definitions.
As used in this part:
(a) The general definitions and abbreviations at 40 CFR part 401 shall apply.
(b) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is defined at 40 CFR 122.23(a)(3).
(c) Fecal coliform means the bacterial count (Parameter 1) at 40 CFR '136.3 in Table 1 A, which
also cites the approved methods of analysis.
(d) Process wastewater means water directly or indirectly used in the operation of the CAFO for
any or all of the following: spillage or overflow from animal or poultry watering systems; washing,
cleaning, or flushing pens, barns, manure pits, or other CAFO facilities; direct contact swimming,
washing or spray cooling of animals; litter or bedding; dust control; and stormwater which comes into
contact with any raw materials, products or by-products of the operation.
(e) Certified specialist shall mean someone who has been certified to prepare Comprehensive
Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs) by USDA or a USDA sanctioned organization.
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(f) Land application area means any land under the control of the CAFO operator, whether it is
owned, rented, or leased, to which manure and process wastewater is or may be applied.
(g) New source means a source that is subject to subparts C or D of this part and, not
withstanding the criteria codified at 40 CFR 122.29(b)(1): (i) Is constructed at a site at which no other
source is located; or (ii) Replaces the housing including animal holding areas, exercise yards, and
feedlot, waste handling system, production process, or production equipment that causes the discharge
or potential to discharge pollutants at an existing source; or (iii) constructs a production area that is
substantially independent of an existing source at the same site. Whether processes are substantially
independent of an existing source, depends on factors such as the extent to which the new facility is
integrated with the existing facility; and the extent to which the new facility is engaged in the same
general type of activity as the existing source.
(h) Overflow means the process wastewater discharge resulting from the filling of wastewater or
liquid manure storage structures to the point at which no more liquid can be contained by the structure.
(i) Production area means that part of the CAFO that includes the animal confinement area, the
manure storage area, the raw materials storage area, and the waste containment areas. The animal
confinement area includes but is not limited to open lots, housed lots, feedlots, confinement houses, stall
barns, free stall barns, milkrooms, milking centers, cowyards, barnyard, exercise yards, animal
walkways, and stables. The manure storage area includes but is not limited to lagoons, sheds, under
house or pit storage, liquid impoundments, static piles, and composting piles. The raw materials storage
area includes but is not limited to feed silos, silage bunkers, and bedding materials. The waste
containment area includes but is not limited to settling basins, and areas within berms, and diversions
which separate uncontaminated stormwater. Also included in the definition of production area is any
egg washing or egg processing facility.
(j) Setback means a specified distance from surface waters or potential conduits to surface
waters where manure and wastewater may not be land applied. Examples of conduits to surface waters
include, but are not limited to, tile line intake structures, sinkholes, and agricultural well heads.
(k) Soil test phosphorus is the measure of the phosphorus content in soil as reported by
approved soil testing laboratories using a specified analytical method.
(I) Phosphorus threshold or TH level is a specific soil test concentration of phosphorus
established by states. The concentration defines the point at which soluble phosphorus may pose a
surface runoff risk.
(m) Phosphorus index means a system of weighing a number of measures that relate the
potential for phosphorus loss due to site and transport characteristics. The phosphorus index must at a
minimum include the following factors when evaluating the risk for phosphorus runoff from a given field
or site:
(1) Soil erosion.
(2) Irrigation erosion.
(3) Run-off class.
(4) Soil phosphorus test.
(5) Phosphorus fertilizer application rate.
(6) Phosphorus fertilizer application method.
(7) Organic phosphorus application rate.
(8) Method of applying organic phosphorus.
(n) Permit Nutrient Plan means a plan developed in accordance with §412.33 (b) and '412.37.
This plan shall define the appropriate rate for applying manure or wastewater to crop or pasture land.
The plan accounts for soil conditions, concentration of nutrients in manure, crop requirements and
realistic crop yields when determining the appropriate application rate.
(o) Crop removal rate is the application rate for manure or wastewater which is determined by the
amount of phosphorus which will be taken up by the crop during the growing season and subsequently
removed from the field through crop harvest. Field residues do not count towards the amount of
phosphorus removed at harvest.
(p) Ten(10)-year, 24-hour rainfall event and 25-year, 24-hour rainfall event mean precipitation
events with a probable recurrence interval of once in ten years, or twenty five years, respectively, as
defined by the National Weather Service in Technical Paper No. 40, Rainfall Frequency Atlas of the
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***DRAFT DOCUMENT BASED ON PROPOSED RULE***
United States, May, 1961, and subsequent amendments, or equivalent regional or State rainfall
probability information developed from this source.
(q) The parameters that are regulated or referenced in this part and listed with approved
methods of analysis in Table 1B at 40 CFR §136.3 are defined as follows:
(1) Ammonia (as N) means ammonia reported as nitrogen.
(2) BOD5 means 5-day biochemical oxygen demand.
(3) Chloride means total chloride.
(4) Nitrate (as N) means nitrate reported as nitrogen.
(5) Total dissolved solids means non-filterable residue.
(r) The parameters that are regulated or referenced in this part and listed with approved methods
of analysis in Table 1A at 40 CFR §136.3 are defined as follows:
(1) Fecal coliform means fecal coliform bacteria.
(2) Total coliform means all coliform bacteria.
§ 412.3 General pretreatment standards.
Any source subject to this part that introduces process wastewater pollutants into a publicly
owned treatment works (POTW) must comply with 40 CFR part 403.
Subpart A - Horses and Sheep
§412.10 Applicability.
This subpart applies to discharges resulting from the production areas at CAFOs where sheep
are confined in open or housed lots; and horses are confined in stables such as at racetracks. This
subpart does not apply to such CAFOs with less than the following capacities:
Livestock
Minimum capacity
Sheep
Horses
10,000
500
§ 412.11 Special definitions.
For the purpose of this subpart:
(a) Housed lot means totally roofed buildings, which may be open or completely enclosed on the
sides, wherein animals are housed over floors of solid concrete or dirt and slotted (partially open) floors
over pits or manure collection areas, in pens, stalls or cages, with or without bedding materials and
mechanical ventilation.
(b) Open lot means pens or similar confinement areas with dirt, concrete paved or hard
surfaces, wherein animals are substantially or entirely exposed to the outside environment, except where
some protection is afforded by windbreaks or small shed-type shaded areas.
§ 412.12 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT).
(a) Except as provided in 40 CFR '125.30 through '125.32 and when the provisions of paragraph
(b) of this section apply, any existing point source subject to this subpart must achieve the following
effluent limitations representing the application of BPT:
There must be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters.
(b) Whenever rainfall events cause an overflow of process wastewater from a facility designed,
constructed and operated to contain all process-generated wastewaters plus the runoff from a 10-year,
24-hour rainfall event at the location of the point source, any process wastewater pollutants in the
overflow may be allowed to be discharged into U.S. waters.
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§ 412.13 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available technology
economically achievable (BAT).
(a) Except as provided in 40 CFR '125.30 through '125.32 and when the provisions of paragraph
(b) of this section apply, any existing point source subject to this subpart must achieve the following
effluent limitations representing the application of BAT:
There must be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters.
(b) Whenever rainfall events cause an overflow of process wastewater from a facility designed,
constructed and operated to contain all process-generated wastewaters plus the runoff from a 25-year,
24-hour rainfall event at the location of the point source, any process wastewater pollutants in the
overflow may be allowed to be discharged into U.S. waters.
§ 412.15 New source performance standards (NSPS).
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any new point source subject to this
subpart must achieve the following performance standards:
There must be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters.
(b) Whenever rainfall events cause an overflow of process wastewater from a facility designed,
constructed and operated to contain all process-generated wastewaters plus the runoff from a 25-year,
24-hour rainfall event at the location of the point source, any process wastewater pollutants in the
overflow may be allowed to be discharged into U.S. waters.
Subpart B - Ducks
§412.20 Applicability.
This subpart applies to discharges resulting from dry and wet duck feedlots with a capacity of at
least 5000 ducks.
/
§ 412.21 Special definitions.
For the purpose of this subpart:
(a) Dry lot means a facility for growing ducks in confinement with a dry litter floor cover and no
access to swimming areas.
(b) Wet lot means a confinement facility for raising ducks which is open to the environment, has
a small number of sheltered areas, and with open water runs and swimming areas to which ducks have
free access.
§ 412.22 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT).
Except as provided in 40 CFR '125.30 through '125.32, any existing point source subject to this
subpart shall achieve the following effluent limitations representing the application of BPT:
Effluent Limitations
Regulated
parameter
BOD5
Fecal coliform
Maximum
daily1
3.66
(3)
Maximum
monthly
avg.1
2.0
(3)
Maximum
daily2
1.66
(3)
Maximum
monthly
avg.2
0.91
(3)
1 Pounds per 1000 ducks.
2 Kilograms per 1000 ducks
3 Not to exceed MPN of 400 per 100 ml at any time.
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§ 412.25 New source performance standards (NSPS).
Any new source subject to this subpart must achieve the following standards:
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, there must be no discharge of process
wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters.
(b) Whenever rainfall events cause an overflow of process wastewater from a facility designed,
constructed and operated to contain all process-generated wastewaters plus the runoff from a 25-year,
24-hour rainfall event at the location of the point source, any process wastewater pollutants in the
overflow may be allowed to be discharged into U.S. waters.
awater pollutan
§ 412.26 Pretreatment standards for new sources (PSNS).
(a) Except as provided in 40 CFR §403.7 and in paragraph (b) of this section, any new source
subject to this subpart must achieve the following pretreatment standards:
There must be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants into a POTW.
(b) Whenever rainfall events cause an overflow of process wastewater from a facility designed
constructed and operated to contain all process-generated wastewaters plus the runoff from a 25-year,
24-hour rainfall event at the location of the new source, the discharge of any process wastewater
pollutants in the overflow may be allowed.
Subpart C - Beef and Dairy
§412.30 Applicability.
This subpart applies to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), as defined in 40 CFR
§122.23, and includes the following types of animals: Mature dairy cows, either milking or dry; and cattle
other than mature dairy or veal
§ 412.31 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT).
Except as provided in 40 CFR §125.30 through §125.32, any existing point source subject to this
subpart must achieve the following effluent limitations representing the application of BPT:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, there must be no discharge of process
wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters.
