United States 

Environmental Protection 

Agency 

Office of Water 

4203 

EPA 833-B-95-001 

December 1995 

EPA Guide Manual On NPDES 

Regulations For Concentrated 

Animal Feeding Operations 

Final 
Recycled/Recyclable l Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Recycled Paper (50% Postconsumer) 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PREFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

1.0 

2.0 

3.0 

4.0 

5.0 

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 

FEEDLOTS SUBJECT TO THE NPDES PROGRAM .................................................... 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

2.6 

2.7 

2.8 

Discharges to Waters of the United States ........................................................... 

Animal and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations ........................................ 

Calculating the Number of Animal Units ............................................................ 

Feedlots with More Than 1,000 Animal Units ..................................................... 

Feedlots with 301 - 1,000 Animal Units ............................................................. 

2.5.1 Definition of Man-Made Conveyance ....................................................... 

2.5.2 Definition of Direct Discharge of Pollutants ........................................... 

Feedlots with 300 or Fewer Animal Units and Other Feedlots Designated 

as CAFOs ....................................................................................................... 

2.6.1 Designation Requirements ..................................................................... 

2.6.2 Targeting Designation Efforts ............................................................... 

2.6.3 Designation, Prior to a Discharge ........................................................... 

Intermittent Facilities and Partially Sheltered Operations .................................... 

NPDES Permit Conditions ................................................................................ 

2.8.1 Effluent Limitations Guidelines ............................................................. 

2.8.2 Limitations Based on Best Professional Judgment .................................. 

2.8.3 Permit Terms Relating to Land Application of Manure ............................. 

THE 25-YEAR, 24-HOUR STORM EVENT EXEMPTION ............................................ 16 

3.1 Applicability of the 25-Year, 24-Hour Storm Exemption ...................................... 16 

3.2 Retention Structure Capacity ............................................................................. 17 

OTHER REGULATORY PROGRAMS ......................................................................... 18 

4.1 Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 ....................................... 18 

4.2 The Safe Drinking Water Act ............................................................................ 23 

APPENDIX 

A. NPDES Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

B. Sample report for inspections of animal feeding operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

C. Glossary of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

D. Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

E. Fact sheet - Concerned Area Residents for the Environment v. Southview Farm . . . . 

2 

3 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

8 

9 

10 

10 

11 

12 

12 

13 

14 

15 

A-l 

B-l 

C-l 

D-l 

E-l 
PREFACE 

Since 1972. Section 502( 14) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) has defined concentrated 

animal feeding operations as point sources subject to the prohibition against discharging 

pollutants to waters of the United States without a NPDES permit. In 1976, EPA promulgated 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations to define the term 

“concentrated animal feeding operation” (CAFO). In 1987, the CWA was amended to include 

Section 402(p), which regulates discharges composed entirely of storm water, including storm 

water discharges from certain CAFOs. In recent years, it became clear that NPDES permitting 

authorities have not interpreted the CAFO regulations consistently, in part due to confusion over 

the meaning and intent of the regulations. In response, EPA assembled representatives from the 

States, EPA Headquarters, and EPA Regions to research the impact of livestock waste on waters 

of the United States and to encourage and improve CAFO regulatory efforts. EPA is providing 

this guidance manual to help permitting authorities understand the applicability of the NPDES 

regulations for CAFOs. 

Under the NPDES regulations, animal feeding operations that meet certain criteria 

automatically fall under the definition of a CAFO. Other animal feeding operations may be 

designated as CAFOs if they pose a threat to water quality or use. This guidance explains when 

animal feeding operations are automatically CAFOs and the criteria permitting authorities may 

use to designate other operations as CAFOs. This guidanck also briefly discusses technologybased permit requirements that may be applicable to animal feeding operations. 

This document is guidance only. It does not establish or affect legal rights or obligations. 

Agency decisions in any particular case will be made by applying the laws and regulations on the 

basis of specific facts when permits are issued or regulations are promulgated. 
1.0 INTRODUCTION 

Section 301 (a) of the Clean Water Act (C WA) establishes statutory requirements for the 

discharge of poilutants from point sources to waters of the United States. Under CWA 502( 14) 

and implementing regulations at 40 CFR Section 122.23 and 40 CFR Part 122, Appendix B, 

“concentrated animal feeding operations” are point sources subject to the NPDES permits 

program. In this manual, the term “feedlot” is used to denote an animal feeding operation. The 

term “feedlot” is not synonymous with “concentrated animal feeding operation”, which refers 

specifically to animal feeding operations identified as point source dischargers by the CWA and 

the NPDES regulations. 

A report prepared by EPA, Feedlots Case Studies of Selected States, surveyed seven States and 

one EPA Region on implementation of the NPDES regulations for CAFOs. This report indicated 

that permitting authorities in different States interpret and implement the CAFO regulations 

differently. In particular, there appeared to be some confusion over: 

. which feedlots are point sources (CAFOs); 

. the significance and applicability of the 25-year, 24-hour storm exemption; 

. interpretation of the term man-made conveyance; 

. designations of CAFOs on a case-by-case basis; and 

. NPDES regulation of facilities with animals of species not identified in 40 CFR 

Part 122, Appendix B. 

