Engineering Notes Index

Engineering Notes
Winter 1995

Environmental Regulations for Livestock Facilities

John P. Chastain, Extension Agricultural Engineer

Most livestock producers in Minnesota are aware that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires a certificate of compliance for all new or expanded livestock facilities with more than ten animal units. However, most producers and consultants are not aware that Federal and local government agencies also have requirements that might apply.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) sets the minimum regulations for livestock facilities in all 50 states. Large livestock production units are included as a part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). An NPDES permit is required by the USEPA in the following instances:

• livestock production units with over 1,000 animal units (700 dairy cows, 500 dairy cows and heifers, 1,000 steers, etc.) and a waste discharge other than a 25-yr, 24-hr storm;
• livestock production units with between 300 and 1,000 animal units that directly discharge wastewater through a man-made device;
• livestock production units that have a stream running through a feedlot; or
• any size livestock production unit that the USEPA feels has a waste discharge problem.
• The USEPA also requires each state to develop its own set of regulations for animal waste control. State regulations for animal waste control can be more restrictive than the USEPA.

County, township, or city governments may have additional zoning or land use regulations that can be more restrictive than the federal or state regulations. Contact the appropriate local government organizations to learn about any additional regulations before significant amounts of time or money are invested in planning a new or expanded livestock facility.