(2) Whenever rainfall causes an overflow of process wastewater, pollutants in the overflow may
be discharged into U.S. waters during those periods subject to following conditions:
(i) The production area is designed and constructed to contain all process wastewaters including
the runoff from a 25 year, 24 hour rainfall event; and
(ii) The production area is operated in accordance with the requirements of §412.37(a)(1)
through (3).
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
(1) Discharges resulting from the application of manure or process wastewater to land owned or
under the control of the CAFO must achieve the following:
(i) Develop and implement a Permit Nutrient Plan (PNP) that includes the requirements specified
at §412.37; and establishes land application rates for manure in accordance with §412.31 (b)(1)(iv).
(ii) The PNP must be developed or approved by a certified specialist.
(iii) The PNP must be written taking into account realistic yield goals based on historic yields
from the CAFO, or county average data when historic yields are not appropriate. County average data
may be used when a facility plants a crop that no yield data for that CAFO land application area has
been obtained within the previous 10 years. CAFOs shall review the PNP annually and revise as
necessary, and must rewrite the PNP at least once every five years.
(iv) Apply manure and process wastewater at a rate established in accordance with one of the
three methods defined below. State approved indices, thresholds, and soil test limits shall be utilized
such that application does not exceed the crop and soil requirements for nutrients:
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Table 1 Phosphorus Index
Phosphorus Index Rating
Low Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Very High Risk
Manure and Wastewater Application Rate
Application of manure and wastewater may not exceed the nitrogen
requirements of the crop.
Application of manure and wastewater may not exceed the nitrogen
requirements of the crop. ^t
Application of phosphorus in manure and wastewater may not exceed
the amount of phosphorus removed from the field with crop harvest.
No land application of manure or wastewater.
Table 2 Phosphorus Threshold
Soil Phosphorus Threshold
Level
< 3/4 TH application
> 3/4 TH, < 2 TH application
> 2 TH application
Manure and Wastewater Application Rate
Manure and wastewater may not exceed the nitrogen requirements of
the crop.
Phosphorus in manure and wastewater may not exceed the amount
of phosphorus removed from the field with crop harvest.
No land application of manure or wastewater
Table 3 Soil Test Phosphorus
Soil Test Phosphorus Level
Low
Medium
High
Very High ^
Manure and Wastewater Application Rate
Application of manure and wastewater may not exceed the nitrogen
requirements of the crop.
Application of manure and wastewater may not exceed the nitrogen
requirements of the crop f
Application of phosphorus in manure and wastewater may not exceed
the amount of phosphorus removed from the field with crop harvest.
No land application of manure and wastewater.
(2) Multi-year phosphorus applications are prohibited when either the P-lndex is rated high, the
soil phosphorus threshold is between 3/4 and 2 times the TH value, or the soil test phosphorus level is
high as determined in paragraph (1) (iv) unless:
(i) Manure application equipment designed for dry poultry manure or litter cannot obtain an
application rate low enough to meet a phosphorus based application rate as determined by the PNP In
the event a phosphorus application occurs during one given year which exceeds the crop removal rate
for that given year, no additional manure or process wastewater shall be applied to the same land in
subsequent years until all applied phosphorus has been removed from the field via harvest and crop
removal.
§ 412.32 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best control technology for
conventional pollutants (BCT).
Except as provided in 40 CFR §125.30 through §125.32 and §412.41(2), any existing point
source subject to this subpart must achieve the following effluent limitations representing the application
of BCT:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
Discharges must achieve the same requirements as specified in §412.31 (a).
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
Discharges resulting from the application of manure or process wastewater to crop or pasture land owned
or under the control of the CAFO must achieve the same requirements as specified in §412.31 (b) and
§412.37.
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§ 412.33 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available technology
economically achievable (BAT).
Except as provided in 40 CFR §125.30 through §125.32 and §412.33(a)(2), any existing point
source subject to this subpart must achieve the following effluent limitations representing the application
of BAT:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
(1) There must be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters, including any
pollutants discharged to ground water which has a direct hydrologic connection to surface waters.
(2) Whenever rainfall causes an overflow of process wastewater, pollutants in the overflow may
be discharged into U.S. waters during those periods when the following conditions are met:
(i) The production area is designed and constructed to contain all process wastewaters including
the runoff from a 25 year, 24 hour rainfall event; and
(ii) The production area is operated in accordance with the requirements of §412.37(a).
(3) (i) The ground water beneath the production area must be sampled twice annually to
demonstrate compliance with the no discharge requirement unless the CAFO has determined to the
satisfaction of the permitting authority that the ground water beneath the production area is not
connected to surface waters through a direct hydrologic connection.
(ii) Ground water samples shall be collected up-gradient and down-gradient of the production
area and analyzed for:
Total conforms.
Fecal coliform.
Total dissolved solids.
Nitrates.
Ammonia.
Chloride
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
Discharges resulting from the application of manure or process wastewater to crop or pasture land owned
or under the control of the CAFO must achieve the same requirements as specified in §412.31 (b) and
§412.37.
m
§ 412.35 New source performance standards (NSPS).
Any new source subject to this subpart must achieve the following standards:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, discharges must achieve the same
requirements as specified in §412.33(a).
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, discharges resulting from the application of
manure or process wastewater to crop or pasture land owned or under the control of the CAFO must
achieve the same requirements as specified in §412.31 (b) and §412.37.
(c) Any new source subject to the provisions of this section that commenced discharging after
[insert date 10 years prior to the date that is 60 days from the publication date of the final rule] and before
[insert date that is 60 days from the publication date of the final rule] must continue to achieve the
standards specified in the 2000 version of §412.15, provided that the new source was constructed to
meet those standards. For toxic and nonconventional pollutants, those standards shall not apply after
the expiration of the applicable time period specified in 40 CFR 122.29(d)(1); thereafter, the source must
achieve the standards specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
§ 412.37 Additional measures
(a) Each CAFO subject to this subpart must implement the following requirements:
(1) There must be routine visual inspections of the CAFO production area to check the following:
(i) Weekly inspections of all stormwater diversion devices, such as roof gutters, to ensure they
are free of debris that could interfere with the diversion of clean stormwater;
(ii) Weekly inspections of all stormwater diversion devices which channel contaminated
stormwater to the wastewater and manure storage and containment structure, to ensure that they are
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***DRAFT DOCUMENT BASED ON PROPOSED RULE***
free of debris that could interfere with ensuring this contaminated stormwater reaches the storage or
containment structure;
(iii) Daily inspections of all water lines providing drinking water to the animals to ensure there are
no leaks in these lines that could contribute unnecessary volume to liquid storage systems or cause dry
manure to become too wet;
(iv) Runoff diversion structures and animal waste storage structures must be visually inspected
for: seepage, erosion, vegetation, animal access, reduced freeboard, and functioning rain gauges and
irrigation equipment, on a weekly basis manure storage area to ensure integrity of the structure. All
surface impoundments must have a depth marker which indicates the design volume and clearly
indicates the minimum freeboard necessary to allow for the 25 year 24 hour rainfall event. The
inspection shall also note the depth of the manure and process wastewater in the impoundment as
indicated by this depth marker.
(2) Any deficiencies found as a result of these inspections shall be corrected as soon as possit
Deficiencies and corrective action taken shall be documented.
(3) Mortalities may not be disposed of in any liquid manure or stormwater storage or treatment
system, and must be handled in such a way as to prevent discharge of pollutants to surface water.
(4) Land application of manure generated by the CAFO to land owned or controlled by the CAFO
must be done in accordance with the following practices:
(i) Manure may not be applied closer than 100 feet to any surface water, tile line intake structure,
sinkhole or agricultural well head.
(ii) The CAFO must take manure samples at least once per year and analyzed for nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium. Samples must be collected from all manure storage areas, both liquid and
dry storage, as well as any wastewater or storm water storage. The CAFO must take soil samples once
every three years if they apply manure to crop or pasture land under their control, and analyze the soil
sample for phosphorus. Samples shall be collected in accordance with accepted Extension protocols
and the analyses must be conducted in accordance with the state nutrient management standard. These
protocols shall be documented in the PNP.
(iii) Manure that is transported off-site must be sampled at least once a year for nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium. The results of these analyses must be provided to the recipient of the
manure.
(iv) Manure application equipment must be calibrated prior to land application of manure and/or
process wastewaters at a minimum of once per year.
(b) Record keeping requirements:
Each CAFO must maintain on its premises a complete copy of the current PNP and the records specified
in paragraphs (b)(1) through (12) of this section. The CAFO must make the PNP available to the
permitting authority and the Regional Administrator, or his or her designee, for review upon request.
Records must be maintained for 5 years from the date they are created.
(1) Cover Sheet which includes the following information:
(i) the name and location of the CAFO,
(ii) name and title of the owner or operator
(iii) name and title of the person who prepared the plan,
(iv) date the plan was prepared,
i (v) date the plan was amended
(2) Executive Summary which includes the following information:
(i) Total average herd or flock size
(ii) Identification of manure collection, handling, storage, and treatment practices
(iii) Amount of manure generated annually
(iv) Identification of planned crops (rotation)
(v) Realistic yield goal as described in §412.31(b)(1)(iii)
(vi) Field condition as determined by the phosphorus index, soil test phosphorus, or phosphorus
threshold (for each field unit that will receive manure)
(vii) number of acres that will receive manure
(viii) amount of manure transported off-site
(ix) animal waste application rate (gallons or tons/acre)
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(x) identification of watershed or nearest surface water body
(3) Records documenting the inspections required under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(4) Records tracking the repairs performed on drinking water lines, automated feeding
equipment, feed storage and silos, manure storage, manure treatment facilities, as well as maintenance
of berms and diversions that direct clean stormwater away from any manure and other process
wastewater.
(5) Records documenting the following information about manure application and crop
production
(i) Expected crop yield based on historical data for the CAFO for its land application area, or
county average yield data when the CAFO does not have a prior history of crop yields
(ii) The date(s) manure is applied,
(iii) Weather conditions at time of application and for 24 hours prior to and following application,
(iv) Results from manure and soil sampling,
(v) Test methods used to sample and analyze manure and soil,
(vi) Whether the manure application rate is limited to nitrogen, phosphorus, or some other
parameter,
(vii) The amount of manure and manure nutrients applied,
(viii) The amount of any other nutrients applied to the field reported in terms of nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium (including commercial fertilizer, legume credits, and biosolids),
(ix) Calculations showing the total nutrients applied to land,
(x) Calibration of manure application equipment,
(xi) The rate of application of manure,
(xii) The method used to apply the manure, estimated nitrogen losses based on application
method used, and the route of nitrogen loss,
(xiii) The field(s) to which manure was applied and total acreage receiving manure,
(xiv) What crop(s) was planted,A^
(xv) The date that crops were planted in the field, and
(xvi) The crop yields obtained.
(6) Records of the total volume or amount of manure and process wastewater generated by all
animals at the facility during each 12 month period. This must include milk parlor washwater and egg
washwater. The volume or amount may be determined through direct measurements or an estimated
value provided all factors are documented.
(7) Records of rainfall duration, amount of rainfall, and the estimated volume of any overflow
that occurs as the result of any catastrophic or chronic rainfall event.
(10) A copy of the emergency response plan for the CAFO.
(11) Records of how mortalities are handled by the CAFO.
(12) Name of state approved specialist that prepared or approved the PNP, or record and
documentation of training and certification for owners or operator writing their own PNP.
Subpart D - Swine, Poultry and Veal
[.40 Applicability.^
This subpart applies to operations defined as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)
10 CFR §122.23 and includes the following animals: Swine, each weighing 55 Ibs. or more; swine,
each weighing less than 55 Ibs.; veal cattle; chickens; and turkeys.
§ 412.41 Effluent limitation attainable by the application of the best practicable control
technology currently available (BPT).
Except as provided in 40 CFR §125.30 through §125.32 , any existing point source subject to
this subpart must achieve the following effluent limitations representing the application of BPT:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
Discharges must achieve the same requirements as specified in §412.31 (a).
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
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Discharges resulting from the application of manure or process wastewater to crop or pasture land owned
or under the control of the CAFO must achieve the same requirements as specified in §412.31 (b) and
§412.37.
§ 412.42 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best control technology for
conventional pollutants (BCT).
Except as provided in 40 CFR §125.30 through §125.32 , any existing point source subject to
this subpart must achieve the following effluent limitations representing the application of BCT:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
The limitations are the same as specified in §412.41 (a).
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
The limitations are the same as specified in §412.41 (b).
§ 412.43 Effluent limitations attainable by the application of the best available technology
economically achievable (BAT).
Except as provided in 40 CFR §125.30 through §125.32, any existing point source subject to this
subpart must achieve the following effluent limitations representing the application of BAT:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
(1) There must be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters.
(2) Any CAFO subject to this subpart must also comply with the requirements specified in
§412.37(a)(1) through (3).
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
The limitations are the same as specified in §412y
§ 412.45 New source performance standards (NSF
Any new source subject to this subpart must achieve the following standards:
(a) For CAFO production areas:
(1) There must be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants into U.S. waters, including any
pollutants discharged to ground water which have a direct hydrological connection to surface waters.
(2) The ground water beneath the production area must be sampled twice annually to
demonstrate compliance with the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, unless the CAFO has
determined to the satisfaction of the permitting authority that the ground water beneath the production
area is not connected to surface waters through a direct hydrologic connection.
Ground water samples must be collected up-gradient and down-gradient of the production area, and
id for:
Total conforms
must b(
analyzed for:
Total conforms
Fecal coliform
Total dissolved solids
Nitrates
^Ammonia
Chloride
(3) Any CAFO subject to this subpart must also comply with the requirements specified in
§412.37(a)(1) through (3).
(b) For CAFO land application areas:
Discharges resulting from the application of manure or process wastewater to crop or pasture land owned
or under the control of the CAFO must achieve the same requirements as specified in §412.31 (b) and
§412.37.
(c) Any new source subject to the provisions of this section that commenced discharging after
[insert date 10 years prior to the date that is 60 days from the publication date of the final rule] and before
[insert date that is 60 days from the publication date of the final rule] must continue to achieve the
standards specified in ' 412.15, provided that the new source was constructed to meet those standards.
For "toxic" and nonconventional pollutants, those standards shall not apply after the expiration of the
applicable time period specified in 40 CFR §122.29(d)(1); thereafter, the source must achieve the
standards specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
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APPENDIX C - MEASURING THE AMOUNT OF ANIMAL WASTE
Determining the amount of animal waste produced and collected at your farm is essential to successful
nutrient management. You can estimate the amount of animal waste that is available for land
application based on the quantity of animal waste collected at cleaning time or by calculating your
volume in storage. Include animal waste from all sources (e.g., scraped barns, drylots, lagoons, animal
waste pits, solid separators, calf huts) in your calculation.
Description
Estimating the total amount of animal waste in storage is a primary element to determine the amount of
nutrients you have available, and by extension, the total number of acres that can be fertilized at your
calibration rate (see Appendix G). To determine your total amount of animal waste, you will need to
estimate the volume of animal waste in each pile or container. This procedure is described below.
Instructions for Calculating Animal Waste in Above-Ground Piles
The volume of your animal waste pile can be calculated by transforming the pile's shape into a common
geometric shape, such as a cube or a pyramid. To calculate volume, all you will need to know is the
formula for the simple shape (see the common volume equations at the end of this appendix) and the
dimensions of your pile. For example, if you store your animal waste in a rectangular box, then the
formula to use is:
Volume = Length * Width * Height
Next, you will need to measure the box's length, width, and height (also called depth) and plug these
numbers into the volume equation. Make sure your measurement units for all dimensions (i.e., sides)
are consistent. For example, when measuring sides of your container, make sure you consistently
measure in feet, yards, meters, etc.
Your animal waste pile will most likely be a complex shape for which a volume formula is not readily
available; therefore, you cannot use a simple formula to calculate your amount of animal waste. Instead,
contour and break down the complex pile shape into an imaginary group of simple shapes (e.g., cones,
rectangular boxes). The volume of each simple shape can then be computed by adding the volumes of
all of the simple shapes (see the common volume equations at the end of this appendix). Make sure
your measurement units for all simple shapes are consistent. Two examples of how to simplify a
complex shape are provided below.
In Example 1, an animal waste container with an annex becomes two rectangular prisms, each with
different heights, lengths, and widths. Each volume is calculated separately (length * width * height), and
then added together to get a total volume.
Example 1
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In Example 2, a heaped load on a wagon becomes a rectangular prism and a rectangular pyramid, with
the top of the rectangular prism in common with the bottom of the pyramid. Each volume is calculated
separately (see volume equations at the end of this appendix), and then added together to get a total
volume.
When prism ends do not form a perfect shape, or where the dimension is not uniform along the end, take
an average for the dimension when calculating volumes. Sometimes it is necessary to imagine moving
animal waste around to form a measurable shape. Although this decreases the accuracy of the volume
calculation, it makes it easier to compute the volume.
You will probably need to convert your estimated volume of animal waste (in cubic feet or gallons) to
units that match your animal waste application rates (in gallons or tons per acre). Converting animal
waste volume to weight requires you to know the bulk density of the animal waste, which you can
determine by weighing a unit volume of animal waste and dividing the weight by the volume (see
Appendix H for more details on determining the bulk density of your animal waste).
Using Example 1 above, you measure your container and find one section of its inside dimensions to be
12 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 1 feet deep, while the other section is 3 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 0.5 feet
deep. The total volume is:
Volume (ft3) = [(12 ft) x (5 ft) x (1 ft)] + [(3 ft) x (5 ft) x (0.5 ft)] = 67.5 ft3
Next, determine the bulk density of your animal waste. If your 5-gallon bucket (which has a volume of
2/3 cubic foot) weighs 5 pounds empty and 37 pounds filled, your density is:
Density = (37 Ib - 5 Ib) / (2/3 ft3) = 48 Ib/ft3
Therefore, your total animal waste in tons is:
structions
Total Animal Waste (tons) = (67.5 ft3 x 48 Ib/ft3)/(2,000 Ibs/ton) = 1.62 tons
Instructions for Calculating Liquid Animal Waste
Ponds, basins, and pits can be considered inverted piles, and you can therefore use the same techniques
to estimate volume in above-ground piles. You can also compute the volume using the dimensions of
your basin or by estimating the amount of animal waste removed after emptying your basin. The
following example shows how to calculate volume in a basin, assuming the basin is a trapezoidal prism:
Volume = (H x [W, + W2]/2) x L
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Volume = (10 x 20/2) x 20 = 100 x 20 = 2,000 ft3
\L -^iTJAI1: V
If you store your animal waste in a constructed tank, use the
dimensions of the tank to calculate volume. If the tank is not
full, you will need to estimate your "new" height for the tank, that
is, how high waste comes to in the tank. Use this new height in
your volume calculation.
References
Cooperative Extension Service, University of Maryland System, Agricultural Engineering Department.
Manure Management. Outreach & Extension, University of Missouri/Lincoln University.
Who To Contact For More Information
Your Local Cooperative Cooperative Extension Office
Your Local Land Grant University
National Water Management Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
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Common Equations for Calculating Volume
i
! W = Width H = Height L = Length D = Diameter
Triangular Prism = (W * H) - 2 * L
Circular Prism = 0.785 * D2 * L
Trapezoid Prism = (H * [Wj + W2] - 2) * L
Pyramid = W*L*H-3
Cone = 0.785 x D2 * H - 3
Sphere = 0.524 * D3
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APPENDIX D - ANIMAL WASTE SAMPLING
Animal waste analysis is a key component of nutrient management. Complete analyses provide critical
information about the animal waste composition, including pH and nutrient content. Actual nutrient
content of animal waste varies with the type of animal, feed, storage system, and method of animal
waste application. You should sample animal waste stored on site each time it is to be removed (for land
application on or off site). Sample daily spread operations (if you land-apply daily) several times
throughout the year to obtain a good estimate of nutrient content.
Description
Animal waste sampling is relatively simple, but must be done properly for reliable results. The sampling
method differs based on the type of animal waste you generate at your farm (e.g., liquid, semi-solid,
solid). Animal waste sampling generally consists of two to seven steps, depending on the type of animal
waste. Although the number of steps varies based on the physical state of the animal waste, all of the
methods rely on collecting a representative animal waste sample for analysis. Where bedding is
collected with the animal waste, include both bedding and animal waste in the sample. Also, conduct
sampling as close to the time of land application as possible. Specific techniques for gathering poultry
litter, liquid animal waste, semi-solid animal waste, and solid animal waste samples are described below;
you can use these to help develop sampling procedures at your farm. Remember that you should
sample and analyze all animal waste at your farm. Work with your state and local agricultural
Cooperative Extension Offices to ensure that you develop the proper procedures for your conditions and
animal waste management methods.
shipped, h
Before sampling, know where the samples are to be shipped, how to pack and ship the sample, and what
to use as sample containers. Many laboratories will furnish the proper sample containers for a small
charge. Samples should never be collected and shipped in glass bottles, and they should be shipped on
wet ice unless otherwise instructed by the laboratory. Contact your state or local agricultural Cooperative
Extension Office for a list of laboratories that can perform your analyses. You should also wear gloves at
all times, to protect yourself and the sample from contamination.