The purpose of this guidance manual is to clarify these areas of confusion for permitting 

authorities, and to suggest appropriate interpretations of the regulations. Section 2.0 provides a 

detailed review of the NPDES provisions for CAFOs. Section 3.0 describes the significance of 

the term “25year, 24-hour storm event” and explains how such a storm event precludes liability 

under the CWA for discharges from feedlots. Section 4.0 discusses the applicability of other 

EPA-administered programs to feedlots. The appendices provide the applicable NPDES 

regulations (Appendix A), a sample report for inspections of animal feeding operations 

(Appendix B), a glossary of terms (Appendix C), bibliography (Appendix D), and a fact sheet on 

the case Concerned Area Residents for the Environment v. Southview Farm. 

2 
2.0 FEEDLOTS SUBJECT TO THE NPDES PROGRAM 

This section defines the term animal feeding operation (or feedlot) and explains when a feedlot is 

a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) subject to NPDES permitting requirements for 

discharges to waters of the United States. Appendix A is a copy of the NPDES regulations for 

CAFOs. 

2.1 Discharges to Waters of the United States 

The NPDES program regulates the discharge of pollutants from point sources to waters of the 

United States. The term “waters of the United States” as defined at 40 CFR 122.2 is interpreted 

broadly. For the purposes of the NPDES regulations, the terms “waters of the United States” 

and “navigable waters,” which both appear in the regulations, are interchangeable. It should be 

noted that this guidance does not expand nor change the definition of “waters of the United 

States”. and is consistent with 40 CFR 122.2 in determining NPDES program regulation of 

discharge of pollutants from point sources to “waters of the United States”. 

Many discharges to surface water can be considered discharges to waters of the United States. 

The discharge does not have to be directly to a large lake or major interstate river. Wetlands and 

tributaries of interstate waters also are waters of the United States. Many discharges of 

pollutants from a point source to surface water through groundwater (that constitutes a direct 

hydrologic connection) also may be a point source discharge to waters of the United States. 

However. many waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons designed to meet 

the requirements of the CWA, are not waters of the United States. (See 40 CFR 122.2) EPA and 

the Department of the Army are currently developing a joint proposed rule that would 

incorporate existing guidance and policy interpreting CWA geographic jurisdiction into the 

regulatory definitions of “waters of the United States.” This proposal may include both the 

isolated waters provisions and provisions that generally exclude certain man-made waters from 

C WA jurisdiction. For additional information. contact the Wetlands Division at (202) 260-8798. 

A point source is a discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance from which pollutants are or 

may be discharged to surface waters. The definition of “point source” in the CWA includes 

pipes, ditches, channels, tunnels. conduits, wells. and discrete fissures, which are all examples of 

the traditional understanding of the term “point source”. Under CWA $502( 14) however, 

CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) are also specifically included in the definition of 

“point source.” 

An actual or ongoing discharge is not required for a facility to be covered by the NPDES 

regulations. The definition of a point source includes a concentrated animal feeding operation 

from which pollutants are or may be discharged [CWA r$502( 14) and 40 CFR 122.21. 
2.2 Animal and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations 

A facility (e.g., farm, livestock market) that houses animals must meet both of the following 

criteria to be considered an animal feeding operation [40 CFR 122.23(b)(l)]. The facility must: 

. Stable, confine, and feed or maintain animals for a total of 45 days or more in any 

12-month period; and, 

. Not sustain crops, vegetation forage growth. or post-harvest residues in the 

normal growing season over any portion of the facility. 

The first part of this definition means that animals must be kept on the lot or facility for a 

minimum of 45 days. However, it does not mean that the same animals must remain on the lot 

for 45 days or more; only that some animals are fed or maintained on the lot 45 days out of any 

12-month period. The 45 days do not have to be consecutive, nor does the 12-month period 

have to correspond to the calendar year. For example, the 12-month period may be counted from 

June 1 to the following May 3 1. 

The regulations give the permitting authority a fair amount of discretion under 40 CFR 

122.23(b)( 1); EPA interprets “maintained” to mean that the animals are contmed in an area where 

waste is generated and/or concentrated. Maintained also can mean that the animals in the 

confined area are watered. cleaned, groomed, or medicated. This interpretation allows the 

permitting authority to regulate animal operations such as dairy farms, stockyards. and auction 

houses where animals may not be fed. but are confined temporarily. The important consideration 

in this interpretation is that waste is generated in an area where animals are concentrated. 

The second part of the definition distinguishes feedlots from pasture land. which is not subject to 

:he NPDES program. This part of the definition narrows the geographic scope of the regulations 

to the portion of the facility where animals are confined and where natural forage or planted 

vegetation does not occur during the normal growing season (for that geographic area). Feedlots 

with constructed floors, such as solid concrete or metal slats. clearly satisfy this part of the 

definition. Other feedlots may have open dirt areas. These “open dirt” feedlots may have some 

vegetative growth along the edges while animals are present or during months when animals are 

kept elsewhere. EPA interprets the regulations to mean that if a facility maintains animals in an 

area without vegetation, including dirt lots, the facility meets the second part of the definition. 

A concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) is an animal feedinp oneration (i.e.. it meets the 

two criteria above) that also has: 

. more than 1 .OOO animal units [40 CFR 122. Appendix B(a)]; 

. between 30 1 and 1,000 animal units and that may or does discharge by one of the 

methods covered by the regulations at 40 CFR 122, Appendix B(b): or, 

. been designated a CAFO by the permitting authority on a case-by-case basis [40 

CFR 122.23(c)]. 

4 
Under the regulations, two animal feeding operations with the same owner are considered one 

operation for permitting purposes if they share a common border or have a common waste 

disposal system [40 CFR 122.23(b)(2)]. Two facilities have a common waste disposal system if 

the wastes are commingled prior to disposal. When considering two adjoining operations as one, 

permitting authorities should also calculate the total number of animals in order to determine if 

the operation is a CAFO. An example of two or more facilities which would meet the definition 

of one facility based on the regulation occurs at many poultry farms. particularly turkey 

operations. A turkey operation with 60,000 turkeys (1O:OOO turkeys in six individual totally 

enclosed facilities) collects its dry waste three times a year and stores it in another completely 

enclosed structure. The waste is later applied agronomically to the field, generally in the spring. 

This turkey operation is not a CAFO because there is no potential for a discharge from the 

operation. 

The C WA excludes certain agricultural activities from federal NPDES permitting requirements, 

specifically return flows from irrigated agriculture and agricultural storm water runoff. This 

exclusion. however, does not apply to CAFOs. which are explicitly identified as point sources 

subject to the NPDES permitting program. (CWA Section 502(14);40 CFR 122.3(c) and (I)}. If 

a facility does not meet the criteria of a CAFO. discharges may constitute ‘nonpoint source’ 

agricultural storm water runoff and would be regulated under a different authority (States with 

approved NPDES programs may still regulate such discharges as ‘point source,’ but under the 

authority of CWA $5 10). Exhibits 1 and 2 contain flowcharts that illustrate when an animal 

feeding operation is a point source that must have a NPDES permit for discharges to waters of 

the United States. as discussed below. 

2.3 Calculating the Number of Animal Units 

The first step in determining if an animal feeding operation is a CAFO is to calculate the number 

of animal units fed or maintained on-site. “Animal unit” is a term defined in 40 CFR 122. 

Appendix B and varies according to animal type; one animal is not always equal to one animal 

unit. The number of animal units in 40 CFR 122, Appendix B is calculated as follows: 

. number of slaughter and feeder cattle multiplied by 1 .O. plus, 

. number of mature dairy cattle multiplied by 1.4. plus. 

. number of swine weighing over 25 kilograms (55 pounds) multiplied by 0.4, plus, 

. number of sheep multiplied by 0.1, plus. 

. number of horses multiplied by 2.0. 

The number of animals or animal units is the number most likely to be present for 45 days in a 

12-month period. Permitting authorities should advise operators to use the highest number of 

animals most likely to be present for 45 days in a 12-month period. 

Poultry operations (i.e., operations with turkeys, ducks. broilers or layers) also may be CAFOs, 

although there are no animal unit conversion factors for poultry. In determining if a poultry 

operation (such as a turkey operation) meets the size criteria to be considered a CAFO. the 

cumulative number of animals in the individual houses would be counted. The number of 

5 
turkeys. ducks. broilers or layers (with certain types of waste management systems) that cause 

an animal feeding operation to be a CAFO is listed in Sections 2.4 and 2.5. An operation with 

swine weighing less than 25 kilograms or with fewer turkeys, ducks. broilers or layers than the 

number listed in 40 CFR Part 122, Appendix B (discussed in Section 2.4 and 2.5j may be 

designated a CAFO (discussed in 2.6). 

2.4 Feedlots with More Than 1,000 Animal Units 

If the number of any one species exceeds the corresponding number indicated below. or the 

cumulative number of animal units exceeds 1,000. the animal feeding operation is a CAFO and 

should be covered by a NPDES permit: 

1,000 slaughter and feeder cattle. 

700 mature dairy cattle (whether milked or dry), 

2,500 swine each weighing over 25 kilograms (55 pounds), 

500 horses, 

10,000 sheep or lambs. 

55,000 turkeys, 

100,000 laying hens or broilers (with a continuous flow watering system), 

30.000 laying hens or broilers (with a liquid manure system)‘, or 

5,000 ducks. 

Example: If an animal feeding operation maintains 8,500 sheep on one lot and 1.200 cattle on an adjacent lot. 

the entire facility is a CAF’O and is subject to NPDES requirements. [1,200 cattle exceeds the l,OOO-cattle 

threshold] 

II Example: An animal feeding operation confines and maintains 650 cattle, 5.000 sheep, and 30 horses in adjacent 

pens. [(650 x 1.0) + (5,000 x 0.1) + (30 x LO)] = 1,210 animal units]. This exceeds 1,000 animal units, thus 

the facilitv is a CAFO and is subiect to NPDES reauirements. II 

‘EPA recognizes that “continuous watering system” refers to an outdated technology, and the threshold in the CAFO 

regulations that is based on this technology would rarely apply. Therefore, the threshold based on “liquid manure 

system” \vould be the more commonly applied threshold for poultry operations. For facilities with inadequate or 

inapproprlate waste treatment systems or waste handling practices (i.e.. those that threaten or impair water qualie). the 

permitting authority should determine whether a facility’s waste handling system constitutes a “liquid manure system.” 

