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Wyoming Agriculture producing
Food and Fiber
Clean Water
a guide to confined livestock operation management
Dear Wyoming Livestock Producer,
In an effort to address potential impacts livestock operations may have on water quality, this informational brochure has been developed to provide producers with the necessary information to protect water quality and to keep their operation's economic viability. This has been a cooperative effort of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, and a Steering Committee of livestock producers, industry organization representatives, and resource management agency personnel.
Historically, Wyoming pioneers homesteaded on or near streams and lakes. This made sense when looking at the efficiency of raising livestock. However, as populations increase and technology advances we now realize that although this may be the most logical location for our operations, we need to be aware of the impact we may be having on our natural resources and specifically water quality.
Our hope is this brochure and the enclosed self-evaluation will provide you with the information needed to understand the laws and liabilities, determine your operation's potential impact to water quality, and then to provide you with examples of management changes that would address water quality concerns. As we all know, the best way to stay ahead of regulations and limit liability is to proactively manage for the optimal health and productivity of our natural resources.
We hope this brochure is a valuable tool and is successful in assisting producers assess and address their own operations before any water quality problems occur and any financial hardships are encountered.
We welcome your input and suggestions on how we can further assist Wyoming's livestock industry remain a viable part of Wyoming's economy and culture while continuing to serve as the stewards of Wyoming's natural resources.
Sincerely,
Ron Micheli, Director
Wyoming Department of Agriculture
Olin Sims, President
Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts
Table of Contents
What are Best Management Practices
Wyoming's Demonstration Projects Technical and Financial Resources Additional Information Sources Evaluating Your Livestock Operation - A producer self evaluationLaws and Liability
Wyoming's livestock producers are a vital and integral part of the state's economy,
culture, heritage and contribute considerably to Wyoming's wide open spaces. Keeping
Wyoming's agriculture producers in business is a goal we all share. With increased
attention and concern for water quality, comes increased awareness of agricultural
operations and their potential affect on water quality. Traditionally, many pioneers
homesteaded on or near sources of water. This made sense. However, with increased
development and population have come increased demands on the water resources and the need
to maintain a healthy water resource.
Wyoming state law requires the permitting of large confined animal feeding operations. There is no requirement to permit operations smaller than those that fall under state regulations. However, smaller operations could be regulated and liable for water quality problems. A complaint filed by any citizen would initiate a site investigation by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)). If, through water quality testing, a water quality problem is discovered, regulatory action could be taken.
As a producer, you must understand both the potential water quality problems your operations may cause and those steps you can take to protect yourself and water quality.
Even though your operation may not be large enough to be permitted through the state DEQ, any feeding operation regardless of size, is required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, if the DEQ conducts an on-site inspection and determines that the run-off from the facility is, or has the potential to be a "significant contributor of pollution" to surface waters of the state.
Understanding the laws and potential liabilities producers face, will assist in determining whether there is a risk of water quality related problems and how to avoid future enforcement actions.
Just because smaller operations are not required to be permitted does not mean there is not a risk of water quality pollution problems or future regulatory enforcement actions. In fact, there are federal actions underway to step up scrutiny of smaller animal feeding operations and bringing such operations under regulatory permitting.
Facts
What is considered a surface water of the state in relation to
water quality?
According to DEQ, Chapter 1 Water Quality Rules and Regulations, which are the rules
governing the states surface water quality, surface waters are defined as follows:
"All permanent and intermittent defined drainages and lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands
which are not man made retention ponds used for the treatment of municipal, agricultural
or industrial waste; and all other bodies of surface water, either public or private which
are wholly or partially within the boundaries of the State." Although, groundwater is
not included in the Chapter 1, Rules and Regulations, if a producer's operation may have a
potential impact to groundwater, DEQ will also review and conduct a groundwater
assessment.
What is considered a "small confined animal feeding
operation"?
A facility that does not meet the following concentrated feeding operation criteria:
If an operation does not meet the above criteria, it is considered an "animal feeding operation". An animal feeding operation is defined as follows: "A lot or facility where animals have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of at least 45 days in any 12 month period, and the animal confinement area does not sustain crops, vegetation, forage growth, or post-harvest residues in the normal growing season."
