More red tape for Iowa producers
By Dairy Herd news source  |  Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Iowa beef and dairy producers that raise large numbers of animals in both indoor and outdoor housing will have to apply for a new permit. Affected operations have until Dec. 31 to apply for a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit.

The need to obtain an NPDES permit for combined open feedlot and confinement facilities is the result of a state law passed this year to help producers comply with federal regulations.

 Based on industry input, the Department of Natural Resources estimates that there are less than 200 or 250 livestock operations that will need the permit.

Affected producers must apply for an NPDES permit to the DNR, develop and submit a nutrient management plan and determine how they will comply with any needed construction requirements — all by the end of the year.

Iowa producers should ask themselves the following questions:

• Do I have 700 or more mature dairy cows; milking or dry? 1,000 or more veal calves? 1,000 or more of all other cattle types? (For example, dairy producers raising replacement heifers and feeding out dairy steers would add both of these together to determine if they have 1,000 head.)
• Does my operation discharge? (Most Iowa producers who house animals outside have periodic runoff allowing manure components or process wastewater to reach a stream. In contrast, since Iowa confinement operations are not allowed to discharge, any discharges that occur are likely due to an accident or pipe failure and are in violation of state law.)
• How close together are the different parts of my operation? (Animals housed within 1,250 feet of each other would be added together.)   

Producers can call their DNR field office for more information and technical assistance.

Source: Iowa   State   University

 

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