EPA believes that animal feeding operations. including poultry operations. that remove waste from pens and stack it in 

areas exposed to rainfall or an adjacent watercourse may have established a crude liquid manure system for process 

wastewater that may discharge pollutants. and therefore would be subject to the CAFO regulations [58 FR 76171. These 

facilities would be point sources under the NPDES program if the number of animals confined at the facility meets the 

regulatory definition in 40 CFR Part 122. Appendix B or if the facility is designated a CAFO. 

6 
EXHIBIT 1 

f- ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION \I 1 NO 1 

\ / I I 

+ 

YES 

f oVcr 1,000 aninlal units 

(as dcscribcd in 40 C7.R 

122, Appendix fh 

discharge rtirough 

ni an -made dcviw 

walers 01’ I he U.S. 

NO 

discharge thrwgh 

* 

NPDES permit 

reqirements: 

0 Tccl~r~olo~y -based 

cliluctll tiniitalion~ 

guidclincs 

f3Al’t~w.d on RPJ 

Q Anyri~otc slritlgcul 

Ill;rrl !?l;llc WQStXlsctl 

cfllucn t lirii its 

NPDFS PERMIT 

NOT 

REQUIRED 

I 

YES YES 

NPDfYI.5 PERMIT 

RIXJUIRFB FOR 

DISCIIARGE 

Nf’I)f;S flcrlnil 

rccluircllicnls: IHT 

or Kf’ based or1 f3f’J 

NO NO 

Nf’Df3 PERMIT 

NOT 

REQUIRED 

L-l YES 

NPDFS PERMIT 

RFQUIRFB FOR 

DfSCffARGE 

NPDES PERMIT 

NO’1 

RF:QUIKED 
EXHIBIT 1 -A 

ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION 

kth Over 1.000 animal units 

i.3 dexritxd in 40 CIR 122,Appendix B, t 

: 

YES 

. 

Does the facility have 

the potential to 

discharge by any 

rne3ns’? 

YES 

‘I 

NO 

NPDES PERMIT REQUIRED 

FOR LAWFUL DISCHARGE \ 4 

I 7 I 

v 

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: 

. Production facilities must at feast 

meet etlluent guidelines: no discharge 

unless chronic or catastrophic rainfall 

causes overflow from a storage t’acility 

designed. constructed, and uperated top 

contain all process generated vvastewater 

plus the runott’ from a Z-year. Z-l-hour 

storm event. 

. Son-producing facilities (i.e.. 

livestock markets) must meet best available 

technology economically achievable ( BAT) or 

best conventional pollutant control 

technology (BCIJ determined on a best 

professional judgment (EPJ basis of the 

permit writer and State water quality 

standards. 

NPDES PERMIT NOT REQUIRED 

CWRAand/or State requirements 

may apply 
EXHIBIT 1 -B 

YES Li 

A YES 

Does the facility have 

the potentialtodischarge 

through a man-made devise 

or directly to waters of 

the U.S.? 

f ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIOh’ ’ 

with 301~1,000 animal units 

\ (asdew-ked in 4 CR 122..$pendixB) I 

NO 

I Does the facility have 

the potential to 

YES discharge through any 

other means of 

v conveyance? 

Case-by-case designation: 

Has the permitting authority 1 I 

NPDES PERMIT REQUIRED 

FOR LAWFUL DISCHARGE 

NPDES PERMIT REQUIREMENi’S: 

BATORBCTbased on BPJofthe 

permit writer and State water 

quality stand ard s 

1 NPDES PERMIT SOT REQUIRED 1 

t 

QARA and/or State requirements 

may apply 
EXHIBIT 1 -c 

’ .00MAL FEEDING OPERATION ’ 

kith 300 or fewer animal units 

\ !~ddescribedin40CERl??..~pendixB) 

YES 3 

Does the facility have 

thepotentialtodischarge 

through a man-made devise 

or directly to waters of 

the L.S.? 

I 

v 

Case-by-case designation: 

I 

YES ’ 

Has the permitting authority 

designated the facility a 

- NO ___, 

concentrated animalfeeding 

operation? 

v NPDES PERMIT SOT REQUIRED 

NPDES PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: 

QARAand/or State requirements 

may apply 
AIUIMAL FEEDING OPERATION 

\\ith animal specks WI’ 

(dexriied in 40 OR 122, &pendix Q 

Q YES 

I 1 

Does the facility have 

thepotentialtodischarge 

I-- 

NO 

through any means of 

conveyance? 

l-l YES 

I 

V 

Case-by-case designation: 

Has the permitting authority 

designated the facility a 

ccNO 

concentrated animalfeeding 

operation’? 