The test should analyze for such parameters as percentage of dry matter, ammonium-nitrogen, total-
nitrogen, phosphorus (P or P2O5), and potassium (K or K2O). Request results in the same units as your
calibrated animal waste application system (see Appendix H for more information about calibrating
animal waste spreaders and irrigators). For example, if your animal waste application is measured in
tons per acre, request that your analysis be reported as pounds of nutrient per ton of animal waste.
Instructions for Collecting Poultry Litter Samples
Poultry litter is a mixture of poultry animal waste and the bedding (e.g., sawdust or rice hull) from houses
used to raise broilers, turkeys, and other birds. You will need a clean 5-gallon bucket, a narrow, square-
ended spade (or a soil spade), and a 1-quart plastic freezer bag to collect and store your sample. The
five steps to collecting a representative poultry litter sample are described below.
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Step 1: Mentally divide the poultry house into three zones of equal size. Within each zone, you'll take six
cores (i.e., samples) as shown in the diagram below.
Feed line
Water line
Sampling Pattern for Poultry Houses
Step 2: Take the first core within 1 foot of the feed line using your spade. Clear a small trench the width
of the spade to the depth of the litter and remove a 1-inch slice, making sure to get equal amounts of
litter from all depths. Empty the sample into your bucket.
i zone, taking your las
Step 3: Repeat the process, gathering six cores from each zone, taking your last core within each zone
within 1 foot of the water line. Walk the length of the building in each zone in a zigzag pattern taking
cores with the spade at random points along your path (as shown in the diagram above). Take a
representative number of cores under feeders and waterers. If the bucket becomes full before all 18
samples are taken, dump the contents onto a plastic sheet and continue sampling.
Step 4: After collecting samples from all three zones, crumble and thoroughly mix all of the litter in the
bucket. It may be easier to pour the material onto a piece of plastic, or plywood, or into a wheelbarrow to
facilitate mixing. Thorough mixing is critical to ensure that the analyzed sample is representative of the
entire house.
3d, fill y
Step 5: After the litter is well mixed, fill your plastic freezer bag with a subsample (i.e., a small sample)
from your composite. Fill the bag only two-thirds full and squeeze the air out before sealing. Keep the
sample cool (on ice if possible) until it is shipped.
Instructions for Collecting Liquid Animal Waste Samples
Liquid animal waste is typically stored in tanks, lagoons, or ponds. For tanks, collect only one sample,
but collect several subsamples of liquid animal waste to get a representative sample from lagoons and
ponds. You will need a clean 5-gallon bucket, a plastic cup, wire, and a long pole to collect liquid animal
waste samples from lagoons and ponds. Sample containers are required to collect liquid animal waste
samples from all sources. The two steps to collect a representative liquid animal waste sample are
described below.
Step 1: For lagoons and ponds, collect several samples from around the shore of the lagoon or pond and
mix them together in a clean 5-gallon bucket. You can collect the samples by wiring a plastic cup to the
end of a long pole. When taking the sample, turn the cup upside down and push it a few feet below the
surface. Then turn the cup right side up and pull out the sample.
If you store your liquid waste in tanks, your tanks must be well agitated before sampling. Often the only
practical time to do this is as you are pumping the animal waste into your spreader.
Step 2: Fill a sample container with your sample, making sure to leave 2 inches of air space. Tightly
seal the container and keep cool (on ice if possible) until it is shipped.
Instructions for Collecting Semi-Solid Animal Waste Samples
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Collecting a representative sample of semi-solid animal waste is best done using a simple sampling
device. You will need a 2-inch PVC pipe, nylon rope, a rubber ball, a dowel, a clean 5-gallon bucket, and
sample containers. The seven steps to collecting a representative semi-solid animal waste sample are
described below.
Step 1: Get a length of 2-inch PVC pipe long enough to reach well into your animal waste storage facility.
Cut a notch 2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide at one end of the pipe. Cut a length of nylon rope 2 feet
longer than the PVC pipe and tie a knot at one end. Drill a hole through a 2.5 inch rubber ball. Thread
the rope through the ball until it is snug against the end knot. Tie a second knot to hold the ball at the
end of the rope. Thread the rope through the PVC pipe and pull it until the ball plugs the end of the pipe.
Slip your end of the rope into the notch and tie a knot; this will create a "latch" to keep the pipe sealed
after you collect the sample. Tie a short dowel to the free end of the rope to serve as a hand grip. Cut a
length of 1-inch PVC pipe and seal one end. Use this pipe to push samples out of the tube.
Step 2: With the ball sealing the end of the pipe, push the pipe through the top layer of animal waste to
form a sample hole.
Step 3: Release the rope from the notch so that the ball dangles freely from the end of the pipe. Push
the pipe into the sample hole in the animal waste crust. Make sure the ball does not block the pipe
opening.
Step 4: Ease the pipe back slightly and pull the rope until the ball seals the end of the pipe. Slip the rope
in the notch to anchor the ball in place and withdraw the pipe.
Step 5: Pour the sample into a clean 5-gallon bucket. You may need the 1-inch PVC pipe to force the
sample from the pipe. Two people will need to operate a long pipe. To avoid backwash, keep the
bottom of the pipe lower than your end.
Step 6: Repeat this process at several locations around the pit.
Step 7: Mix samples thoroughly in the bucket, then fill your sample container with the mix, leaving 2
inches of air space. Tightly seal the container and keep the sample cool (on ice if possible) until it is
shipped.
A diagram of the sampling apparatus is shown below.
Sample Apparatus for Semi-Solid Animal Waste
Instructio ns for Collecting
Solid Animal waste
Collecting a representative sample of solid animal waste is best done using a simple sampling device.
You will need thin-walled metal tubing (1-inch diameter), a drill, a dowel or short metal rod, a clean 5-
gallon bucket, and sample containers. The four steps to collecting a representative solid animal waste
sample are described below.
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Step 1: Cut a 3-foot length of thin-walled metal tubing and sharpen the bottom edge. Near one end, drill
through the tubing and slide in a dowel or short metal rod to make a handle. Cut a 4-foot length of
broomstick to force samples from the tube.
Step 2: Push and twist the tubing all of the way into the animal waste pile. Use the broomstick to push
the animal waste into a clean 5-gallon bucket.
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 at several random locations around the pile. It is recommended that the more
samples the better, so try to get at least 20 samples.
Step 4: Mix samples in the 5-gallon bucket, and fill the sample container with the mix, leaving 2 inches of
airspace. Tightly seal the container and keep the sample cool (on ice if possible) until it is shipped.
Animal Waste Sample Analyses
lion Office for a list
Contact your state or local agricultural Cooperative Extension Office for a list of available laboratories
that can analyze your animal waste samples. Some Cooperative Extension Offices may even provide
free analysis (e.g., in Maryland).
Label, package, and ship your samples to your contracted laboratory. The laboratory should be able to
provide their proper protocol for packaging and shipping samples.
Your animal waste sample is typically analyzed for the following constituents:
Nitrogen;
Phosphorus;
Potassium;
pH;
Moisture content;
Calcium;
Manganese;
Magnesium;
Sulfur;
Zinc; and
Copper.
Note that the first four constituents are required to be analyzed by a CAFO.
The first step in interpreting analytical results of an animal waste test is to check the units used to report
the results. They may be reported as percent nutrient (%) or parts per million (ppm), or, on rare
occasions, on a dry-weight basis. (Most animal waste is measured on a wet-weight [i.e., as-is] basis.)
The phosphorus and potassium may be reported on an elemental basis (P and K) rather than the
phosphate (P2O5) and potash (K2O) basis, which is typical of fertilizers. You will need to convert your
animal waste test results into the proper fertilizer units for calculating your animal waste application rate.
Animal waste is an excellent fertilizer if it is spread uniformly on a field and at the proper rate. A pound
of animal waste phosphate or potash has a nutrient value equivalent to that of commercial fertilizer.
Although it has a value as a fertilizer, typically 50 to 80% of the total nitrogen applied is available to
crops. See Appendix H for more information on calculating your agronomic nutrient application rate.
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References
MU Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia. Sampling Poultry Litter for Nutrient Testing.
Cooperative Extension Service, University of Maryland System. Manure Analysis Instruction Sheets.
Who to Contact For More Information
Your Local Cooperative Cooperative Extension Office
Your Local Land Grant University
National Water Management Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
ation
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APPENDIX E - SOIL SAMPLING AND TESTING
The nutrient status of the soil is one of the most important components of a permit nutrient plan (PNP). A
soil test is a laboratory procedure that measures the plant-available portion of soil nutrients. This
measurement is used to predict the amount of nutrient or nutrients that will be available during the
growing season. Soil test results form the basis for nutrient recommendations. Traditional soil tests
include tests for pH, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, soil organic matter, and electrical conductivity.
(Note that pH, phosphorus, and potassium are required to be included in a soil analysis by a CAFO.)
You should sample each field area where animal waste nutrients are to be applied. If different field areas
have different soil types, past cropping histories, or different production potentials, you should sample
and manage these areas separately. You can use soil test results to characterize soil conditions and to
determine the agronomic nutrient application rate (see Appendix H) for animal waste application.
Description
Soil sampling determines the average nutrient concentration in a field, and allows you to measure
nutrient variability in the field. When you know the variability, you can adjust the fertilizer application
rates to more closely meet the supplemental nutrient needs of a crop, which can increase crop yield,
reduce commercial fertilizer costs, and reduce environmental risk.
Send all samples to an accredited laboratory for analyses. An accredited laboratory is one that has been
accepted in one or more of the following programs:
State-certified programs;
The North American Proficiency Testing Program (Soil Science Society of America); and
Laboratories participating in other programs whose tests are accepted by the Land Grant
University in the state in which the tests are used as the basis for nutrient application.
