Livestock Waste Control Program
Who to Contact:
You may contact the program specialist for your area at a NDEQ Field Office or at the main office in Lincoln, Agriculture Section - (402) 471-4239.
Overview
The Livestock Waste Control Program administers two types of permitting programs for livestock waste control facilities in Nebraska: The federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program and the state Construction and Operating Permit program. NDEQ Livestock program issues individual NPDES permits, as well as coverage under a General NPDES permit. Permitted Large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, and any animal feeding operation with an NPDES permit are required to pay an annual fee by March 1 of each year. (
See “Fees” Section
). NPDES permit holders are required to submit an annual report by March 1 of each year.
Who must apply?
Construction and Operating Permit:
Proposed and existing Animal Feeding Operations that NDEQ has determined, after conducting an initial inspection, require livestock waste control facilities, must submit an application for a Construction and Operating Permit. An application fee of $200 must accompany the application when submitted. NDEQ also will notify the operation whether or not a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit must be obtained. If an NPDES permit application must be submitted, a $200 NPDES permit application fee must accompany the application.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit:
Large and Medium concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) must apply for an NPDES permit if the operation discharges, or intends to discharge, livestock waste into waters of the State. A small AFO must apply for an NPDES permit only if designated as a CAFO by NDEQ.
When to apply?
Construction and Operating Permit:
If livestock waste control facilities are required to be constructed or modified, the AFO must submit an application for a Construction & Operating permit by the date specified by NDEQ. Construction of the livestock waste control system may not begin until NDEQ has issued a Construction and Operating permit, approving the proposed construction. Upon completion of construction and compliance with other requirements, the operation will notify NDEQ, and staff will conduct a post-construction inspection within 30 days. If the livestock waste control facility has been constructed according to the approved application, and no other issues are found, NDEQ will notify the operation that it may begin using the livestock waste control facilities. The Construction & Operating Permit does not expire.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit:
Due to federal and state regulatory changes, many existing, previously exempted, Large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations may now be required to submit an application by
February 27, 2009
, for coverage under an NPDES permit.
Individual and General NPDES permits are issued for a maximum of five years. Applications for NPDES permit coverage must be submitted at least 180 days before the planned use of the livestock waste control facilities, or before the current permit expires.
Why apply?
An AFO that is required to obtain a permit, but operates prior to or without the required permit, could face both civil and criminal penalties for violating state laws and regulations.
Livestock Program Publications, Forms and Applications
Livestock Permit Applications on Public Notice
.
www.DEQ.state.NE.US Home Page
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Nebraska.gov
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality
1200 "N" Street, Suite 400
P.O. Box 98922
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
(402) 471-2186