NPDES PERMIT REQUIRED 

FOR LAWFUL DISCHARGE 

NPDES PERMIT RE@JIREMENTS: 

BATORBCTbased on BPJ ofthe 

permit writer and State water 

quality standards 

I NPDES PERMIT YOT REQUIRED 1 
Discharges to waters of the United States from animal feeding operations with more than 1,000 

animal units are point source discharges regardless of the manner of conveyance. The 

categorization of these facilities as CAFOs is not limited by the traditional understanding of the 

term ‘point source.’ The discharge may occur through a man-made conveyance (defined in 

Section 25.1) or through a natural channel or gully that transports wastes, for example, from a 

retention structure to nearby surface waters. Flows from the CAFO over bare ground adjacent to 

the animal enclosure, for instance. are likely to converge in naturally occurring channels (e.g., 

surface depressions). Any time wastewater from areas of the CAFO flow to waters of the 

United States, the result is a discharge that is subject to the NPDES program. 

Areas of the CAFO may include animal or poultry watering systems, washing, cleaning or 

flushing pens, barns, or manure pits, loading and unloading areas, and feed mills. 

2.5 Feedlots with 301 - 1,000 Animal Units 

There are two criteria that animal feeding operations with 30 1 - 1,000 animal units must meet 

before a permit is required for a discharge to waters of the United States: size and method of 

discharge. If both of these criteria are met. the feedlot is a CAFO and must have a NPDES 

permit for discharge to waters of the United States. 

First, if the number of any one species exceeds the corresponding number indicated below, or the 

cumulative number of animal units exceeds 300, the facility meets the size criterion: 

300 slaughter and feeder cattle, 

200 mature dairy cattle (whether milked or dry), 

750 swine each weighing over 25 kilograms (55 pounds), 

150 horses, 

3,000 sheep or lambs, 

16,500 turkeys, 

30,000 laying hens or broilers (with a continual flow watering system), 

9,000 laying hens or broilers (with a liquid manure system),2 or 

1,500 ducks. 

Example: A hog operation maintains 780 mature swine. This facility meets the size criteria. 

[780 mature swine exceeds the 750 swine threshold] 

Example: A facility maintains 180 dairy cows and 50 feeder cattle. This facility meets the size criteria. 

[( 180 x 1.4) + (50 x I .O) = 302 animal units] 

Second, animal feeding operations meet the “method of discharge” criterion if the operation 

discharges pollutants: 

l into waters of the United States through a man-made ditch, flushing system, or 

similar man-made device: or. 

-~~ 

Z See Footnote I. 

7 
. directly into waters of the United States that originate outside of and pass over, 

across, or through the facility or otherwise come into direct contact with the 

animals confined in the operation. 

2.5.1 Definition of Man-Made Conveyance 

The term man-made conveyance means a conveyance constructed by man and used for 

transporting wastes to waters of the United States [40 CFR 122. Appendix B]. -Man-made 

devices include pipes. ditches. and channels. If human action was involved in the creation of the 

conveyance. it is man-made even if natural materials were used to form the conveyance. A manmade channel or ditch that was not created specifically to carry animal wastes but nonetheless 

does so during storm events is considered a man-made conveyance. 

Three types of conveyances are listed in the regulations. (1) a man-made ditch. (2) a flushing 

system. and (3) a similar man-made device. ;i ditch or flushing system transports the wastes to 

waters of the US (these conveyances assist or facilitate the wastes in reaching waters of the US). 

In other words. they cause the situation at the animal feeding operation to be worse than if the 

ditch or flushing system did not exist. 

Some States have interpreted man-made conveyance more broadly than others, or have pursued 

permitting more aggressively for some types of conveyances than others. For example. in 

Minnesota and Iowa, the permitting authority has interpreted man-made conveyance to include 

agricultural drainage tiles that sometime receives drainage from the feedlot. By facilitating and 

directing discharge flows. these tiles convey uastewater to waters of the United States, and the 

operation is subject to the NPDES program. Kansas defines the term broadly to include 

irrigation systems and tractors with bucket scoops. both of which convey wastewater through 

mechanical, man-made means to waters of the US.3 

2.5.2 Definition of Direct Discharge of Pollutants 

A direct discharge criterion is presumed to be met whenever a stream. creek. wetland, or other 

waterbody begins outside a facility and passes over. across, or through the facility [40 CFR 122, 

.\ppendix B]. This method of discharge criterion is also met if animals maintained at the facility 

can come into direct contact with waters of the United States. A stream running through the area 

where animals are confined indicates that there is a direct discharge of pollutants. An intermittent 

stream or a dry creek bed running through the facility also falls into this category. PL facility 

where such a conveyance exists is subject to h:PDES permitting. 

Information provided by the operator on a permit application or other information source (e.g., 

U.S. Geological Survey maps) may supply sufficient detail for a permitting authority to 

determine if the operation meets the regulatory criteria. The accuracy of the information may 

also be verified through a site inspection. 

