Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 217

Revision 7 – Draft August 19, 2015

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RULE 217 LARGE CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITIES (LCAF) PERMITS REQUIRED

(Adopted 10/10/2006; Revised __/__/____)

A. Applicability General

A.1 Purpose

The purpose of this rule is to limit emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds 

(VOC) and Ammonia from Large Confined Animal Facilities (LCAF).

A.21 Applicability

This rule sets forth the permitting requirements for agricultural sources 

subject to permit as a result of amendments to California Health and Safety 

Code Section 40724.6 that became effective January 1, 2004. A written 

Permit to Operate shall be required for all Large Confined Animal Facilities.

B. Definitions

The following definitions apply to all terms applicable to this Rule. If a term is not

defined in this Rule, then the definitions provided in Rule 101 shall apply.

B.1 AERATED STATIC PILE (ASP): a system designed, constructed, 

maintained, and operated for decomposing organic material in which the

material is placed on top of perforated plates or pipes that are connected

to blowers that either push or pull air through the piles.

B.2 AEROBIC DIGESTER: a basin or tank designed, constructed,

maintained, and operated for the aerobic treatment of liquid or solid

manure that is approved by the APCD, ARB, and EPA.

B.3 AEROBIC LAGOON: a lagoon designed, constructed, maintained, and

operated in accordance with the applicable standards for aerobic lagoons

in the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) California Field

Office Technical Guide Conservation Practice Standard Code 359 or 

other applicable standards approved by the APCD, ARB, and EPA.

B.4 ALTERNATIVE MITIGATION MEASURES: a mitigation measure that is

determined by the APCD, ARB, and EPA to achieve reductions that

are equal to or exceed the reductions that would be achieved by other

mitigation measures listed in this rule that owners/operators could

choose to comply with rule requirements.

B.5 ANAEROBIC DIGESTER: a basin or tank designed, constructed,

maintained, and operated for the anaerobic treatment of liquid or solid

Commented [LN1]: Please consider defining the following 

undefined terms that are used in the Rule. We list after each term 

potentially relevant (sample) text from SJV Rule 4570: 

•biofilter (Section 3.12), 

•CDFA (3.13), 

•cereal grains (3.14), 

•feed bunk (3.30), 

•feedlane (3.31), 

•mature cow (3.40), 

•medium dairy CAF (3.41), 

•milking cow (3.42), 

•oxygen barrier film (3.49),

•phase feeding (3.50), 

•processed corn (3.55), 

•split-sex feeding program (3.60)
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manure in accordance with the applicable standards for anaerobic

digesters in the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

California Field Office Technical Guide Conservation Practice Standard

Code 365 or 366 or other applicable standards approved by the APCD,

ARB, and EPA.

B.6 AEROBIC ANAEROBIC TREATMENT: the decomposition of organic

matter by microbes in the absence of oxygen. During this process four

main reactions occur. In the first reaction, complex organic materials

(e.g. carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) are hydrolyzed to form soluble

organic molecules (e.g. sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids). In the

second reaction, soluble organic molecules ferment to form acetic acid,

formic acid, and volatile fatty acids. In the third reaction, volatile fatty

acids undergo acetogenesis to form acetic acid and formic acid. In

the fourth reaction, acetic acid and formic acid undergo

methanogenesis to form methane and carbon dioxide.

B.7 ANAEROBIC TREATMENT LAGOON: a lagoon designed, constructed,

maintained, and operated in accordance with the standards for anaerobic

lagoons in the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) California

Field Office Technical Guide Conservation Practice Standard Code 359

or other applicable standards approved by the APCD, ARB, and EPA.

B.8 BEEF FEEDLOT: a CAF that is primarily concerned with raising cattle

for the production of meat for commercial purposes.

B.9 CERTIFIED NUTRITIONIST: a nutritionist certified by the American

Registry of Professional Animal Scientists or who is approved by the

APCD, ARB, and EPA.

B.10 COMPOSTING: the controlled biological decomposition of organic

material, under aerobic (with air) or anaerobic (without air) conditions,

to form a humus-like material.

B.11 CORRAL: an area where animals are confined without separate stalls in

which the animals may rest. (also referred to as dry lot, pen, exercise

pen, loafing barn, saudi barn or open lot).

B.12 DAY: a twenty-four hour period beginning at 12:00 a.m. and ending at

midnight.

B.13 DRY MANURE/DRY SEPARATED SOLIDS: manure or separated solids

with less than 50% moisture, by weight, not including any materials

used for on-site composting operations.

B.14 DRY ROLLED CORN: any corn that is crushed between rollers without

Commented [LN2]: Should be anaerobic treatment.
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previous treatment with steam or another softening process.

B.15 EMISSION MITIGATION PLAN: a document that lists and describes all

VOC mitigation measures to be implemented at the CAF.

B.16 FACILITY: a source or group of air pollution sources located on one

or more properties that are contiguous, adjacent, or separated only by

a public right-of- way and are under common ownership, common control,

or operated by entities that are under common ownership or control. A

facility includes, but is not limited to, all barns, buildings, coops, corrals,

feed storage areas, installations, milking parlors, structures, and systems

for the collection, distribution, storage, and treatment of manure on the

properties.

B.17 FREESTALL BARN: a structure for housing animals in which the animals

are contained in pens under a roof and have free access to feed bunks,

waterers, and stalls for resting.

B.18 HIGH MOISTURE CORN: corn which, at harvest, has a kernel moisture

of greater than 25%.

B.19 ICAPCD PERMITTED COMPOSTING FACILITY

B.20 IN-CORRAL MOUNDS: mounds of manure and/or soil which are

constructed, designed, maintained, and operated by the owner/operator

to allow animals to have a dry area to lay and rest during the wet season.

B.21 LAGOON: a basin constructed, maintained, and operated to store and 

treat manure. This does not include basins primarily used to collect runoff

and storm water.

B.22 LARGE CAF: a CAF that maintains, on any one day, at least the

following number of animals:

Table 1 - Large CAF Definition By Livestock Category

Livestock Category Large CAF Definition

Beef Feedlots 3,500 beef cattle

Dairy 1,000 milking cows

Other Cattle Facility 3,500 calves, heifers, or other cattle 

Poultry Facility

 Chicken 650,000 head

 Duck 650,000 head

 Turkey 100,000 head

Swine Facility 3,000 head

Horses Facility 2,500 head

Sheep and Goat Facilities 15,000 head of sheep, goats, or any combination of the 

Commented [LN3]: Rule 4570 applies to dairies with 500 or 

more milking cows. Please explain why a 500 milking cow threshold 

is not reasonably available for Imperial County dairies; otherwise we 

suggest adjusting the threshold to 500 milking cows.
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B.23 LEACHATE

B.24 LICENSED VETERINARIAN: a veterinarian licensed by the State of

California or a veterinarian that is approved by the APCD, ARB, and

EPA.

B.25 MILK PARLOR

B.26 MITIGATION MEASURE: an activity, practice, or technology that

reduces VOC air pollutants emitted by or associated with a CAF.