The analytical results from a soil test extraction are relatively meaningless by themselves. You and your
Certified Nutrient Management Specialist must interpret soil nutrient levels in terms of the soil's ability to
supply the nutrients to crops. Most soil test laboratories use qualitative terms such as "low," "medium or
optimum," and "high or very high," which are related to quantities of nutrients extracted, to label the
results.
Soil testing is a chemical evaluation of the nutrient-supplying capability of a soil at the time of sampling.
Poor soil-sampling procedures account for more than 90% of all errors in fertilizer recommendations
based on soil tests. The test is only as good as the sample, so you must handle the sample properly for
it to remain a good sample. A testing program can be divided into four steps: 1) taking the sample, 2)
analyzing the sample, 3) interpreting the sample analyses, and 4) making the fertilizer recommendations.
Take samples as close as possible to planting or to the time of crop need for the nutrient, approximately
two to four weeks before planting or fertilizing the crop. It usually takes one to three weeks from the time
you sample for you to receive the results. Very wet, very dry, or frozen soils will not affect results, but
obtaining samples during these climatic conditions is very difficult. Do not sample snow-covered fields
because the snow makes it difficult to recognize. Avoid unusual areas in the field because your sample
may not be representative.
You may need to sample once every year and fertilize for the potential yield of the intended crop,
especially for mobile nutrients. Whether you need an analysis of a nutrient depends on such things as
mobility in the soil and the nutrient requirements of the crop. Having an analysis performed for every
nutrient each year is not necessary, although EPA requires that, at a minimum, you should sample soil at
least once every three years, or more if conditions change.
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Collect soil samples from each field at least once during each crop rotation cycle, keeping a record of the
results for each field to evaluate long-term trends in nutrient levels. Work with your state and local
agricultural Cooperative Extension Office to ensure that you develop the best procedures for your
conditions and animal waste management methods.
Instructions for Collecting Soil Samples
Below is a set of sampling instructions that you can use to help you develop sampling procedures at your
farm. You will need a soil auger or probe (a shovel or spade can be used for shallow samples), a ruler,
several 5-gallon buckets for compositing samples, some plastic sheeting, and soil collection bags. Be
sure all of your equipment is clean so as not to contaminate any of your samples.
Avoid unusual areas such as eroded sections, dead furrows, and fence lines when sampling. If your
sample area contains various topography, subdivide it into relatively uniform areas (i.e., sampling units).
Omit small units from sampling since they are probably not treated differently from adjacent units.
Sampling units should be approximately 20 acres in area, though some units may be bigger and some
smaller.
Number of Subsamples
Collect one sample for each sample unit. (Note that if you collect samples at different depths, such as
for nitrogen samples, you will have more than one sample per unit; you will have one sample, per depth,
per unit.) Within each sampling unit, take soil samples from several different locations (at the same
depth) and mix these subsamples into one composite sample for the unit for a given depth. The number
of subsamples you take depends on the size of the unit. You can use the chart below as guidance.
Field Size (acres)
Fewer than 5
Number of Subsamples
W 15
1 5 to 10 ^^^ 18
10 to 25
25 to 50
More than 50
20
25
30
Source: Soil Sampling, University of Idaho.
If you sample several units, this guidance may be impractical and unrealistic because of the time
required to take the recommended samples. You need to collect a minimum of 10 subsamples from
each unit to obtain a representative sample. Your composite sample for the unit should be at least 1 pint
in size (approximately 1 pound).
This guidance is also more applicable to surface (i.e., tillage layer) samples. If you take samples at
greater depths, take at least 10 or more subsamples at a given depth at random within the sampling unit.
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Sampling Depth
The depth at which you should sample depends on your crop, cultural practices, tillage depth, and
nutrients to be analyzed. You need surface soil samples for all crops because fertilizer recommendation
for all nutrients (except nitrogen) are based on the crop and soil tests from the surface samples.
Typically, surface samples are used for determining pH, lime need, organic matter, phosphorus,
potassium, sulfur, and zinc. The tillage layer is considered to be the O-to-6- or O-to-8-inch depth.
Sampling deeper than the tillage layer for these parameters can result in inaccurate results.
A^r
When sampling for mobile nutrients such as nitrogen and boron, take samples by 1-foot increments to
the effective rooting depth of the crop, which may be 5 to 6 feet for some crops. Therefore, you will ha\
five or six composite samples for the sampling unit (not including your surface sample). Effective
rooting depth for some common crops are listed below. You will need subsurface soil samples for these
nutrients because they leach into the subsoil. Collect these samples separately from your surface
samples.
Crop
Cereals (wheat, barley, oats)
Corn
Depth (feet)
5 to 6
5 to 6
Alfalfa, rapeseed 4 to 5
Hops, grapes, tree fruits 4 to 5
Sugarbeets
Peas, beans, lentils, onions,
potatoes, mint
Vegetable seed
f
2 to 3
2
1 to 1.5
Source: Soil Sampling, University of Idaho.
Sample Collection
Collect the appropriate number (at the appropriate depth) of samples in your bucket, one unit at a time.
Take all subsamples randomly from the unit, ensuring that you are getting a representative distribution of
samples. Zig-zag through the unit, staying away from the unusual areas as described above. Scrape
away any surface residues and mix the sample to break up the soil aggregates. After you have collected
all of your subsamples, stir your composite at least 50 times and spread out the sample on a piece of
plastic or plywood. Fill your soil bag with 1 pint of soil per unit, discarding the rest of the soil from the
Repeat the collection process for each unit and for each depth.
Si
I
ampling Handling
Keep moist soil samples cool at all times during and after sampling. Samples can be refrigerated or
frozen for extended periods of time. If samples cannot be refrigerated or frozen soon after collection,
air-dry them or take them directly to the testing laboratory. Air-dry by spreading the entire sample from a
given unit in a thin layer on a plastic sheet, breaking up any clumps, and spreading the soil in a layer
about 0.25 inch deep. Dry at room temperature, using a fan (if available) for more rapid drying. When
the soil samples are dry, again mix the soil thoroughly, breaking up any large clumps. Take about 1 pint
of well-mixed soil from the sample and place it in a soil sample bag or other container. When sending
samples to your laboratory, be sure to include which nutrients you want to have analyzed, your last crop
grown, and future cropping plans.
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Interpreting results
Soil-testing laboratories use different test methods, which may influence results and subsequent
recommended agronomic nutrient application rates. Adequate soil nutrient levels vary depending on
plant species. Soil test results can be grouped into broad categories that describe the relative crop
availability for a given nutrient: low, medium, optimum, and excessive. These categories are described
below.
Low: The nutrient content in the soil is inadequate for optimum growth. Additional
nutrients are needed for optimal crop growth.
Medium: The nutrient content in the soil may or may not be optimum for growth.
Additional nutrients may be needed for optimal crop growth.
Optimum: The nutrient content in the soil is adequate for optimum growth of most crops.
Additional nutrients may not be needed for optimal crop growth.
Excessive: The nutrient content in the soil is more than adequate for optimum growth of
most crops. No additional nutrients should added. Additional nutrients may cause
excess nutrient leaching or eroding from crop fields into water bodies.
References
Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Guidelines for Soil Sampling. G91 -1000-A, February 1991.
Mahler, R.L., and T.A. Tindall. "Soil Sampling," Bulletin 704 (Revised). University of Idaho, Cooperative
Extension System, August 1997.
Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland College Park/Eastern Shore. Soil Sampling
Procedures for Nutrient Management. March 1999.
Oregon State University Extension Service. Soil Test Interpretation Guide, EC 1478, August 1999.
Who to Contact for More Information
Your Local Cooperative Cooperative Extension Office
Your Local Land Grant University
National Water Management Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
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APPENDIX F - LEACHING INDEX AND PHOSPHORUS INDEX
Tools such as the Soil Nitrogen Leaching Index and Phosphorus Index have been developed to assist
field staff, watershed planners, and land users in evaluating various land forms and management
practices for potential risk of nitrogen and phosphorus movement to water bodies. The vulnerability
ratings of the Leaching Index (i.e., inches of water infiltrating below the 1- meter root zone) address the
ability of soluble nitrogen to move below the crop root zone and into groundwater. The site rating of the
Phosphorus Index (i.e., low, medium, high, very high) identifies sites where the risk of phosphorus
movement may be relatively high when compared to other sites..
/l\ The material contained in this appendix should be used for your informational purposes only.
/l\ Specific leaching index and phosphorus index calculations should be done by NRCS, your local
/ » \ extension, or a certified nutrient management planner.
Description
The Leaching Index (LI) is a simple index of potential leaching based on average annual percolation and
seasonal rainfall distribution. It is important in determining the amount of nitrate nitrogen leached. The
LI considers the saturated hydraulic conductivity and storage capacity of individual soils (based on
various regions of the country), the average annual rainfall, and the seasonal distribution of that rainfall.
It does not look at the leaching potential of specific nutrients, but rather the intrinsic probability of
leaching occurring if nutrients are present and available to leach.
The Phosphorus Index (PI) is a simple assessment tool that examines the potential risk of phosphorus
movement to waterbodies based on various landforms and management practices. The PI identifies
sites where the risk of phosphorus movement may be relatively higher or lower than other sites. It
considers soil erosion rate, runoff, available phosphorus soil test levels, fertilizer and organic phosphorus
application rates, and methods to assess the degree of vulnerability of phosphorus movement from the
site. A weighting procedure includes the various contributions each site characteristic may have.
Instructions for Calculating Your Leaching Index
The LI for local areas is in the USDA/NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), Section II-3, or you
can calculate it using the following equations:
LI = P x SI
where:
p = (p - 0.4s)2
p + 0.6s
where:
p = annual precipitation
s = (1,000/curve number) -10
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SI =
where:
fall and winter precipitation when crop growth is minimal, usually the sum of
precipitation during October, November, December, January, and February
PW
An LI below 2 inches would indicate that soluble nitrogen would likely not leach below the root zone,
whereas an LI between 2 and 10 inches indicates that soluble nitrogen may leach below that zone. You
should consider nutrient management practices and techniques, such as pre-sidedress nitrate nitrogen
testing (which measures soil nitrate during the growing season rather than prior to it) and use of a
nitrification inhibitor.