3 State Interpretations of man-made conveyances came from actual on-site interviews with permits staff. water quality staff 

and nonpomt source staff. These interviews provided the background information for the Feedlots Case Sfudies of 

Selected States. which was part of the Reporr oj-rlle EPA ‘Sfare Feediot Workgroup, September 1993. 

8 
2.6 Feedlots with 300 or Fewer Animal Units and Other Feedlots Designated as CAFOs 

Three types of operations can be designated as CAFOs on a case-by-case basis if determined to 

be actual or potential significant contributors of pollutants to waters of the United States: 

1) An animal feeding operation with more than 300 animal units (but less than 1000 

animal units) that does not meet the discharge criterion described in Section 2.5 

[40 CFR 122.23(c)(l)]. In other words, these operations may be designated 

regardless of the manner of conveyance of the discharge. 

2) An animal feeding operation with 300 animal units or fewer if the facility meets 

the “method of discharge” criterion discussed in Section 2.5, namely that the 

operation actually or potentially discharges pollutants [40 CFR 122.23(c)(2)]: 

. into waters of the United States through a man-made ditch, flushing 

system, or similar man-made device; or, 

. directly into waters of the United States that originate outside of and pass 

over, across, or through the facility or otherwise come into direct contact 

with the animals confined in the operation. 

3) An animal feeding operation that raises animals other than the species identified in 

40 CFR Part 122, Appendix B. Examples of such animal feeding operations 

include llama ranches and farms that raise mink or other fur-bearing animals. 

These operations would be designated under the authority of 40 CFR 

122.23(c)(l), which does not reference 40 CFR 122, Appendix B. These 

operations may be designated as CAFOs regardless of the manner of conveyance 

of the discharge. 

No operation may be designated a CAFO on a case-by-case basis until the permitting authority 

has conducted an on-site inspection of the facility, regardless of the size of the operation or the 

type of animals confined [40 CFR 122.23(c)(3)]. In States where EPA is the permitting 

authority, the Regional Director or a duly authorized representative may designate a CAFO. In 

NPDES-authorized States, only the State program director or a representative authorized by the 

Director may designate a CAFO. 

Appendix B of this document is a sample guide for conducting inspections to determine whether 

an operation should be designated a CAFO. Permitting authorities may also consider 

establishment of point-based rating systems where points are assigned based on the facility’s 

location, operating practices, and impact on receiving waters. A score above a certain level 

indicates that the facility is or may be a significant contributor of pollution and should be 

designated a CAFO. Rating scales should be adjusted to accurately reflect local conditions. The 

provisions of 40 CFR 0 122.23(c) provide the permitting authority with flexibility to designate 

CAFOs to protect waters of the United States. 

9 
2.6.1 Designation Requirements 

In making a case-by-case designation of a CAFO. at least the following factors must be 

considered: 

. Size of the operation; 

. Amount of wastes reaching waters of the United States: 

. Location of the operation relative to waters of the United States; 

. The means of conveyance of animal wastes and process wastewater into waters of 

the United States: 

. The slope, vegetation, rainfall, and other factors affecting me likelihood or 

frequency of discharge of animal wastes and process wastewater into waters of 

the United States; and 

. Other relevant factors, for example proximity to impaired or pristine surface 

waters, public complaints, etc. 

These factors are important because they enable the permitting authority to systematically 

identify the feedlots that individually or as a group may impair water quality. For example, the 

size of a feedlot, its proximity to waters of the United States, and the lack of a waste retention 

structure may, in combination, indicate that it is a potential significant contributor of pollution. 

Also, the impact of the aggregate amount of waste from many small operations may equal or 

exceed that of a large operation (i.e., over 1,000 animal units) and may necessitate that all smaller 

operations in a watershed be designated CAFOs. 

Examples of cases when such factors warrant designation of feedlots as CAFOs are included 

below. 

r I 

Example: Four animal feeding operations that each maintain 250 dairy cows (which does not meet the size 

criteria) are located within a watershed of a small river impaired by nutrient contamination. During storms, 

runoff from these facilities collects in naturally-occurring channels and flows into the river. The aggregate 

amount of waste equals the waste that would be produced by a single dairy operation with 1,400 animal units. 

These facilities would be a prime candidate for inspection and designation as CAFOs. Before the designation 

process could occur, the NPDES permitting authority would have to conduct an on-site inspection of the facility. 

Example: An animal feeding operation that maintains 3 10 cattle is located adjacent to a water quality impaired 

river. The operator routinely piles the waste next to the enclosure where it remains until a contract hauler picks it 

up for disposal. The waste is removed on a monthly basis, but rainfall occurs several times a month and runoff 

from the stacked manure flows through naturally-occurring channels in the ground to the river. This facility 

would be a prime candidate for inspection and designation as a CAFO. Before the designation process could 

occur. the NPDES permitting authority would have to conduct an on-site inspection of the facility. 