B.27 MAXIMUM ONE-TIME CAPACITY

B.28 NRC: the National Research Council of the United States of America.

B.29 NRCS: the Natural Resource Conservation Service operated under the

United States Department of Agriculture.

B.30 PHOTOTROPIC LAGOON: a lagoon where at least 10% of the bacteria

in the lagoon are photosynthetic bacterium; the bacteriochlorophyll a

concentration is above 1081 μg/L; or that is designed, constructed,

maintained, and operated according to other standards approved by the

APCD, ARB, and EPA.

B.31 POULTRY: any domesticated birds kept or raised for eggs or meat.

B.32 POULTRY LITTER: poultry excretions and bedding, including, but not

limited to, dried solids, manure, urine and bedding from chickens,

turkeys, geese, or ducks.

B.33 MOLT

B.34 OVERALL VOC CAPTURE AND CONTROL

B.35 RAIN EVENT: precipitation greater than 0.1 inch in 24 hours at the facility.

B.36 SEPARATED SOLIDS: solids removed from manure by a solid separator

system, not including any materials used for onsite composting

operations.

B.37 SHADE STRUCTURE: a structure designed, constructed, installed,

maintained, and operated to provide shade for livestock.

two

Any livestock facility not listed 

above 30,000 head

Commented [LN4]: Please add definition for this undefined 

term used in the rule. See, for example, SJV Rule 4570 section 

5.1.4.1.

Commented [LN5]: Please add definition for this undefined 

term used in the rule. See, for example, SJV Rule 4570 section 3.54.
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B.38 SOLID SEPARATOR SYSTEM: a system for separating solid manure

from the liquid manure stream that is designed, installed, constructed,

operated, and maintained in accordance with the applicable standards

in California NRCS Field Office Technical Guide Conservation Practice

Standard Code 632 or other applicable standards approved by the

APCD, ARB, and EPA. Solid separator systems may include, but are 

not limited to, flat belt separators, roller press separators, vibrating 

screen separators, stationary inclined screen separators, weeping

walls, and settling basins.

B.39 STEAM-FLAKED CEREAL GRAINS: cereal grain that is processed by

cooking the grain with steam under pressure and then flaking the resulting

material through heated rollers.

B.40 STEAM-FLAKED CORN: corn that is processed by cooking the corn

with steam under pressure and then flaking the resulting material through

heated rollers.

B.41 STORAGE POND: a basin constructed, maintained, and operated, to

store manure, after it has been treated or processed in a lagoon.

B.42 SWINE: for the purposes of this rule, and determination of the threshold

in Table 2, any weaned pig of at least forty-five (45) pounds in weight,

such as finishing pigs and breeding stock.

B.43 VOC CONTROL DEVICE: a device, into which captured air is vented,

that reduces the VOC content in the air prior to the air being released into

the atmosphere.

B.44 WEATHERPROOF COVERING/STORAGE STRUCTURE: A covering,

such as a building or tarp, constructed, installed, maintained, and

operated such that the material inside or underneath the covering is not

moved or moistened by weather conditions outside of the covering

including, but not limited, to wind and rain. The covering shall be

maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and adhere to

the applicable standards in NRCS California Field Office Technical

Guide (FOTG) Conservation Practice Standard Code 313 or other

applicable standards approved by the APCD, ARB, and EPA.

B.45 YEAR: any consecutive 365-day period.

C. Requirements

C.1 Owner/operators shall obtain an Authority to Construct (ATC) or Permit to 
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Operate (PTO) for the facility. On or before January 1, 2007, a An owner or 

operator of a LCAF shall submit obtain, submit for approval by the Air 

Pollution Control Officer District (APCOD), an Authority to Construct 

(ATC)/Permit to Operate (PTO) application for each LCAF. Additionally, 

each application shall include:

C.1.a The information that the APCOD, or his designee, determines is 

necessary to prepare an emissions inventory of all regulated air 

pollutants emitted from the operation, including, but not limited to, the 

provisions listed in C.1.b through C.1.e.

C.1.b List of all stationary combustion equipment. The applicant must 

inform provide the APCD with the frequency of the equipment

useage of the equipment, including year and model of the equipment, 

capacity (Btu/hr, horsepower, etc.), hours of usage each year, and/or 

gallons of fuel consumption burned to determine the baseline 

emission factors.

C.1.c List of all other significant sources of air pollution, including but not

limited to, stationary irrigation pumps, gasoline storage tanks, etc.

C.1.d The maximum one-time capacity of the facility regardless if the 

facility is operating at full production at the time the application is 

submitted. Total capacity of the facility in terms of commercial 

production animal and bird poultry population.

C.1.e An e Emissions m Mitigation p Plan that demonstrates that the facility 

will use RACT to reduce emissions of VOCs and Ammonia, 

according to the requirements of Section C.5. In addition,

owner/operator of any LCAF shall implement all emission mitigation 

measures as contained in the permit application, on and after 365 

days from the date of issuance of the permit. pollutants that 

contribute to the non-attainment of any ambient air quality standard, 

and that are within the Air District=s regulatory authority.

C.1.f In addition, the dust control plan for beef feedlots shall adhere to the 

requirements within Rule 420.

C.1.g The owner/operator of LCAFs that are not a dairy, beef feedlot, 

swine, or poultry operations shall submit an Emissions Mitigation 

Plan demonstrating facility-wide reductions of at least 30% or submit 

an Emissions Mitigation Plan that adheres to all the applicable 

requirements of sections C.5.

C.2 The APCOD shall determine completeness for each ATC/PTO A application 

according to the requirements contained within Rule 206, Section A.2. The 

Commented [LN6]: We recommend inserting this text to require 

that facility obtain a permit. 

Commented [LN7]: Please specify a deadline for applying for 

permit (e.g., upon rule adoption, or on or before a certain date)

Commented [LN8]: We recommend including the breakdown of 

animals by type (e.g., calf, cow, etc.), and maximum number of 

animals at each housing type.
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APCOD shall act upon an application pursuant to this rule within six months 

of receipt of a complete application. In the interim, current Livestock Feed 

Yard certificates and conditions shall be honored.

C.3 Operators of LCAFs shall implement the control measures identified in their 

emissions mitigation plan which may be selected from the Air District=s 

Policy Number 38, ARecommended Mitigation Measures for Large 

Confined Animal Facilities.@

C.3 Temporary Suspension of Mitigation Measures

An owner/operator may temporarily suspend utilization of a mitigation 

measure provided all of the following requirements are met:

C.3.a It is determined by a licensed veterinarian or certified nutritionist that 

the mitigation measure is detrimental to animal health or that 

suspension of the mitigation measure is necessary for the animal to 

molt, and

C.3.b The owner/operator notifies the APCD, within forty-eight (48) hours 

of the veterinarian’s or nutritionist’s determination that a measure is 

being temporarily suspended, and

C.3.c If such a situation exist, or is expected to exist for longer than thirty 

(30) days, the owner/operator shall, within that thirty (30) day period, 

submit a new mitigation measure to be implemented in lieu of the 

mitigation measure that suspended. Substituted measures shall be 

requested by submitting was an application to modify the mitigation 

plan.

C.3.d The ADPC, ARB, and EPA approve the temporary suspension of the 

mitigation measure for the time period requested by the 

owner/operator and a signed written copy of this determination shall 

be retained on-site.

C.4 The owner or operator of an LCAF shall adhere and apply to the selected 

control measures outlined in their mitigation plan pursuant to a six month 

schedule approved by the APCO.

C.45 On or before January 1, 2008, For each existing LCAF, three months after 

adoption of this rule and each year thereafter, the owner or operator of a 

LCAF shall submit an annual compliance Emissions Mitigation p Plan that 

updates the information submitted pursuant to section C.1 and C.6. All 

modifications to LCAF’s shall follow Rule 207 procedures.

C.5 Facility Emission Mitigation Plan

The owner/operator shall submit a facility emission mitigation plan as part 

Commented [LN9]: Please clarify what “new” means. For 

clarity, we recommend revising this to “...submit a new another

mitigation measure from the same section of table to be 

implemented in lieu...”

Commented [LN10]: This provision is in SJV 4570 rule section 

5.4.5. It may be helpful to discuss with SJVACPD how this section 

is implemented in Rule 4570, because we believe it has not been 

requested often.

Commented [LN11]: Please include the process the facility 

must follow to modify its emissions mitigation plan, such as, 

notifying the District in writing As an example, see SJVAPCD 

“Modification Form: at 

http://www.valleyair.org/farmpermits/applications/cmp/cmp17.pdf,
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of the Permit to Operate application or Authority to Construct application. 

The mitigation plan shall contain the following : 

C.5.a The facility name and location. The name, business address, and 

phone number of the owner/operator responsible for the preparation and 

the implementation of the mitigation measure listed in the mitigation plan. 

C.5.b The signature of he owner/operator attesting to the accuracy of the 

information provided and adherence to implementing the activities specified

in the mitigation plan at all times and the date that the application was 

signed.

C.5.c A list of all the mitigation measures from Section C.6 that the 

owner/operators will use to comply with Rule 217 requirements, 

including the number of animals and acreage subject to each control, 

as applicable.

C.6 Owners/operators of LCAFs shall implement control measures identified in 

their Emissions Mitigation Plan which shall include those applicable 

mitigation measures from the appropriate tables as follows:

C.5.a An owner/operator of a LCAF that is a Beef Feedlot shall comply with 

the following applicable requirements:

C.6.a Beef Feedlots: Owners/operators of a beef feedlot CAF shall comply 

with the mitigation measures in Table 2.1

Table 2.1 Beef Feedlot Mitigation Measures Requirements

A. Feed:

An owner/operator of a beef feedlot CAF shall implement at least two (2) of the 

following feed mitigation measures:

1. Feed according to National Research Council (NRC) guidelines.

2. Feed steam-flaked, dry rolled, cracked or ground corn or other steam-flaked, 

dry rolled, cracked or ground cereal grains.

3. Remove uneaten wet feed from feed bunks within twenty-four (24) hours after 

the end of a rain event.

4. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

B. Silage:

An owner/operator of a beef feedlot CAF that feeds silage shall implement at least 

one (1) of the following silage mitigation measures:

1.

Operators selecting this option must choose mitigation measure 1a plus 

one (1) from mitigation measures 1b, 1c, 1d plus two (2) from mitigation 

measures 1e, 1f, 1g:

Commented [LN12]: For enforceability, the rule should require 

that the permit and/or mitigation plan included in the permit, contain 

a list of the mitigation measures facility’s owner/operator has

selected to implement Rule 217 (see inserted text). We recommend 

the Rule also require information on the number of animals and 

acreage (e.g. land application) covered by the mitigation measures. 

See, for example, SJV 4570 (CAF) Application Forms and Permit 

applications for Animal Feeding Operations at:

http://www.valleyair.org/General_Info/AGLoader.htm
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a. Cover the surface of silage piles, except for the area where feed is being 

removed from the pile, with a plastic tarp that is at least five (5) mils thick 

(0.005 inches), multiple plastic tarps with a cumulative thickness of at least 5 

mils (0.005 inches), or an oxygen barrier film covered with a UV resistant 

material, within seventy-two (72) hours of last delivery of material to the pile.

Choose one of the following:

b. Build silage piles such that the average bulk density of silage piles is 

at least 44 lb/cu ft for corn silage and 40 lb/cu ft for other silage types, as 

measured in accordance with D; or

c. When creating a silage pile, adjust filling parameters to assure a calculated 

average bulk density of at least 44 lb/cu ft for corn silage and at least 40 lb/cu 

ft for other silage types, using a spreadsheet approved by the District; or

d. Incorporate all of the following practices when creating silage piles:

i. Harvest silage crop at ≥65% moisture for corn; and ≥60% moisture 

for alfalfa/ grass and other silage crops; and

ii. Incorporate the following parameters for Theoretical Length of Chop 

(TLC) and roller opening, as applicable, for the crop being harvested.

Crop Harvested TLC Roller Opening

(mm)

Corn with no Processing ≤ 1⁄2 in N/A

Processed Corn <35% dry matter ≤ 3⁄4 in 1-4 mm

Alfalfa/Grass ≤ 1.0 in N/A

Wheat/Cereal/Other ≤ 1⁄2 in N/A

iii. Manage silage material delivery such that no more than six (6) 

inches of material are un-compacted on top of the pile.

Choose two of the following:

e. Manage exposed silage (select one of the following):

i. Manage silage piles such that only one silage pile has an 

uncovered face and the uncovered face has a total exposed surface 

area of less than 2,150 square feet; or

ii. Manage multiple uncovered silage piles such that the total exposed 

surface area of all uncovered silage piles is less than 4,300 square 

feet.

f. Maintain silage working face (select one of the following):

i. Use a shaver/facer to remove silage from the silage pile; or
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ii. Maintain a smooth vertical surface on the working face of the silage 

pile.

g. Silage Additives (select one of the following):

i. Inoculate silage with homolactic lactic acid bacteria in accordance 

with manufacturer recommendations to achieve a concentration of at 

least 100,000 colony forming units per gram of wet forage; or

ii. Apply propionic acid, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, 

or potassium sorbate at a rate specified by the manufacturer to reduce 

yeast counts when forming silage pile; or

iii. Apply other additives at specified rates that have been 

demonstrated to reduce alcohol concentrations in silage and/or VOC 

emissions from silage and have been approved by the District and 

EPA.

2. Utilize a sealed feed storage system (e.g., Ag-Bag) for silage.

3. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C. Housing:

An owner/operator of a beef feedlot CAF shall implement mitigation measures 1, 2, 3, 

and 4 and at least one (1) additional mitigation measure in each of the animal housing 

structures (e.g. each corral, etc.):

1.

a. Scrape corrals twice a year with at least ninety (90) days between 

cleanings, excluding the removal of in-corral mounds.

b. Clean and remove manure from corrals every eighteen (18) months, 

including the removal on in-corral mounds. 

