May 1999
Frequently Asked Questions About Manure Management Plans
by Jeff Lorimor, Ag and Biosytems engineer and Angela Rieck-Hinz, Extension program specialist, Department of Agronomy
What is the deadline for submitting a manure management plan?
Plans must be submitted to the DNR by July 1, 1999
How do I know if I need to submit a manure management plan to the DNR?
The requirements are about the same as those for the manure applicator program. If your operation is the minimum size or larger, (200,000 lb. average bodyweight for non-bovine, 400,000 lb. for bovine), the animals are in confinement, and the operation was originally built or expanded since May 31, 1985, you will need to submit a manure management plan to the DNR for approval.
I submitted a manure management plan to the DNR two years ago. Do I need to send in a new plan?
You might be required to send in a new plan. Previous plans for swine operations first occupied after Sept. 22, 1995, with more than 200,000 lb., but less than 625,000 lb. bodyweight capacity, and using formed storage pits, were not required to include all the information required now. If you filed one of those abbreviated plans you will have to submit a new plan.
I have been told there are "forms" on which to submit my manure management plan. Do these forms exist? How do I get a copy of these forms?
House File 2494 directed the DNR to develop manure management plan forms. At press time for this article (May 7, 1999) the forms were still under development. When the forms are completed, copies will be available at DNR field offices. It is also anticipated that the forms will be made available electronically on the IMMAG web site, and at extension offices across the state. The web site can be accessed at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag.
If I have already submitted a complete manure management plan to the DNR, will I be required to re-submit the plan on the new forms?
The key is to have a complete plan. If you have already submitted a complete manure management plan to the DNR, you will not have to re-submit your plan on the new forms. If, however, you previously submitted an abbreviated plan as discussed above, you must resubmit.
If I have not already submitted my manure management plan to the DNR can I go ahead and submit my manure plan without using the DNR forms?
Yes. Up until the time the forms are finalized you can submit your plan without using the forms. After the forms are finalized, you will be required to submit your plan on the forms developed by the DNR.
Who can help me write a manure management plan?
There are people throughout the state of Iowa who develop manure management plans as a business. These people include private manure planners, crop consultants, co-op agronomists, feed and seed sales people, private engineers, and others. Iowa State University Extension publication EDC-176 contains a list of Iowa manure planners. For more information on manure planners, please click here.