2.6.2 Targeting Designaiion Efforts 

There are several approaches permitting authorities may consider when prioritizing sites for 

inspection and possible designation as CAFOs. It is strongly recommended that the permitting 

authority contact the feedlot owner to arrange a site visit. EPA’encourages permitting authorities 

10 
to target feedlots as part of a watershed or whole-basin piarming effort. This approach may be 

particularly useful if the basin or watershed is known to experience problems with high nutrient 

levels or microbial contamination. Also, if a State has listed a river on a CWA $303(d) or CWA 

S304(1) list. all operations that contribute to the impairment problem may be suitable for 

designation and permitting. Assessments conducted under $3 19 of the C WA also may be used in 

targeting efforts. 

Alternatively, feedlots may be targeted in many different watersheds based on proximity to 

waters of the United States or proximity to waters with known or suspected impairments. A 

third approach might target older operations that were established before implementation of 

existing State waste handling statutes or development of newer waste handling technologies. 

Finally, response to public concern provides another possible approach. The inspection 

approach selected will depend upon the resources available, the number of potentially regulated 

operations, the degree of known resource impairment, and other factors unique to each area. 

2.6.3 Designation Prior to a Discharge 

A permitting authority does not need to verify the occurrence of a discharge from an operation 

prior to designating it as a CAFO [CWA §502(14); 41 FR 114591. Point source includes CAFOs 

from which pollutants are or may be discharged. The facility, however, is not obligated to have a 

NPDES permit unless there is an actual discharge. An unpermitted feedlot designated as a CAFO 

would be subject to enforcement under the CWA only if it actually discharges. Thus, once such a 

discharge occurs, the unpermitted facility is considered in violation of the CWA. Even after the 

discharge ceases, the operation remains in continuing violation (i.e., for the purpose of citizens’ 

suits under CWA $505) if the discharger does not apply for and obtain a NPDES permit [Can v. 

Alta Verde Industries, 93 1 F.2d 1055 (5th Cir. 1991)]. 

Ifan animal feeding operation does not meet the definition of a CAFO and has not been 

designated a CAFO, however. any addition of pollutants to waters of the United States would 

not constitute a violation of the CWA. The following two examples illustrate the application of 

this principle (designating a feedlot prior to a discharge.) 

Example: An operation maintains 100 mature swine (which does not satisfy the size criterion and is located near 

a water quality impaired lake). The facility has gutters that transport runoff to a plot of nearby land. After a 

major storm, the gutters overflow into the adjacent lake. The facility has not been designated a CAFO, and thus 

the discharge does not violate the CWA. 

Example: An operation maintains 100 mature swine (which does not satisfy the size criterion), and is located 

near a water-quality impaired lake. The facility has gutters that transport runoff to a plot of nearby land. The 

permitting authority conducts a site inspection and based on location-specific factors (runoff collection system 

and proximity to the lake) notifies the facility operator that the facility has been designated a CAFO. The 

operator does not believe a discharge will occur and does not obtain a NPDES permit. After a major storm, the 

gutters overflow into the lake. The facility has violated the CWA and is subject to enforcement action. 

11 
2.7 Intermittent Facilities and Partially Sheltered Operations 

Permitting authorities and members of the regulated community have expressed confusion over 

how to apply the CAFO regulations to enclosed. partially sheltered, and temporary animal 

holding facilities. This section clarifies EPA’s position on these issues. 

A totally enclosed facility with no discharge (and no anticipated or potential discharge) of animal 

waste to waters of the United States is not a CAFO. A partially sheltered facility, however, is a 

CAFO if it meets the size and discharge criteria of the NPDES regulations. or if it is designated a 

CAFO. In partially sheltered operations, the number of animals maintained at the facility for 45 

days or more is the combined number of animals in the open and sheltered sections of the facility. 

The entire operation is considered one unit and all animals must be counted for the purposes of 

CAFO classification - not just those in the open areas. This is in contrast to the situation 

where an operator has an enclosed facility and an open lot facility where the two facilities are not 

adjoining and have separate waste management systems. In facilities that use both pasture and 

confined areas where animals are concentrated the confined area may be a CAFO: the pasture is 

not subject to the NPDES regulations. and the animals that remain at pasture would not be 

counted for classification purposes. 

Example: A dairy operation feeds 1,200 cows at pasture throughouthe year. The operation has a holding area 

where the cows gather two times a day, 365 days a year before entering the milking barn. The holding area has 

no vegetative growth. The holding areq is a CAFO and is covered by the NPDES regulations. 

Livestock marketing operations also may be subject to these provisions. Auction houses and 

transfer facilities that meet the regulatory definition of a CAFO must have NPDES permits if 

they discharge of wastewater to waters of the United States. 

Example: A livestock market facility where 1,500 cattle are maintained for four days per month. or 48 days in 

each 1 Z-month period, is considered a CAFO. 

2.8 YPDES Permit Conditions 

NPDES permits for CAFOs must contain the following technology-based effluent limitations: 

. For CAFOs with over 1,000 animal units where animals are grown. requirements 

at least as stringent as those in the national effluent limitations guidelines for 

feedlots. 

. For CAFOs with over 1.000 animal units that are non-producing facilities. best 

available technology economically achievable (BAT) and Best Conventional 

Pollutant Control Technology (BCT) based on the best professional judgment of 

the permit writer. (“Non-producing” CAFOs are CAFOs that do not f‘eed and 

grow animals, but only house them temporarily. Transfer facilities and auction 

houses are examples of non-producing operations.) 