2.

Inspect water pipes and troughs and repair leaks at least once every seven 

(7) days.

3.

Choose one of the following:

a. Maintain corrals to ensure proper drainage preventing water from standing 

more than forty-eight (48) hours; unless standing water is the result of a rain 

event; or

b. Harrow, rake, or scrape corrals sufficiently to maintain a dry surface, 

unless the corrals have not held animals in the last thirty (30) days, except for 

areas underneath shade structures or where animals commonly congregate in 

large groups. 

4.

If the CAF has shade structures, they must choose with one of the following:

a. Install shade structures such that they are constructed with a light 

permeable roofing material; or

b. Install all shade structures uphill of any slope in the corral; or

c. Install shade structure so that the structure has a North/South orientation.

Commented [LN13]: This exception was recently added to the 

draft rule. Please clarify what this exception means, why this was 

added, and describe the effect, if any, on the potential VOC or 

ammonia emission reductions from this measure.
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5.

Manage corrals and concrete lanes such that the dry manure depth in the pen 

does not exceed eighteen (18) inches at any time or point, except for in-corral 

mounds. Manure depth may exceed eighteen (18) inches when corrals 

become inaccessible due to rain events. The facility must resume 

management of the manure depth of eighteen (18) inches or lower 

immediately upon the corral becoming accessible.

6.

Knockdown fence line manure build-up prior to it exceeding a height of twelve 

(12) inches at any time or point. Manure depth may exceed twelve (12) inches 

when corrals become inaccessible due to rain events. The facility must 

resume management of the manure depth of twelve (12) inches or lower 

immediately upon the corral becoming accessible.

7. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

D. Solid Manure/Separated Solids:

An owner/operator of a beef feedlot CAF that handles or stores solid manure or 

separated solids outside the animal housing shall implement at least one (1) of the 

following mitigation measures:

1.

Choose one of the following:

a. Within 72 hours of removal from animal housing, either remove dry manure 

from the facility or, during the months of October through May, cover dry 

manure pile with a weatherproof covering, except for times, not to exceed 

twenty-four (24) hours per event, when wind events remove the covering.; or

b. Manage moisture content of manure to less than 50%.

c. For solid manure stored on the facility and outside animal housing, utilize a 

third-party composting agent that is equally covered under appropriate 

permits.

2. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

E. Liquid Manure:

An owner/operator of a beef feedlot CAF that handles manure in a liquid form 

shall implement at least one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1. Use a phototropic lagoon.

2. Use an anaerobic treatment lagoon designed in accordance with NRCS 

Guideline No. 359.

3. Remove solids from the waste system with a solid separator system, prior to 

the waste entering the lagoon.

4. Maintain lagoon pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

5. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

Commented [LN14]: We note that Rule 4570 includes a more 

stringent limit (12 inches) for dry manure depth. We suggest 

reducing the limit to 12 inches similarly, or explain why this is not 

reasonable available for beef feedlots in Imperial.

Commented [LN15]: This measure was recently added to the 

draft. Please describe how this measure controls VOC or ammonia 

emissions, and clarify the meaning of the phrase “utilize a thirdparty composting agent that is equally covered under appropriate 

permits.”
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F. Land Application:

An owner/operator of a beef feedlot CAF who land applies manure to crop land on the 

facility shall implement the following applicable mitigation measures:

1.

If the CAF applies solid manure, choose one of the following:

a. Incorporate all solid manure within seventy-two (72) hours of land 

application; or

b. Only apply solid manure that has been treated with an anaerobic treatment 

lagoon, aerobic lagoon, or digester system; or

c. Apply no solid manure with a moisture content of more than 50%; or

d. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

2.

If the CAF applies liquid manure, choose one of the following:

a. Only apply liquid manure that has been treated with an anaerobic 

treatment lagoon, aerobic lagoon, or digester system; or

b. Allow liquid manure to stand in the fields for no more than twenty-four (24) 

hours after irrigation; or

c. Apply liquid/slurry manure via injection with drag hose or similar apparatus; 

or

d. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C.6.b Dairy CAF: An owner/operator of a medium or large Dairy CAF 

shall comply with the mitigation measures in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 Dairy CAF Mitigation Measure Requirements

A. Feed:

An owner/operator of a dairy CAF shall implement mitigation measures 1, 2, 3, and 4 

and at least one (1) additional mitigation measure:

1. Feed according to National Research Council (NRC) guidelines.

2.

Push feed so that it is within three (3) feet of feedlane fence within two hours 

of putting out the feed or use a feed trough or other feeding structure 

designed to maintain feed within reach of the cows.

3. Begin feeding total mixed rations within two (2) hours of grinding and mixing 

rations.

4. Store grain in a weatherproof storage structure or under a weatherproof 

covering from October through May.

5. Feed steam-flaked, dry rolled, cracked or ground corn or other steam-flaked, 

dry rolled, cracked or ground cereal grains.

6. Remove uneaten wet feed from feed bunks within twenty-four (24) hours after 

the end of a rain event.

7. For total mixed rations that contain at least 30% by weight of silage, feed 

animals total mixed rations that contain at least 45% moisture.

8. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

B. Silage:
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An owner/operator of a dairy CAF that feeds silage shall implement at least one (1) of 

the following silage mitigation measures:

1.

Operators selecting this option must choose mitigation measure 1a plus one 

(1) from mitigation measures 1b, 1c, 1d plus two (2) from mitigation measures 

1e, 1f, 1g:

a. Cover the surface of silage piles, except for the area where feed is being 

removed from the pile, with a plastic tarp that is at least five (5) mils thick 

(0.005 inches), multiple plastic tarps with a cumulative thickness of at least 

5 mils (0.005 inches), or an oxygen barrier film covered with a UV resistant 

material, within seventy-two (72) hours of last delivery of material to the 

pile.

Choose one of the following:

b. Build silage piles such that the average bulk density of silage piles is 

at least 44 lb/cu ft for corn silage and 40 lb/cu ft for other silage types, as 

measured in accordance with D; or

c. When creating a silage pile, adjust filling parameters to assure a calculated 

average bulk density of at least 44 lb/cu ft for corn silage and at least 40 lb/cu 

ft for other silage types, using a spreadsheet approved by the District; or

d. Incorporate all of the following practices when creating silage piles:

i. Harvest silage crop at ≥65% moisture for corn; and ≥60% moisture 

for alfalfa/ grass and other silage crops; and

ii. Incorporate the following parameters for Theoretical Length of Chop 

(TLC) and roller opening, as applicable, for the crop being harvested.

Crop Harvested TLC Roller Opening

(mm)

Corn with no Processing ≤ 1⁄2 in N/A

Processed Corn <35% dry matter ≤ 3⁄4 in 1-4 mm

Alfalfa/Grass ≤ 1.0 in N/A

Wheat/Cereal/Other ≤ 1⁄2 in N/A

iii. Manage silage material delivery such that no more than six (6) 

inches of material are un-compacted on top of the pile.

Choose two of the following:

e. Manage exposed silage (select one of the following):

i. Manage silage piles such that only one silage pile has an 

uncovered face and the uncovered face has a total exposed surface 

area of less than 2,150 square feet; or

ii. Manage multiple uncovered silage piles such that the total exposed 
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Revision 7(Draft)

surface area of all uncovered silage piles is less than 4,300 square feet.

f. Maintain silage working face (select one of the following):

i. Use a shaver/facer to remove silage from the silage pile; or

ii. Maintain a smooth vertical surface on the working face of the silage 

pile.

g. Silage Additives (select one of the following):

i. Inoculate silage with homolactic lactic acid bacteria in accordance 

with manufacturer recommendations to achieve a concentration of 

at least 100,000 colony forming units per gram of wet forage; or

ii. Apply propionic acid, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, 

or potassium sorbate at a rate specified by the manufacturer to 

reduce yeast counts when forming silage pile; or

iii. Apply other additives at specified rates that have been 

demonstrated to reduce alcohol concentrations in silage and/or 

VOC emissions from silage and have been approved by the 

District and EPA.

2. Utilize a sealed feed storage system (e.g., Ag-Bag) for silage.

3. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C. Milking Parlor:

An owner/operator of a dairy CAF shall implement at least one (1) of the 

following mitigation measures in each milking parlor:

1. Flush or hose milking parlor immediately prior to, immediately after, or 

during each milking.

2. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

D. Freestall Barn:

An owner/operator of a dairy CAF that houses animals in freestalls shall implement 

mitigation measures 1 and 2 and at least one (1) additional mitigation measure in each 

freestall barn:

1.

Pave feedlanes, where present, for a width of at least eight (8) feet along the 

corral side of the feedlane fence for milk and dry cows and at least six (6) feet 

along the corral side of the feedlane for heifers.

2.

Choose one of the following:

a. Flush, scrape, or vacuum freestall flush lanes immediately prior to, 

immediately after, or during each milking; or

b. Flush or scrape freestall flush lanes at least three (3) times per day.

3.

Use non-manure-based bedding and non-separated solids based bedding for 

at least 90% of the bedding material, by weight, for freestalls (e.g. rubber 

mats, almond shells, sand, or waterbeds).

4.

For a large dairy CAF, remove manure that is not dry from individual cow 

freestall beds or rake, harrow, scrape, or grade freestall bedding at least once 

every seven (7) days.
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Revision 7(Draft)

For a medium dairy CAF, remove manure that is not dry from individual cow 

freestall beds or rake, harrow, scrape, or grade freestall bedding at least once 

every fourteen (14) days.

5. Have no animals in exercise pens or corrals at any time.

6. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

E. Corrals:

An owner/operator of a dairy CAF that houses animals in corrals shall implement 

mitigation measures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and at least one (1) additional mitigation 

measure in each corral where animals have been housed in the last thirty (30) days:

1.

Pave feedlanes, where present, for a width of at least 8 feet along the corral 

side of the feedlane fence for milk and dry cows and at least 6 feet along the 

corral side of the feedlane for heifers.

2.

Choose one of the following:

a. Clean manure from corrals at least four (4) times per year with at least 

sixty (60) days between cleaning; or

b. Clean corrals at least once between April and July and at least 

once between September and December.

3.

Choose one of the following:

a. Scrape, vacuum, or flush concrete lanes in corrals at least once every day 

for mature cows and every seven (7) days for support stock; or

b. Clean concrete lanes such that the depth of manure does not 

exceed twelve (12) inches at any point or time.

4. Inspect water pipes and troughs and repair leaks at least once every seven 

(7) days.

5.

Choose one of the following:

a. Slope the surface of the corrals at least 3% where the available space 

for each animal is 400 square feet or less. Slope the surface of the corrals 

at least 1.5% where the available space for each animal is more than 400 

square feet per animal; or

b. Maintain corrals to ensure proper drainage preventing water from standing 

more than forty-eight (48) hours; or

c. Harrow, rake, or scrape corrals sufficiently to maintain a dry surface.

6.

If the CAF has shade structures, they must choose one of the following:

a. Install shade structures such that they are constructed with a light 

permeable roofing material; or

b. Install all shade structures uphill of any slope in the corral; or

c. Clean manure from under corral shades at least once every fourteen (14) 

days, when weather permits access into the corral; or

d. Install shade structure so that the structure has a North/South orientation.

7.

Manage corrals such that the manure depth in the corral does not exceed 

twelve (12) inches at any time or point, except for in-corral mounding. Manure 

depth may exceed 12 inches when corrals become inaccessible due to rain 

events. The facility must resume management of the manure depth of 12 
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Revision 7(Draft)

inches or lower immediately upon the corral becoming accessible.

8.

Knockdown fence line manure build-up prior to it exceeding a height of twelve 

(12) inches at any time or point. Manure depth may exceed 12 inches when 

corrals become inaccessible due to rain events. The facility must resume 

management of the manure depth of 12 inches or lower immediately upon the 

corral becoming accessible.

9.

Choose one of the following:

a. Use lime or a similar absorbent material in the corrals 

according to the manufacturer's recommendation; or

b. Apply thymol to the feedlot soil in accordance with the manufacturer's 

recommendation.

10. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

F. Solid Manure/Separated Solids:

Owners/operators of a large dairy CAF that handle or store solid manure or separated 

solids outside the animal housing shall implement at least one (1) of the following 

mitigation measures:

1.

Within seventy-two (72) hours of removal from housing, either:

a. Remove dry manure from the facility; or

b. Cover dry manure outside the housing with a weatherproof covering from 

October through May, except for times when wind events remove the 

covering, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours per event.

2.

Within seventy-two (72) hours of removal from the drying process, either:

a. Remove separated solids from the facility; or

b. Cover separated solids outside the housing with a weatherproof covering 

from October through May, except for times when wind events remove the 

covering, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours per event.

3. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

G. Liquid Manure:

An owner/operator of a dairy CAF that handles manure in a liquid form shall implement 

at least one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1. Use a phototropic lagoon.

2. Use an anaerobic treatment lagoon designed in accordance with NRCS 

Guideline No. 359.

3. Remove solids from the waste system with a solid separator system, prior to 

the waste entering the lagoon.

4. Maintain lagoon pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

5. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

H. Land Application:

An owner/operator of a dairy CAF who land applies manure to crop land on the facility 

shall implement the following applicable mitigation measures:

1. If the CAF applies solid manure, choose one of the following:
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Revision 7(Draft)

a. Incorporate all solid manure within seventy-two (72) hours of land 

application; or

b. Only apply solid manure that has been treated with an anaerobic treatment 

lagoon, aerobic lagoon, or digester system; or

c. Apply no solid manure with a moisture content of more than 50%; or

d. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

2.

