March 20, 2003

 

Make Plans to Reduce Impact of Manure Runoff, NDSU Specialist Says

Now is a good time to assess drainage and environmental problems around livestock feeding operations and to make a note to fix them, says a North Dakota State University livestock waste management specialist.

"If snow has drifted into surrounding building sites, fence lines and shelterbelts, runoff amounts can be significant," notes Charles Linderman. "Snowmelt runoff from a livestock feeding area typically moves more manure solids than rainfall runoff. Also, it is likely that snowmelt and early spring precipitation will take place when the soil surface is still frozen. With little or no infiltration possible, runoff will be great and will travel quickly down slope." The volume and rapid movement of water and the buildup of manure around livestock operations during the winter make it easier to spot potential problems

Identifying and correcting those problems is critical now that environmental regulations require that manure-contaminated runoff water from an animal feeding operation be prevented from entering waters of the state, Linderman points out. An animal feeding operation or AFO is defined by regulation as an area where animals are confined for 45 or more days during a 12-month period and where animals are concentrated so that no crops or vegetation grows.

New regulations announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December define certain AFOs as being Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations or CAFOs that require permits and are subject to regulation.

Some AFOs are defined as Large CAFOs according to animal numbers and are subject to regulation (e.g. more than 1,000 beef animals, 700 dairy cows, 2,500 swine over 55 pounds, 10,000 swine less than 55 pounds or 10,000 sheep). However, AFOs with fewer livestock may be classified as Medium CAFOs or Small CAFOs if there is a risk that they may impact water quality. That risk may be due to the amount of manure runoff reaching waters, location relative to water, topography of the site, vegetation or other factors.

"The descriptions in the regulations specify degree to which livestock feeding operations are subject to regulations, but all AFOs, regardless of size, need to take corrective action if significant amounts of manure organic matter and nutrients are entering waters of the state," Linderman says. "Under some conditions, even small feeding operations may need to catch and contain runoff."

"If you are not sure how much your operation impacts water quality, spring is an excellent time to make some observations," he notes. "During spring snowmelt or early season rainfall events, observe if brown runoff water or manure solids are leaving your feeding area. Is it following a course where it will enter a stream or lake?" Your local Soil Conservation District Office has maps that delineate what are called "blue line streams." It is especially important to keep feedlot runoff from entering these streams. Also, does runoff leave your property and flow onto other property?

Linderman reminds producers not to forget about groundwater contamination. Runoff that ponds on sandy soil can infiltrate into the ground and carry soluble manure components such as nitrates. Runoff entering an abandoned well can carry pollutants directly into the groundwater.

Snowmelt or rainfall runoff water that originates outside the feedlot and runs into the lot and through the manure becomes contaminated and also must be kept out of waters of the state, Linderman says. "Obviously, the first step in environmental compliance is to prevent uncontaminated outside water from entering the feedlot. Only rain and snow that falls directly on the feedlot should come in contact with manure. Keeping other water away from manure will greatly reduce the amount of manure runoff that needs to be handled."

Diversion channels for outside water are usually relatively easy to build, and will take care of most problems for many smaller AFOs. "Don’t forget roof runoff," Linderman reminds. "If a large roofed area drains into the manure pack, it should be caught in roof gutters and drained away."

AFOs designated as CAFOs need to be in compliance with regulations by 2006. Meanwhile, technical and cost sharing help is available. For more information, contact your local Soil Conservation District, county extension agent or Linderman at (701) 652-2951 or clinderm@ndsuext.nodak.edu . "Many producers are finding that you can be a good steward of the environment, improve livestock comfort and improve the efficiency of your feeding operation," Linderman says.

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Source: Charles Linderman, (701) 652-2951, clinderm@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu