Spring 2002
New rule for confinement feeding operations
by Karen Grimes, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
A new rule that became effective February 13, 2002, requires new confinement feeding operations that need a manure management plan (MMP), but not a construction permit, to file the plan with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the county 30 days before construction begins. The new confinement feeding operations must use the DNR MMP form. The plan must meet all current requirements and include documentation that a copy has been submitted to the county auditor or Board of Supervisors. It also should include information (e.g., maps, drawings, or aerial photos) that clearly shows the proposed location of any structures.
If an expanding operation stays below the construction permit threshold, the owner should submit the MMP to the DNR and pay the additional indemnity fee. The owner does not need to submit an MMP to the county.
Existing small animal feeding operations that expand to a size that would require an MMP also must submit the MMP to the DNR, but not the county. They need to pay the indemnity fee when they submit the plan. A small animal feeding operation has an animal weight capacity of less than 200,000 pounds for species other than bovine or less than 400,000 pounds for bovine.
If an owner manages or has an interest in another confinement feeding operation that is located within 2,500 feet of the proposed construction, the owner must provide information about that site. This requirement helps to ensure that the facility owner has met requirements for separation distances.
The DNR will date the forms when they are received and notify the producer. Complete plans must be reviewed by the DNR within 60 days. If the plan is incomplete, the DNR will wait until producers provide additional information before the review process is started.
Producers who must submit plans to the DNR and the county need to wait 30 days before starting construction, but they do not have to wait for the DNR to approve the plan. They must have an approved plan before spreading manure.
For more information about early submittal of MMPs and to download copies of the DNR's MMP forms, please visit http://www.state.ia.us/epd/wastewtr/feedlot/manure.htm