If the CAF applies liquid manure, choose one of the following:

a. Only apply liquid manure that has been treated with an anaerobic 

treatment lagoon, aerobic lagoon, or digester system; or

b. Allow liquid manure to stand in the fields for no more than twenty-four (24) 

hours after irrigation; or

c. Apply liquid/slurry manure via injection with drag hose or similar apparatus; 

or

d. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C.6.c Other Cattle CAF: Owners/Operators of an other cattle CAF shall 

comply with the mitigation measures in Table 2.3

Table 2.3 Other Cattle Mitigation Measure Requirements

A. Feed:

An owner/operator of an other cattle CAF shall implement at least two (2) of the 

following feed mitigation measures:

1. Feed according to National Research Council (NRC) guidelines.

2. Feed steam-flaked, dry rolled, cracked or ground corn or other steam-flaked, 

dry rolled, cracked or ground cereal grains.

3. Remove uneaten wet feed from feed bunks within twenty-four (24) hours after 

the end of a rain event.

4. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

B. Silage:

An owner/operator of an other cattle CAF that feeds silage shall implement at least one 

(1) of the following silage mitigation measures:

1.

Operators selecting this option must choose mitigation measure 1a plus one 

(1) from mitigation measures 1b, 1c, 1d plus two (2) from mitigation measures 

1e, 1f, 1g:

a. Cover the surface of silage piles, except for the area where feed is being 

removed from the pile, with a plastic tarp that is at least five (5) mils thick 

(0.005 inches), multiple plastic tarps with a cumulative thickness of at least 5 

mils (0.005 inches), or an oxygen barrier film covered with a UV resistant 

material, within seventy-two (72) hours of last delivery of material to the pile.

Choose one of the following: 

b. Build silage piles such that the average bulk density of silage piles is 

at least 44 lb/cu ft for corn silage and 40 lb/cu ft for other silage types as 
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Revision 7(Draft)

measured in accordance with D; or

c. When creating a silage pile, adjust filling parameters to assure a calculated 

average bulk density of at least 44 lb/cu ft. for corn silage and at least 40 lb/cu 

ft for other silage types using a spreadsheet approved by the District; or

d. Incorporate all of the following practices when creating silage piles:

i. Harvest silage crop at ≥65% moisture for corn; and ≥60% moisture 

for alfalfa/ grass and other silage crops; and

ii. Incorporate the following parameters for Theoretical Length of Chop 

(TLC) and roller opening, as applicable, for the crop being harvested.

Crop Harvested TLC Roller Opening

(mm)

Corn with no Processing ≤ 1⁄2 in N/A

Processed Corn <35% dry matter ≤ 3⁄4 in 1-4 mm

Alfalfa/Grass ≤ 1.0 in N/A

Wheat/Cereal/Other ≤ 1⁄2 in N/A

iii. Manage silage material delivery such that no more than six (6) 

inches of material are un-compacted on top of the pile.

Choose one of the following:

e. Manage exposed silage (select one of the following):

i. Manage silage piles such that only one silage pile has an uncovered 

face and the uncovered face has a total exposed surface area of less 

than 2,150 square feet; or

ii. Manage multiple uncovered silage piles such that the total exposed 

surface area of all uncovered silage piles is less than 4,300 square feet.

f. Maintain silage working face (select one of the following):

i. Use a shaver/facer to remove silage from the silage pile; or

ii. Maintain a smooth vertical surface on the working face of the silage 

pile.

i. Manage silage piles such that only one silage pile has an uncovered 

face and the uncovered face has a total exposed surface area of less 

than 2,150 square feet; or

ii. Manage multiple uncovered silage piles such that the total exposed 

surface area of all uncovered silage piles is less than 4,300 square feet.

g. Silage Additives (select one of the following):

i. Inoculate silage with homolactic lactic acid bacteria in accordance 

with manufacturer recommendations to achieve a concentration of at 

least 100,000 colony forming units per gram of wet forage; or

ii. Apply propionic acid, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, or 

potassium sorbate at a rate specified by the manufacturer to reduce 

yeast counts when forming silage pile; or

Commented [LN16]: This may have been a cut and paste error. 

Please replace with text that is consistent with other silage tables in 

the rule.
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 217

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Revision 7(Draft)

iii. Apply other additives at specified rates that have been 

demonstrated to reduce alcohol concentrations in silage and/or VOC 

emissions from silage and have been approved by the District and EPA.

2. Utilize a sealed feed storage system (e.g., Ag-Bag) for silage.

3. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C. Freestalls:

An owner/operator of an other cattle CAF that houses animals in freestalls shall 

implement mitigation measures 1 and 2 and at least one (1) additional mitigation 

measure in each freestall barn:

1. Vacuum, scrape, or flush freestalls at least once every seven (7) days.

2. Pave feedlanes, where present, for a width of at least six (6) feet along the 

corral side of the feedlane.

3.

Use non-manure-based bedding and non-separated solids based bedding for 

at least 90% of the bedding material, by weight, for freestalls (e.g. rubber 

mats, almond shells, sand, or waterbeds).

4.

Remove manure that is not dry from individual cow freestall beds or 

rake, harrow, scrape, or grade bedding in freestalls at least once every seven 

(7) days.

5. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

D. Corrals:

An owner/operator of a other cattle CAF that houses animals in corrals shall implement 

mitigation measures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and at least one (1) additional mitigation measure 

in each corral where animals have been housed in the last thirty (30) days:

1. Scrape corrals twice a year with at least 90 days between cleanings, 

excluding in-corral mounds.

2.

Choose one of the following:

a. Scrape, vacuum, or flush concrete lanes in corrals at least once every 

seven (7) days; or

b. Clean concrete lanes such that the depth of manure does not 

exceed twelve (12) inches at any point or time.

3. Inspect water pipes and troughs and repair leaks at least once every seven 

(7) days.

4.

Choose one of the following:

a. Slope the surface of the corrals at least 3% where the available space for 

each animal is 400 square feet or less. Slope the surface of the corrals at 

least 1.5% where the available space for each animal is more than 400 

square feet per animal.

b. Maintain corrals to ensure proper drainage preventing water from standing 

more than forty-eight (48) hours; or

c. Harrow, rake, or scrape corrals and corrals sufficiently to maintain a dry 

surface, unless the corrals have not held animals in the last thirty (30) days.
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Revision 7(Draft)

5.

If the CAF has shade structures, they must choose one of the following:

a. Install shade structures such that they are constructed with a light 

permeable roofing material; or

b. Install all shade structures uphill of any slope in the corral; or

c. Install shade structure so that the structure has a North/South orientation.

6.

Manage corrals and concrete lanes such that the dry manure depth in the pen 

does not exceed twelve (12) inches at any time or point, except for in-corral 

mounds. Manure depth may exceed twelve (12) inches when corrals become 

inaccessible due to rain events. The facility must resume management of the 

manure depth of twelve (12) inches or lower immediately upon the corral

becoming accessible.

7.

Knockdown fence line manure build-up prior to it exceeding a height of twelve 

(12) inches at any time or point. Manure depth may exceed twelve (12) inches 

when corrals become inaccessible due to rain events. The facility must 

resume management of the manure depth of twelve (12) inches or lower 

immediately upon the corral becoming accessible.

8.