Facts
What is the DEQ's responsibility when a complaint is filed
on a small confined feeding operation?
Once a complaint is filed, a Water Quality Division representative contacts
the producer by telephone and conducts an on-site inspection to determine if a water
quality problem exists. If the complaint is valid, the producer receives notice from WQD
to remedy the situation. The producer can usually develop some type of animal waste
management system that will bring the operation into compliance with state regulations.
The producer is given adequate time to develop a solution to the problem. Not responding
to the notice may lead the DEQ to take legal action against the producer. The producer can
appeal the notice by contacting the DEQ Director or the Environmental Quality Council. The
Environmental Quality Council is an independent seven member, Governor appointed council,
which serves as the hearing examiner for the DEQ.
How much animal waste run-off constitutes a pollutant?
This is dependent upon the surface water's current classification. Waters in Wyoming are
classified based upon their natural capability to support certain beneficial uses.
Currently, Wyoming utilizes numeric categories to classify waters. These categories are
defined in more detail in Chapter 1, Rules and Regulations, however the beneficial uses
defined in Chapter 1 include: aesthetic, scenic, recreational, ecological, agricultural,
botanical, zoological, municipal, industrial, historical, geological, cultural,
archaeological, and wildlife, the presence of significant quantities of developable water
and other values present and future benefit to the people. For more detail it is
recommended to obtain a copy of Chapter 1 State Water Quality standards.
What are Best Management Practices?
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are a practice or combination of
practices that, after problem assessment and examination of alternative practices, are
determined to be the most technically and economically feasible means of preventing or
reducing nonpoint source pollution. Because of the number of influencing factors, there is
no one Best Management Practice that can be recommended to all confined feeding operation
managers. A BMP should be specific to the individual operation and based on existing
physical, operational, and economic conditions, opportunities and constraints, and whether
you are expanding, remodeling, or rebuilding. BMPs could include the following:
| Surface and Ground
Water Protection · Critical Area planting · Fencing · Filter Strip · Heavy Use Areas · Livestock Grazing Management · Mulching Animal Waste Management Runoff Control Water Source/Supplemental
Development |
 Dry waste storage structure
|
Wyoming's Demonstration
Projects
This demonstration project consists of approximately 2500 sheep.
As shown in the "before" photo, the corrals were originally located next to the
banks of a creek. The producer has relocated the corrals to a location approximately
1 mile from the original site, installed alternate watering souces, constructed lambing
sheds, sun sheds, and installed feeders. A tour of the project was held in July
1999. Approximately 30 landowners were in attendance. The tour also included a
workshop with discussions on the information contained in this brochure. The
original site already has natural regrowth of vegetation and the landowner plans to
complete additional reclamation efforts in the future.
 |
 |
| Original site prior to implementation of BMPs | Original site after
implementation of BMPs. Reclamation of old site to be completed |
Fall 1999Animal feeding operation tour a
success
The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and the Wyoming Department of
Agriculture held a tour of the Anderson Ranch animal feeding operation demonstration site
near Tensleep. Over 30 people were in attendance at the tour, which was held July
19. The Anderson Ranch recently completed a project that included relocating
corrals and lambing facilities from a location near Tensleep Creek to a location over one
mile away. In addition, water lines were established from existing wells, electrical
service was established and new grain bins were constructed.
The workshop included discussions on laws & liabilities affecting small confined animal feeding operations, producer self-evaluations, best management practices and available technical and financial resources to address potential concerns. In addition, participants toured the old site and new facilities at Anderson Ranch. The demonstration site is part of a grant program being implemented by the WACD and WDA to address potential water quality concerns as a result of animal feeding operations. Seven other demonstration projects throughout Wyoming are in the process of being completed. These demonstration projects will serve as examples of how potential concerns can be addressed through local, voluntary efforts.
Aaron Anderson explains changes made to the Anderson Ranch
operation at the tour held in Tensleep.
Seven additional demonstration sites by Fall
2000
In addition to the demonstration project highlighted above, there are seven additional
projects throughout Wyoming. These projects are located in the following counties:
WACD will include information on these projects as it becomes available. Tours will also be held at these demonstration sites.
Technical and Financial Resources
| Agency: Conservation Districts Type of Assistance: Technical and/or Financial Programs: Programs offered by Conservation Districts will vary dependent upon individual District priorities and capabilities. However, local Districts assist in obtaining federal, state, and local, financial and technical assistance for landowners to implement resource management projects. Conservation Districts are primary recipients of Clean Water Act, section 319 funds. In addition, local Districts work closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in delivering cost-share programs through the Farm Bill. Many Districts have been successful in securing alternative sources of funding for natural resource enhancement projects. Dependent upon local funding status, some Districts provide direct cost-share assistance to landowners. There are 34 Conservation Districts in Wyoming. You may contact your local district or the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts for additional information.
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Contacts:
|
| Agency: Department of Environmental Quality Type of Assistance: Technical and/or Financial Programs: DEQ offers an abundance of information and technical assistance. They provide detailed information about grant programs, enforcement programs and approved BMPs. They promulgate standards for drinking water, fish, livestock and irrigation water which can be compared to local conditions to identify problems. They also employ groundwater and surface water experts that are available to answer questions. 205j Funds - These funds are periodically available from DEQ. They can be used for problem identification and planning. When existing water quality data do not provide enough information to pinpoint problems, 205j funds can be used to establish a water quality monitoring network. A 25 percent nonfederal match is usually required. These funds can be allocated only to local governments such as Conservation Districts, Counties, and Municipalities. 319 Funds - These funds are used for implementation of projects. After a problem has been pinpointed through existing water quality data and or additional monitoring, 319 funds can be used to pay for corrective measures or for evaluation of improvement. The corrective measures are often referred to as BMPs and typically practices such as streambank stabilization, feedlot waste containment, grassed waterways, filter strips, sedimentation basins, etc.
|
Brian Lovett |
| Agency: UW Cooperative Extension Service or local
Cooperative Extension Service office Type of Assistance: Educational, Technical and/or Financial Programs: Local Extension Agents and University Extension personnel are available to assist producers with on-site assess-ments of operations. The University Cooperative Extension can assist producers through the Farm-A-Syst program in providing a complete assessment of a farm or ranch operation. In addition, Cooperative Extension assists with the development of Best Management Practices.
|
http://www.uwyo.edu/ag/ces/ceshome/htm |
| Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Type of Assistance: Technical and/or Financial Programs: The NRCS has been heavily involved with water quality projects in Wyoming. NRCS employees are particu-larly adept at designing and promoting BMPs. The NRCS currently has several cost-share programs available to producers. They also have an Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook which includes other ag waste management options for producers.
|
Duane Klamm |
| Agency: Wyoming Department of Agriculture Type of Assistance: Technical Programs: The Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Section, is responsible for providing agriculture producers with the assistance needed to protect and enhance Wyoming's natural resources while maintaining agriculture productivity. The Department also coordinates and disseminates information between local Conservation Districts. |
Grant Stumbough |
Additional sources of information
To access Wyoming DEQ Chapter 1, state water quality standards, rules and
regulations:
http://soswy.state.wy.us/rules/rules.htm
| This publication was produced under the
leadership and guidance of the Wyoming Confined Feeding Steering Committee members: Olin Sims, McFadden Wayne Korell, Lingle Laness Northrup, Powell Lawrence Welch, Afton Grant Stumbough, Cheyenne George Cleek, Cheyenne Kirk Faught, Pavillion Duane Klamm, Casper Phil Ogle, Cheyenne Mel Riley, Laramie Doug Cooper, Casper Scott Zimmerman, Pine Bluffs Pat Bowen, Wheatland Bryce Reece, Casper Earl DeGroot, Cheyenne |
Sources Idaho One Plan Homepage Montana Department of Wyoming Department of United States Environmental Top right and bottom cover This publication was funded in part |
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