Spring 2001
Correction to feedlot article in winter issue
by Jeff Lorimor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
The following information in the Winter 2000 article of Odor and Nutrient Management newsletter on “Controlling open feedlot runoff” was incorrectly stated. The article said, “Agricultural operations are not eligible for NPDES permits, which means they must capture runoff and pump it back onto agricultural land so it doesn’t run off.”
The statement should have read “Agricultural operations must capture runoff and land apply according to land application rules in Iowa, which include meeting separation distances and not causing groundwater or surface water pollution.”
Open feedlots with more than 1,000 animal units and operations with more than 300 animal units that discharge directly into a water of the state are required to apply to Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an operation permit. In Iowa operation permits are the same as national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permits. The permits, however, only allow discharge in the event of very large storms. The purpose of the operation permit is to spell out how the runoff control system must be operated, and what monitoring and reporting are required to show that the facility is operated in accordance with state and federal regulations.
There are other NPDES permits that the DNR issues, including the “storm water” permit that is required for any producer, contractor, or other person whose construction activities will disturb 5 acres or more of land.
Open feedlot operations can contact DNR to determine whether they need an operation permit or they can find more information at http://www.state.ia.us/government/dnr/organiza/epd/wastewtr/feedlot/feedlt.htm