An LI greater than 10 inches indicates that soluble nitrogen leaches below the root zone. You should use
an intense nitrogen management plan to minimize nitrate nitrogen movement. This would include
careful management of applied nitrogen, precise timing to match crop utilization, conservation practices
that restrict water percolation and leaching, and covering crops to capture and retain nutrients in the
upper soil profile.
Instructions for Calculating Your Phosphorus Index
The PI uses eight characteristics, as presented in the following table, to obtain an overall rating for a site.
Each characteristic is assigned an interpretive rating with a corresponding numerical value: LOW (1),
MEDIUM (2), HIGH (4), or VERY HIGH (8), based on the relationship between the characteristic and the
potential for phosphorus loss from a site. Suggested ranges appropriate to each rating for a site
characteristic are then assigned. Each of the characteristics in the PI has also been given a weighting
factor that reflects its relative importance to phosphorus loss. For example, erosion (weighting
factor=1.5) is generally more important to phosphorus loss than phosphorus fertilizer application method
(weighting factor = 0.5). The weighting factors used are currently based on the professional judgment of
the scientists that developed the PI; they are not derived directly from field research with the PI. Contact
your state or local conservation agency for modified weighting factors, which are based on local soil
properties, hydrologic conditions, and agricultural management practices.
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Site Characteristic
(weighting factor)
Soil erosion (1.5)
Irrigation erosion
(1.5)
Soil runoff class (0.5)
Soil test P (1 .0)
P fertilizer rate (Ib
P2O5/acre) (0.75)
P fertilizer
application method
(0.5)
Organic P source
application rate (Ib
P2O5/acre) (1 .0)
Organic P source
application method
(1.0) *
Phosphorus Loss Rating (value)
None (0)
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
None applied
None applied
v
None applied
None
Low(1)
<5 tons/acre
Infrequent
irrigation on
well-drained
soils
Very low or
low
Low
<31
Placed with
planter
deeper than
5 cm
^^^
Placed with
planter
deeper than
5 cm
Medium (2)
5-10
tons/acre
Moderate
irrigation on
soils with
slopes < 5%
Medium
Medium
31-90
Incorporate
immediately
before crop
31-90
Incorporate
immediately
before crop
High (4)
10-15
tons/acre
Frequent
irrigation on
soils with
slopes of 2-
5% ^J
High
High
91-150
Incorporate >
3 months
before crop
or surface
applied < 3
months
before crop
91-150
Incorporate >
3 months
before crop
or surface
applied < 3
months
before crop
Very High
(8)
tons/acre
Frequent
irrigation on
soils with
slopes > 5%
Very high
Excessive
>150
Surface
applied > 3
months
before crop
>150
Surface
applied > 3
months
before crop
So
urce: Soil Testing for Phosphorus, USDA, April 1998.
For each of the eight characteristics, multiply the characteristic weighting factor by your phosphorus loss
rating value, and sum the totals. For example, if your soil erosion is medium and your irrigation erosion
is high, then your overall site characteristic score for soil erosion is 3 (1.5 * 3) and for irrigation erosion is
6 (1 i^^^Calculate your site characteristic score for the remaining six characteristics and the sum
them (i.e., 3 + 6 + remaining scores).
This sum total is your phosphorus index for your site. Use the table below as guide to your phosphorus
index.
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Phosphorus Index for
Site
Generalized Interpretation of Phosphorus Index for Site
<8
LOW potential for P movement from the site. If farming practices are
maintained at the current level, the probability of an adverse impact to
surface waters from P losses at this site is low.
8- 14
MEDIUM potential for P movement from the site. The chance for an
adverse impact to surface waters exists. Some remedial action should be
taken to lessen the probability of P loss.
15-32
HIGH potential for P movement from the site and for an adverse impact
on surface waters to occur unless remedial action is taken. Soil and water
conservation as well as P management practices are necessary to reduce
the risk of P movement and water quality degradation.
>32
VERY HIGH potential for P movement from the site and for an adverse
impact on surface waters. Remedial action is required to reduce the risk
of P loss. All necessary soil and water conservation practices, plus a P
management plan, must be put in place to avoid the potential for water
quality degradation.
Source: Soil Testing for Phosphorus, USDA, April 1998.
References
USDA/NRCS Field Office Technical Guide.
Core4 Conservation Practices, August 1999.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soil Testing for Phos
A April 1998.
Who to Contact for More Information
Your Local Cooperative Cooperative Extension Office
Your Local Land Grant University
National Water Management Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
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APPENDIX G -AGRONOMIC NUTRIENT APPLICATION RATE
Good nutrient management includes proper land application of animal wastes. To do this, determine the
most appropriate rate at which your animal waste should be applied. Calculate this application rate using
results from your soil and animal waste analyses, crop nutrient recommendations, and land availability.
It is important to consider all of these factors when calculating your nutrient application rate to reduce
commercial fertilizer costs, reduce potential for crop damage, and reduce environmental impact.
Description
Animal waste nutrient application rates should be based upon Land Grant University guidance and site-
specific test results. You should consider current soil test results, nutrient credits from previous legume
crops and animal waste applications, crop yield goals, and other pertinent information when determining
your nutrient balance, which is used to calculate your application rate.
Base your application rate on realistic yield goals. You can calculate an appropriate application rate, or
agronomic rate, using the nutrient availability of the animal waste and the crop requirement for the
nutrient having the highest nutrient need (nitrogen or phosphorus). Most state guidelines/policies allow
animal waste applications at rates sufficient to meet, but not to exceed the nitrogen needs of agronomic
crops, which typically results in over application of phosphorus. However, in areas with high soil
phosphorus levels, animal waste should be applied at rates sufficient to meet, but not to exceed the
phosphorus needs of agronomic crops.
To calculate your nutrient application rate you need to perform a nutrient balance to determine whether
animal waste nutrient spreading is necessary. To do this, first determine your crop nutrient needs,
accounting for the nutrients currently available in your soil (as determined in your soil analyses) and from
nitrogen credits. Next, determine how many gallons (or tons) of animal waste you collect between each
land application (see Appendix C for more information on estimating animal waste volumes). Then,
using the results of your nutrient animal waste analysis (see Appendix D), calculate the amount of
nutrients available each year from your animal waste. Now you can calculate the amount of animal
waste needed to meet your nutrient needs, which is done by dividing your crop nutrient need by your
nutrient animal waste analysis for a few key nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus). These steps are
described in more detail below.
Performing A Nutrient Balance
To determine your agronomic nutrient application rate, you need to perform a nutrient balance for your
crops. The nutrient balance accounts three components needed to calculate an application rate: 1) the
nutrients your crops need, 2) the nutrients available to your crops from prior nutrient applications (i.e.,
nutrient credits), and 3) the nutrients available from your animal waste.
Drop nutrient requirements and nutrient credits are calculated from many years of field research.
is no "real time" method available for calculating your crops' nutrient requirement or the nutrients
available at any one time. Rather, both components are based on past performance for your climate and
soil condition.
A nutrient budget is a method for matching the nutrient needs of your crop with your available nutrients.
It can easily determine if there is a gross imbalance between the nutrients that are available and the
amount required and can be used to calculate a nutrient addition rate.
There are two methods for calculating a nutrient budget. The first is based on a soil test analysis and
crop nutrient recommendation as given by an agronomic specialist (e.g., USDA, land grant university).
The nutrient requirement of your crop is determined from historical field research for your soil and
climate. The nutrient credits are derived from analysis of soil and historical animal waste spreading data.
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This method is EPA's preferred method because it takes into account your local climate and soil
conditions. Typical crop nutrient requirements can be obtained from USDA and state agricultural
Cooperative Extension Offices. Some states have even developed agronomic plant nutrient
recommendations based on soil tests and yield goals for the major agronomic crops grown in that state.
The second method is based on the balance between nutrients supplied to the crop and nutrients
removed by the crop. You need to know the crop for which you are planning a nutrient budget. Nutrient
budgets can be calculated for a single crop or over the entire crop rotation. You need to know your
expected crop yield based on realistic soil, climate, and management parameters. Yield expectations
can be calculated from historical records, soil productivity tables, or local research.
Estimating the Nutrients Removed by the Crop
The nutrients removed by the crop can be used to represent your nutrient crop need when it is not
available from other sources. When a crop is harvested and removed from the field, the nutrients in that
crop are also removed. These removed nutrients represent a net loss to the soil. Other losses, such as
erosion and runoff, and leaching can occur and must be estimated if you are trying to maintain a
constant level of nutrients in your field. The USDA/NRCS Agricultural Waste Management Field
Handbook, Table 6-6, can be used to estimate nutrient content in harvested crops. This handbook can
be found on the Internet at http://www.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/awmfh.html. Chapter 11 of this handbook
can be used to estimate nitrogen nutrient losses from the field system. Use the following form to
calculate the nutrients removed by your crop.
Step 1: Yield (units of measure/acre) * Unit weight (Ibs) = pounds crop material harvested
Ib/acre
nds crop mate
Step 2: Nutrient content of harvested material (refer to Table 6-6 of the Agricultural Waste Management Field
Handbook
%K =
%N =
Step 3: Crop nutrient Content (multiply results in Step 1 by results in Step 2)
N = Ib/acre* %N P= Ib/acre * %P K= Ib/acre * %K
N = Ib/acre
P =
Ib/acre
K =
Ib/acre
Step 4: Convert to fertilizer equivalent units
P2O5 = P Ib/acre * 2.29
K2O = K Ib/acre * 1.2
Source: Core4 Conservation Practices, August 1999.
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Estimating Nitrogen Credits
Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient and exists in the soil and plants in many forms. It is stored in the soil's
organic matter and released as the organic matter decomposes. This nitrogen is available to crops
during this time and should be accounted for in performing your nutrient balance. There are at least four
groups of nitrogen credits that you need to account for: 1) legume nitrogen credits from your previous
crop, 2) residual nitrogen from previous manure applications, 3) irrigation water nitrate nitrogen, and 4)
other sources. These are described below.
vater nitrate nitrog
Legume Nitrogen Credits - Legumes can produce, through atmospheric fixation, enough
nitrogen to meet their nutrient requirements. When the legume is harvested, organic
nitrogen is mineralized, releasing available nitrogen to the following crop. Refer to your
local extension information for the legume nitrogen credits.
Nitrogen residual from previous manure applications - Organic nitrogen mineralizes
according to a decay series which is specific for each manure type and composition. This
concept recognizes the gradual mineralization of organic nitrogen over several years.
Refer to your local mineralization rates to determine the residual release of nitrogen.