Choose one of the following:

a. Use lime or a similar absorbent material in the corrals according to the 

manufacturer's recommendation; or

b. Apply thymol to the feedlot soil in accordance with the manufacturer's 

recommendation.

9. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

E. Solid Manure/Separated Solids:

An owner operator of an other cattle CAF that handles or stores solid manure or 

separated solids outside the animal housing shall implement at least one (1) of the 

following mitigation measures:

1.

Within seventy-two (72) hours of removal from housing, either:

a. Remove dry manure from the facility; or

b. Cover dry manure outside the housing with a weatherproof covering from 

October through May, except for times when wind events remove the 

covering, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours per event.

2.

Within seventy-two (72) hours of removal from the drying process, either:

a. Remove separated solids from the facility; or

b. Cover separated solids outside the housing with a weatherproof covering 

from October through May, except for times when wind events remove the 

covering, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours per event.

3. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

F. Liquid Manure:

An owner/operator of an other cattle CAF that handles manure in a liquid form 

shall implement at least one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1. Use a phototropic lagoon.

2. Use an anaerobic treatment lagoon designed in accordance with NRCS 
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 217

217-21

Revision 7(Draft)

Guideline No. 359.

3. Remove solids from the waste system with a solid separator separation 

system.

4. Maintain lagoon pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

5. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

G. Land Application:

An owner/operator of an other cattle CAF who land applies manure to crop land on the 

facility shall implement the following applicable mitigation measures:

1.

If the CAF applies solid manure, choose one of the following:

a. Incorporate all solid manure within seventy-two (72) hours of land 

application; or

b. Only apply solid manure that has been treated with an anaerobic treatment 

lagoon, aerobic lagoon, or digester system; or

c. Apply no solid manure with a moisture content of more than 50%; or

d. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

2.

If the CAF applies liquid manure, choose one of the following:

a. Only apply liquid manure that has been treated with an anaerobic 

treatment lagoon, aerobic lagoon, or digester system; or

b. Allow liquid manure to stand in the fields for no more than twenty-four (24) 

hours after irrigation; or

c. Apply liquid/slurry manure via injection with drag hose or similar apparatus; 

or

d. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C.6.d Swine CAF: An owner/operator of a swine CAF shall comply with the 

mitigation measures in Table 2.4

Table 2.4 Swine Mitigation Measure Requirements

A. Feed:

Owners/operators of a swine CAF shall implement at least two (2) of the following feed 

mitigation measures:

1. Use grain with an average particle size diameter between 300-800 microns.

2. Utilize phase feeding and split-sex feeding programs to more closely match 

the nutrient requirements of animals.

3. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

B. Housing:

Owners/operators of a swine CAF shall implement at least three (3) of the 

following mitigation measures in each animal housing unit:

1.

Use a slatted floor system (slatted floors over deep pits or shallow flush 

alleys), with daily manure removal for shallow flush alleys and weekly removal 

from deep pits.
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Revision 7(Draft)

2. Manage pens such that the manure depth in the pen does not exceed twelve 

(12) inches at any time or point.

3. Inspect water pipes and troughs and repair leaks at least once every seven 

(7) days.

4. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C. Liquid Manure:

Owners/operators of a swine CAF that handle manure in a liquid form shall implement 

at least one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1. Use a phototropic lagoon.

2. Use an anaerobic treatment lagoon designed in accordance with NRCS 

Guideline No. 359.

3. Maintain lagoon pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

4. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

D. Land Application:

Owners/operators of a swine CAF who land apply liquid manure to crop land on the 

facility shall implement one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1. Allow liquid manure to stand in the fields for no more than twenty-four (24) 

hours after irrigation.

2. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C.5.e Layer CAF: An owner/operator of a layer CAF shall comply with the 

mitigation measures in Table 2.5.

Table 2.5 Layer Mitigation Measures Requirements

A. Feed:

Owners/operators of a layer CAF shall implement at least one (1) of the following feed 

mitigation measures:

1.

Choose one of the following:

a. Feed according to NRC guidelines; or

b. Feed animals probiotics designed to improve digestion according to 

manufacturer recommendations; or

c. Feed animals an amino acid supplemented diet to meet their nutrient 

requirements; or

d. Feed animals feed additives such as amylase, xylanase, and 

protease, designed to maximize digestive efficiency according to 

manufacturer recommendations.

2. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

B. Housing:

Owners/operators of a layer CAF shall implement at least two (2) of the following 

housing mitigation measures:

1. Use drinkers that do not drip continuously.
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Revision 7(Draft)

2. Inspect water pipes and drinkers and repair leaks daily.

3. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C. Solid Manure/Separated Solids:

Owners/operators of a layer CAF that handle or store solid litter/manure or separated 

solids outside the animal housing shall implement at least one (1) of the following 

mitigation measures:

1.

Within seventy-two (72) hours of removal from housing, either:

a. Remove all litter/manure from the facility; or

b. Cover litter/manure outside the housing with a weatherproof covering from 

October through May, except for times when wind events remove the 

covering, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours per event.

2. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

D. Liquid Manure:

Owners/operators of a layer CAF that handle manure in a liquid form shall implement 

at least one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1. Use a phototropic lagoon.

2. Use an anaerobic treatment lagoon designed in accordance with NRCS 

Guideline No. 359.

3. Maintain lagoon pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

4. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C.6.d Broiler, Duck, or Turkey CAF: An owner/operator of a chicken 

broiler, duck, or turkey CAF shall comply with the mitigation measures in 

Table 2.6

Table 2.6 Broiler, Duck or Turkey Mitigation Measure Requirements

A. Feed:

Owners/operators of a broiler, duck, or turkey CAF shall implement at least one (1) of 

the following feed mitigation measures:

1.

Choose one of the following:

a. Feed according to NRC guidelines; orb. Feed animals probiotics 

designed to improve digestion according to manufacturer 

recommendations; or

b. Feed animals probiotics designed to improve digestion according to 

manufacturer recommendations; or

c. Feed animals an amino acid supplemented diet to meet their nutrient 

requirements; or

d. Feed animals feed additives such as amylase, xylanase, and 

protease, designed to maximize digestive efficiency according to 

manufacturer recommendations.
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 217

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Revision 7(Draft)

2. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

B. Housing:

Owners/operators of a broiler or duck CAF shall implement at least four (4) of 

the following housing mitigation measures:

Owners/operators of a turkey CAF shall implement at least five (5) of the following 

housing mitigation measures:

1.

Use a dry housing cleaning method at all times, except when a wet cleaning 

method is required for animal health or biosecurity issues, pursuant to Section 

C.1.e.

2. Use drinkers that do not drip continuously.

3. Inspect drinkers at least once every seven (7) days and adjust the height, 

volume, and location of drinkers if necessary.

4. Inspect water pipes and drinkers and repair leaks daily.

5. If the facility houses turkeys in pens, install mounds or berms up gradient to 

prevent the runoff of storm water into pens.

6. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

C. Solid Manure/Separated Solids:

Owners/operators of a broiler, duck, or turkey CAF that handles or stores solid 

litter/manure or separated solids outside the animal housing shall implement at least 

one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1.