Irrigation Water Nitrate Nitrogen - Irrigation water, especially from shallow aquifers,
contain some nitrogen in the form of nitrate nitrogen. To calculate the amount of
nitrogen applied with irrigation water, determine the concentration of nitrate nitrogen in
water (in mg/L). The application amount will equal the nitrate nitrogen concentration
multiplied by the volume (in acre-inches) times 0.23 to calculate pounds of nitrate per
acre.
Other Nitrogen Credits - Other credits come from atmospheric deposition from dust and
ammonia in rainwater. This value is recorded by weatherstations and can obtained from
the National Atmospheric Deposition in Fort Collins, Colorado. The atmospheric
deposition can range from a few pounds per acre per year to over 30 pounds per acre
per year.
Use the following chart to calculate your nitrogen credits.
A. Legumes Credits from Previous Crop Ib/acre
B. Residual from Previous Animal Waste Applications Ib/acre
C. Irrigation Water Nitrate Nitrogen Ib/acre
D. A Others (atmospheric deposition, other fertilizer applications) Ib/acre
Total Nitrogen Credits (Sum of A through D) Ib/acre
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Calculating the Number of Pounds of Each Nutrient Available During Land Application
To calculate the number of pounds of each nutrient that is available during land application, you need to
know how much animal waste you produce (see Appendix C) and the nutrients contained in it (see
Appendix D). Using your animal waste sampling results, multiply the amount of animal waste in storage
(or available for application) by the concentration of nutrients found in your animal waste, as shown
below.
aste, as:
Nutrient
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
(P2O5)
Potassium (K2O)
Amount of Animal
waste Available
(gal or tons)
X
X
X
Concentration of
Nutrient in Animal
waste Analysis
(Ib/gal or Ib/ton)
=
=
=
Pounds of Nutrient
Available
Source: Iowa State University, 1995.
After calculating the pounds of nutrients available, you need to correct for the nitrogen that is lost to the
air during application. (It is assumed that there are no losses of phosphorus or potassium during
application.) The remaining amount is the amount of nitrogen that will remain after spreading. To do
this, multiply your pounds of nitrogen available (from the above chart) by the correction factor below that
best describes your animal waste application method, and then plug that factor into the following form.
ethod, and then pl
Direct injection - 0.95
Broadcast and incorporate within 24 hours - 0.95
Broadcast and incorporate after 24 hours - 0.8
oadcast, no incorporation - 0.7
If you use a combination of application methods, you will need to account for this difference in the total
pounds of nitrogen available, using the appropriate ratio of pounds available with the appropriate
correction factor.
Pounds of Nitrogen
t Available
X
Correction Factor
=
Nitrogen Remaining after
Application Loss (Ibs)
Source: Iowa State University, 1995
The result is the nitrogen remaining after application losses; however, only 50 to 80% of the organic
nitrogen will be available to plants the first year after spreading. The percentage available depends on
the type of animal waste spread. Beef and dairy animal waste has approximately 50% available, while
poultry waste has approximately 80% available. Next, multiply your nitrogen amount by your factor (e.g.
0.50 or 0.80) using the following chart. The result is the net usable nitrogen in your animal waste (in
pounds).
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Pounds of Nitrogen
Remaining after
Application Loss
X
Percent of Nitrogen
Available (as a
decimal)
=
Net Usable Nitrogen
in Animal Waste (Ibs)
Source: Iowa State University, 1995
e net usable nitrogen
Account for the nitrogen credits by adding the total estimated nitrogen credits to
in animal waste to calculate the total nitrogen available sources.
To calculate the usable amount of each nutrient available during application, divide the total usable
amount of nutrient in animal waste (using the adjusted amount for nitrogen) by your available volume of
animal waste, to calculate a rate in pounds of nutrient per gallon of animal waste, or pounds of nutrient
per ton of animal waste.
Instructions for Determining Animal Waste Volume to Apply
After calculating your nutrient needs, total pounds of nutrients available and the pounds of nutrients
available to plants in each gallon (or ton) of animal waste spread, you have determined your nutrient
balance and can calculate the amount of animal waste to apply to your crops. For each nutrient, divide
your net nutrient needs (calculated or estimated from published rates) by the usable nutrient amount
available (in pounds per gallon or pounds per ton) to calculate the amount of animal waste you need to
apply. Do this for both nitrogen and phosphorus. You will base your application rate on whichever
nutrient requires less animal waste. Next, divide your total volume of animal waste needed by your land
area (in acres) to calculate your animal waste application rate (in gallons per acre or tons per acre).
References
U.S. Department of Agriculture. CORE4 Key Conservation Practices, August 1999.
Iowa State University, University Extension. Land Application for Effective Manure Nutrient
Management, Pm-1599, October 1995.
Wolkowski, Richard P. A Step-bv-Step Guide to Nutrient Management. Nutrient and Pest Management
Program, A3568.
Who
Contact for More Information
Your Local Cooperative Cooperative Extension Office
Your Local Land Grant University
National Water Management Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
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APPENDIX H - CALIBRATING ANIMAL WASTE SPREADERS AND IRRIGATORS
Animal waste should always be applied uniformly and at a rate consistent with nutrient demand. Although
many equipment options exist, there are basically three general methods of application: subsurface
application, irrigation, and surface application. The method of application, however, is generally dictated
by the form of the animal waste (i.e., solid, semi-solid, liquid). For example, solid animal waste is
generally best applied using a surface spreader or subsurface system. Liquid animal waste is applied by
pump and liquid spreader, subsurface, or irrigation system. Semi-solid animal waste can be handled as
a solid or a liquid; therefore, it can be applied with a surface spreader, liquid spreader, subsurface, or
irrigation system. This appendix discusses calibration techniques for surface application, subsurface
application, and irrigation.
Description
f S
Animal waste spreader calibration is a key component of nutrient management. To properly calibrate
your system, you will need to know your animal waste application rate (see Appendix G).
You can perform animal waste spreader calibration using two direct methods: load-area and weight-area.
Both methods require measuring the amount of animal waste applied to the soil under different
conditions. The load-area method involves measuring the amount of animal waste in a loaded spreader
and then calculating the number of spreader loads required to cover a known land area. Subsurface
application calibration should be done using the load-area method because soil-injected animal waste
cannot be collected. The weight-area method requires weighing animal waste spread over a small
surface and computing the quantity of animal waste applied per acre. You can measure the application
rates for irrigation systems using the area of your liquid storage.
Animal waste should be collected after spreading, if possible. If calibrating using a large tarp or plastic
sheet, then you can easily recollect the test volume. If the animal waste is spread on a known area, such
as 500 or 1000 ft3, this should be done in a field were the animal waste can be left on the surface.
Your calibration method used depends on the type of animal waste spreader used (e.g., liquid animal
waste is best measured with the load-area method, while solid or semi-solid animal waste may be used
with either method). Instructions for using load-area calibration and weight-area calibration, as well as
for calculating irrigation rates from irrigation systems are provided below.
Instructions for Load-Area Calibration (Solid, Semi-solid, or Liquid Animal Waste)
Use this method when you know your animal waste spreader's capacity or animal waste weight. This
approach works well with a liquid spreader filled to capacity, and is less accurate for box spreaders or
other solid application systems where capacity is difficult to estimate.
Overview
1. Measure the capacity of animal waste (tons or gallons) held in the spreader load.
2. Spread a number of identical loads at a constant speed, spreader setting, and overlap.
3. Measure the total area of the spread.
4. Compute the amount of animal waste spread per acre.
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Measure the capacity of animal waste (tons or gallons) held in the spreader load.
The capacity must be expressed in units compatible with the units used in the nutrient analysis and
recommended application rate. The capacity is sometimes provided by the equipment manufacturer.
Liquid animal waste application is expressed in pounds of nutrient per gallon; the application rate is given
in gallons per acre. Spreader capacity is given in gallons of animal waste.
Solid and semi-solid animal waste application is expressed in pounds of nutrient per ton; the application
rate is given in tons per acre. Spreader capacity is given in tons of animal waste. Note that the moisture
content in animal waste affects the weight. Therefore, the weight capacity of the spreader varies based
on the animal waste held. The most accurate method of determining the weight of a load is to actually
measure the load using farm scales.
If scales are not available, use the following steps to convert volumetric capacity to weight capacity:
The manufacturer should supply the volumetric capacity of the spreader in cubic feet.
Two capacities are usually provided: heaped load (animal waste piled higher than the
sides of the box) and struck load (the volume contained within the box).
The capacity of older spreaders is sometimes given in bushels; multiply the bushel
capacity by 1.24 to determine capacity in cubic feet.
Next, multiply the volumetric capacity (in cubic feet) by the bulk density of the animal
waste (in pounds per cubic foot) and convert it to tons by dividing by 2,000.
Bulk density depends on the amount of water, solids, and air in the animal waste and can
be measured by weighing a known standard volume of animal waste. A 5-gallon bucket
has a volume of two-thirds cubic foot and can be used as a standard volume by weighing
an empty bucket and recording the weight, filling the bucket with animal waste from the
loaded spreader (packed to the same density as in the spreader), weighing the full
bucket, and subtracting the empty bucket weight to calculate the animal waste weight in
pounds. Next, multiply the animal waste weight by 3, and then divide by 2 to calculate
the animal waste bulk density in pounds per cubic foot of volume.
Multiply the bulk density by the spreader capacity (in cubic feet) to calculate the weight
of the spreader load in pounds, and then divide by 2,000 to calculate tons.
Repeat this procedure at least three times, sampling the animal waste at different places
and in different spreader loads.
Average the results to obtain a representative composite of the animal waste.
a number of identical loads at a constant speed, spreader setting, and overlap.
Spread at least three full loads of animal waste on the field, maintaining the same speed and spreader
setting for each load. Try to spread in a rectangle or square for easy calculation.
Measure the total area of the spread.
Place flags at the four corners of the spread area. Measure the width and length between the flags (in
feet) using a measuring tape, wheel, or consistent pace. Multiply the width by the length and divide that
product by 43,560 to determine the area in acres.
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Compute the amount of animal waste spread per acre.
Multiply the number of loads spread by the number of tons (or gallons) per load to determine the total
amount of animal waste applied to the area. Divide the total amount of animal waste by the area of the
spread (in acres) to determine the application rate in tons per acre (or gallons per acre).
Repeat this procedure for various speeds and spreader settings until the desired application rate is
achieved, maintaining a record of the rates found at the different settings. This procedure needs to be
repeated for each piece of equipment used to spread animal waste.
Instructions for Weight-Area Calibration (Solid or Semi-solid Animal Waste)
Use this method to estimate solid and semi-solid animal waste application rates.
Overview
1. Select a animal waste collection surface.
2. Secure the collection surface in the field.
3. Spread animal waste over the collection area
4. Collect and weigh the animal waste.
Select a animal waste collection surface
Select a ground cover that can be used to collect the animal waste. The ground cover can be a cloth or
plastic sheet of at least 100 square feet in area. Multiply the length of the sheet by the width to
determine the area in square feet. If the animal waste is too liquid, use shallow plastic or metal pans on
top of the ground cover, with a minimum area of 1 square foot each. Multiply the pan length by the width
to calculate the area of one pan. Multiply the area of the one pan by the number of pans to determine
the total collection area in square feet. For handling and cleaning convenience, place a plastic garbage
bag inside the pan for each field test so that the bag and animal waste can be discarded, leaving the pan
clean. Six or more pans are necessary for a test.
Weigh the ground cover or one pan and record the weights for use as a tare weight in calculations. You
can use dirty sheets and pans for multiple tests only after removing major animal waste deposits.
Weight dirty sheets and pans before each test so that any animal waste residue is included in the new
tare weight.
Secure the collection surface in the field.
Lay out the ground cover, fully extended. Lay the sheet on the ground so that, as the sheet is removed
from the field, the animal waste applied over the surface can be collected easily in its folds. If dirty
sheets are being used for additional test, turn the dirty side up so that any animal waste residue included
in the tare weight is not lost. Use stone, metal, or earth clods to hold down the cover so that the wind
does not disturb it. Evenly space pans in a row perpendicular to the spreader's path. Be mindful of tires,
as they can easily crush the pans. Place flags at designated wheel tracks to help avoid pan damage.
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Spread animal waste over collection area.
Spread animal waste over and near the ground cover or pans in a pattern similar to that practiced during
spreading. With rear outlet spreaders, make three passes: the first directly over the center of the
collection area and the second two on each side of and overlapping the first pass. With side outlet
spreaders, locate a first pass off of but along one edge of the collection area. Continue with subsequent
passes farther away from the collection area and at the intended overlap until animal waste no longer
reaches the surface.
In all cases, start spreading animal waste far enough before the collection area to ensure that the
spreader is functioning. If a ground cover is folded or a pan is moved during a spread pass, investigate
its condition before continuing with the test. Folded edges can be straightened without major loss of
accuracy. If more than one-fourth of the surface has moved and did not receive animal waste, conduct
the test again with a newly weighed sheet.
Collect and weigh the animal waste.
Remove the weights holding the ground cover in place. Fold the cover and animal waste in short
sections from all sides and corners inward, avoiding animal waste loss. A 100-square-foot sheet folded
with wet animal waste may weigh as much as 150 pounds and can be difficult to handle; place the folded
cover in a feed tub or other container for easier handling. Pans typically weigh less than 5 pounds each
and are usually easier to handle.
Select scales that can accurately weigh the type and quantity of animal waste collected (e.g., kitchen
scales for pans, spring-tension milk scales, or platform balances for ground covers). The weight
indicated on the scale includes the tare weight of the cover or pans. Subtract the tare weight from the
indicated weight to determine the net weight of the animal waste collected.
Compute the application rate.
The application rate is based on the method of collection and the units per acre.
^1
Using a ground cover: Divide the net pounds of animal waste collected by the ground cover area to
obtain the animal waste application rate in pounds of animal waste per square foot. Multiply that result
by 43,560 and then divide by 2,000 to convert to tons per acre.
Using pans: Add the net weights of the animal waste collected in the individual pans to calculate the total
animal waste weight collected. Divide the total animal waste weight by the total collection area to obtain
pounds of animal waste per square foot. Multiply that result by 43,560 and then divide by 2,000 to
convert to tons per acre.
If working with liquid animal waste, make an additional measurement to calculate the weight per gallon of
animal waste. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with liquid animal waste similar to that tested. Weigh the bucket of
animal waste and subtract the tare weight of the bucket to determine the net weight of 5 gallons of
animal waste. Divide the result by 5 to determine the weight in pounds per gallon. Multiply this weight
by the number of pans collected. Divide the total animal waste weight by the total collection area to
obtain pounds of animal waste per square foot. Multiply that result by 43,560 and then divide by pounds
per gallon to convert to gallons per acre.
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Instructions for Irrigation System Calibration
Use this method when a direct measure of volume is not available when pumping from a lagoon or
animal waste storage. Different methods are used depending on whether you use a traveling gun
irrigation system or center pivot irrigation system. Both methods are described below.
Measure surface area of lagoon or storage
Calculate the area (assumed to be a rectangle) by multiplying length (in feet) by width (in feet) to
calculate the surface area in square feet. Take these measures at the liquid level and not at the top of
the storage. Secure a yardstick or other measuring tool to a wooden stake, and plant the stake in the
storage where the wastewater is several feet deep. Start your irrigation system.
If using a traveling gun irrigation system:
Note the starting location of the towed irrigation system and at the same time the liquid level in the
storage tank on the yardstick (to the nearest quarter inch). Mark the irrigation nozzle location with a
stake; this is considered Depth 1. Record results in inches.
Measure the diameter of the wetted circle from the irrigation nozzle (in feet). It is best if this measure is
perpendicular to the direction of travel.
At some later time (at least an hour), note the liquid level in the storage tank again, generally after more
than one foot change in depth has occurred. (The greater the change in depth, the more accurate the
estimated application rate will be.) This is considered Depth 2. Record results in inches.
Note the location of irrigation nozzle with a second stake at the same time of the second depth measure.
Measure the distance between the two stakes (in feet).
'
by the diff<
Calculate the application rate by multiplying the area by the difference between Depth 1 and Depth 2
(i.e., Depth 1 - Depth 2). Multiply this result by 27,200 (conversion factor). Divide this number by the
distance between the two stakes, and divide this result by the diameter of the wetted circle. Your
application rate will be given in gallons per acre. Note that this test assumes that your irrigation
sprinklers do not overlap when applying. If your sprinklers do overlap, you need to ensure that you
account for the overlap when calculating your rate. You can use the spacing between sprinkler pulls or
run when calculating your rate.
^P
If using a center pivot irrigation system:
Note the location of the pivot irrigation system and at the same time the liquid level in the storage tank
on the yardstick. If possible, measure depth to the nearest quarter inch. Mark the irrigation nozzle
location with a stake; this is considered Depth 1. Record results in inches.
When the pivot has completed an entire circle, note the wastewater depth again. This is considered
Depth 2. Record results in inches.
Calculate the application rate by multiplying the area by the difference between Depth 1 and Depth 2
(i.e., Depth 1 - Depth 2). Multiply this result by 0.62 (conversion factor). Divide this number by the acres
under the pivot, and divide this result by the fraction of the circle your pivot was able to complete. For
example, if your pivot completes an entire circle, the fraction is 1. If it only completes 2/3 of the circle,
the fraction is 0.667. Your application rate will be given in gallons per acre.
A center pivot is designed for a uniform pumping rate (GPM) and pressure. If this rate and pressure are
used for animal waste, you already know how many gallons are applied per time unit and you know how
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long it take the unit to complete a circle (the ground drive is usually electric). Therefore, you can
calculate total gallons without running the system. Then divide by the acres under the system and you
have the rate per acre. It is useful to check this periodically, though your rate should not change unless
the pump is damaged or worn. If you add fresh water to the mix, then the total gallons of animal waste is
reduced by a like amount, but the fact remains that a sprinkler will only put out a set volume at a given
pressure.
References
Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service. Fertilizer and Manure Application Equipment,
NRAES-57, April 1994.
Maryland Institute for Agricultural and Natural Resources. Fact Sheet: Calibrating Manure Spreaders,
Fact Sheet 419.
Cooperative Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Manure Applicator Calibration, G95-1267A.
Who to Contact for More Information
Your Local Cooperative Cooperative Extension Office
Your Local Land Grant University
National Water Management Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
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APPENDIX I - RECOMMENDED BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
(BMPS)/CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARDS
There are several BMPs and conservation practices to consider when planning and implementing a
Permit nutrient plan (PNP). This appendix contains some of USDA's published practices, though many
other practices exist. The practices you see here represent those that EPA believes will be the most
helpful when planning your PNP. Consult your state or local Cooperative Extension Office for more
information and other standard practices.
Description
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a division of USDA that provides leadership in a
partnership effort to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and the
environment. NRCS relies on many partners to help set conservation goals, work with people on the
land, and provide assistance. Its partners include conservation districts, state and federal agencies,
NRCS Earth Team volunteers, agricultural and environmental groups, and professional societies.
NRCS has published the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP), which includes
conservation practice standards guidance for applying technology on the land, and sets the minimum
level for acceptable application of the technology. The most commonly considered conservation practice
standards that may be used are shown in the table below:
Practice
Composting Facility (a)
m
Conservation Crop Rotation (a)
Contour Buffer Strips (a)
Cover and Green Manure Crop
Cross Wind Trap Strips
Diversions
Fences
Filter Strips (a)
Grade Stabilization Structure
Grassed Waterways
Irrigation Water Management
Nutrient Management (a)
Pest Management
Pipelines
Practice
Pond Sealing or Lining - Flexible Membranes (a)
Pond Sealing or Lining - Bentonite Sealant (a)
Residue Management, no-till and Strip Till
Residue Management, Mulch Till
Roof Runoff Management
Spring Development
Strip cropping, Contour
Terraces
Trough or Tank
Use Exclusion
Waste Management Systems (a)
Waste Storage Facility (a)
Waste Treatment Lagoon (a)
Waste Utilization (a)
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National standards for each practice are available at the NRCS web site at
http://www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/nhcp_2.html. State conservationists determine the national standards
to apply on a state-wide level, and add detail to effectively implement the standards on a local level,
including more restrictive levels, if warranted. Local standards cannot be less restrictive than the
national standards.
[Copies of individual standards could be included in this appendix.]
References
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture. Notice of Technical Guidance for
Developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs').
Who to Contact for More Information
Your Local Cooperative Cooperative Extension Office
Your Local Land Grant University
National Water Management Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
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