Within seventy-two (72) hours of removal from housing, either:

a. Remove all litter/manure from the facility; or

b. Cover litter/manure outside the housing with a weatherproof covering from 

October through May, except for times when wind events remove the 

covering, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours per event.

2. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

D. Liquid Manure:

Owners/operators of a broiler, duck, or turkey CAF that handles manure in a liquid form 

shall implement at least one (1) of the following mitigation measures:

1. Use a phototropic lagoon.

2. Use an anaerobic treatment lagoon designed in accordance with NRCS 

Guideline No. 359.

3. Maintain lagoon pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

4. Implement an alternative mitigation measure(s), not listed above.

D. Test Methods

Owners/operators shall conduct applicable testing using the following methods or 

any other alternative test method approved by the APCD and EPA. Test methods 
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 217

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Revision 7(Draft)

referenced shall be the latest approved version.

D.1 Bacterial Concentration - ASTM D4454 - 85(2009) Standard Test Method for 

Simultaneous Enumeration of Total and Respiring Bacteria in Aquatic 

Systems by Microscopy or ASTM D4455 - 85(2009) Standard Test Method 

for Enumeration of Aquatic Bacteria by Epifluorescene Microscopy Counting 

Procedure.

D.2 Bateriochlorophyll a Concentration - ASTM D3731 - 87 (2004) Standard 

Practices for Measurement of Chlorophyll Content of Algea in Surface 

Waters.

D.3 Biological Oxygen Demand - EPA Method 405.1 (Biochemical Oxygen 

Demand (5 days, 20oC)).

D.4 Bulk Packing Density of Silage Piles - Remove representative samples of 

known volume using a forage probe or other instrument and weighing the 

samples. Bulk density is the weight of the sample divided by the volume of 

material removed form the pile. The bulk density shall be determined as the 

average of the least three representatives samples per silage pile.

D.5 Biofilter Control Efficiency - The control efficiency of a biofilter shall be 

determined using SCAQMD Method 25.3 (Determination of Low 

Concentration Non-Methane Non-Ethane Organic Compound Emissions 

form Clean Fueld Combustion Sources). The SCAQMD Method 25.3 

apparatus should be connected to sample directly inside the fluc flux

chamber or duct as applicable. Compost emissions are considered as 

watersoluble sources where the 50 ppm applicability limit of Method 25.3 

does not apply. Samples form more than one location may be combined 

(composited) per SCAQMD Rule 1133.2 Attachment A Section 8. 

D.6 Non-Biofilter Control Efficiency - The control efficiency of a VOC emission 

control system that is not a biofilter shall be determined using:

D.6.a EPA Methods 2 (Determination of Stack Gas Velocity and Volumetric 

Flow Rate (Type s Pitot Tube)), 2A (Volume Meters, or 2D (Rate 

Meters) for measuring flow rates. 

D.6.b EPA Methods 25, 25A, or 25B for measuring total gaseous organic 

concentrations at the inlet and outlet of the control device.

D.6.c EPA Method 18 or ARB Method 422 shall be used to determine the 

emissions of exempt compounds.

D.7 Dissolved Oxygen - EPA Method 360.1 (Oxygen, Dissolved (Membrane 
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 217

217-26

Revision 7(Draft)

Electrode)) or 360.2 (Oxygen, Dissolved (Modified Winker, Full-Bottle 

Technique)).

D.8 Moisture Content for Biofilters - Test Methods for the Examination of Compost 

and Composting (TMECC) Method 3.09 (Total Solids and Moisture at 70±5 

degrees Centigrade).

D.9 Moisture Content for Silage - Soil, Plant and Water References Methods for 

the Western Region (Third Edition, 2005) Test Methods P1.10 (Dry Matter 

Content - Gravimetric), or American Association of Agricultural and 

Biological Engineers (ASABE) Standard S358.2, National Forage Testing 

Association (NFTA) Method 2.1.3 and 2.1.4 AOAC Methods: 

930.15,934.01,991.01, and 2001.12.

D.10 Organic Loading - Standard Methods of the Examination of Water and 

Wastewater Method 2540G - Solids.

D.11 pH - EPA Method 150.2 (pH, Electrometric) or TMECC Method 04.11-A (1:5 

Slurry pH)

D.12 Temperatures - EPA Method 170.1 (Temperature - Thermometric)

D.13 Alternatives Test Methods - An operator may use an alternative test method 

to those listed in Sections D through D.13 12 for which written 

approval of the APCD and EPA has been obtained.

E. Compliance Determination 

E.1 Any violation of this underlying LCAF permit constitutes a violation of Rule 

217. 

E.2 Pursuant to District Rule 212, the APCD may update LCAF permits upon 

annual renewal, or as necessary, to include conditions necessary for 

compliance. 

F. Annual Renewal Permits 

Annual Renewal Permits to Operate for LCAF shall be renewed according to the 

conditions set forth within Rule 206 and Rule 301.

G. Recordkeeping

All owners of confined animal facilities, regardless of size, shall keep records that 

specify the daily number and type of animals maintained at the facility in each 

production stage, the current ATC or PTO permit, the current Facility Mitigation 

Commented [LN17]: We recommend inserting “in each 

production stage” as the emission factors may vary by stage or by 

age/type of animal. As an example, please see SJV Dairy Emission 

Factors Report at 

http://www.valleyair.org/busind/pto/emission_factors/2012-FinalDairy-EE-Report/FinalDairyEFReport(2-23-12).pdf
Imperial County Air Pollution Control District Rule 217

217-27

Revision 7(Draft)

Plan and other records necessary to demonstrate compliance. . Current records 

shall be maintained and kept on-site for two years after the date of each entry and 

shall be presented to the APCD, or his designee, within 72 hours of notice to the 

owner or operator.

H. Public Review

Noticing prior to issuing any permit for LCAF, the draft permit shall be available for 

public review and inspection for a period of no less than 30 calendar days. To 

identify the location, the public notice shall include only the city and state of the 

LCAF, as well as any other relevant permit information.

I. Non-duplication 

Information required to be submitted pursuant to other Air District Rules and 

Regulations that are applicable to a LCAF, may be excluded from the mitigation 

measures specified in section C.1.e of this rule, as determined by the APCD. 

J. Other Provisions 

Any permit issued to a LCAF is subject to all applicable provisions of the California 

Health & Safety Code and the Air District Rules and Regulations.

Commented [LN18]: We recommend increasing time period 

from two to five years. See Rule 4570 section 7.9 Records 

Retention.

Commented [LN19]: For enforceability, please include 

additional recordkeeping and monitoring requirements. See Rule 

4570 for sample text at Section 6.0. 6.1 and 7.1, 7.2, 7.3,7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 

7.7, 7.8, 7.10) 

Commented [LN20]: We suggest that the public notice include 

the address of the facility. 

Commented [LN21]: This text would appear to exempt 

owner/operators from providing information needed to comply with 

Rule 217. If so, we recommend removing it.