12 
. For CAFOs with less than 1,000 animal units. BAT and BCT based on the best 

professional judgment of the permit writer. 

Permit writers can refer to the effluent limitations guidelines supporting documents to help them 

determine best professional judgment (BPJ) requirements and limitations for non-producing 

CAFOs and CAFOs with fewer than 1 .OOO animal units. Permit writers may also reference the 

CZARA guidance document (see Section 4.1) in BAT and BCT for feedlots. 

The conditions in State NPDES permits must conform with the minimum federal requirements. 

NPDES permits may contain more stringent requirements established pursuant to State law. 

including State water quality standards. Some States also have the authority to include 

requirements for groundwater protection and to ensure development of nutrient management 

plans or land application procedures. In addition, many States have non-NPDES programs that 

regulate feedlots. However, permits issued under such non-NPDES programs do not authorize 

discharges under the CWA, and therefore do not shield discharging facilities from enforcement 

actions. 

2.8.1 Effluent Limitations Guidelines 

The effluent limitations guidelines for feedlots with over 1,000 animal units. other than nonproducing facilities, are at 40 CFR Part 412.4 The effluent limitation allows no discharges to 

waters of the United States. except when chronic or catastrophic storm events cause an overflow 

from a facility designed, constructed, and operated to hold process generated wastewater plus 

runoff from a 25-year, 24-hour storm event. All NPDES permits for CAFOs with over 1.000 

animal units, other than non-producing facilities, must contain an equivalent or more stringent 

effluent limitation. The 25-year, 24-hour storm event and the terms “chronic” and “catastrophic” 

are discussed in Section 3.0. 

In practical terms, the effluent limitations guidelines mean that these facilities must have retention 

structures that are properly constructed and operated to hold process-generated wastewater and 

runoff from a 2%year, 24-hour storm event. NPDES permits issued to CAFOs should clearly 

state this requirement. It should be emphasized that the management of the entire waste handling 

system must be considered when designing the retention structure(s). Capacity needed in the 

storage structure not only is based on manure that is loaded into the structure. the volume of 

runoff from the open lot areas and other contributing drainage areas, and the rain falling on the 

structure itself. This capacity is normally expressed as a given number of days. weeks, or 

months worth of waste produced at the facility. To ensure appropriate practices for the 

application of waste, specifically manure to the land, it is recommended that the permittee 

develop, implement and periodically update a nutrient management plan to: apply nutrients at 

rates necessary to achieve realistic crop yields: improve the timing of nutrient application; and. 

use agronomic crop production technology to increase nutrient use efficiency. 

4 The guidelines do not apply to non-producing facilities because they were not considered during development of the 

guidelines. and the definition of the operations covered by the guidelines refers only to CAFOs where livestock are grown 

and fed, not where individual livestock are held briefly[40 CFR 412.1 I(b); 40 FR 12513]. However, non-producing 

operations that meet the definition of a CAFO must have a permit to lawfully discharge. 

13 
CAFOs subject to effluent limitations guidelines are also subject to NPDES regulations for storm 

water discharges associated with industrial activity. Compliance with the effluent limitations in 

the guidelines, however, provides compliance with the storm water regulations since the 

guidelines establish BAT/BCT or new performance standards (NSPS) for storm water discharges 

from these facilities. 

Since the effluent guidelines for feedlots do not establish numeric limitations for discharges that 

result from chronic or catastrophic storms. non-numeric conditions (e.g.. development of a 

nutrient management plan. retention structure design requirements, inspection and reporting 

requirements. best management practices (BMPs), and pollution prevention plans) may be 

included in NPDES permits as effluent limitations. 

NPDES permits for CAFOs must require at a minimum annual reporting of monitoring results 

[40 CFR 122.44(i)(2) and 122.44(i)(3)]. Monitoring requirements can range from visual 

inspection of overflow or potential discharge points at specified intervals and/or after storms of a 

certain size: to permits which require installation of a sensor or collection device that will detect 

any discharge from the retention structure. 

2.8.2 Limitations Based ott Best Professional Judgment 

The effluent limitations for CAFOs with fewer than 1.000 animal units. as well as all nonproducing CAFOs, must be established on the basis of the best professional judgment (BPJ) of 

the permit writer. These limitations must meet technology-based standards (BAT/BCT) and any 

more stringent limitations necessary to comply with applicable State water quality-based 

standards. These CAFOs are not subject to the NPDES storm water regulations for storm water 

discharges associated with industrial activity because the effluent guidelines for feedlots do not 

apply to these facilities. 

The NPDES regulations for BPJ determinations of BAT/BCT [40 CFR 125.3(d)(3)] require 

permitting authorities to consider the cost of achieving effluent reduction. the age of the 

equipment and the facility, the process employed. the engineering aspects of the control 

techniques. the process changes, and non-water quality environmental impacts. 

As in the case of CAFOs subject to effluent limitations guidelines, CAFO permits based on BPJ 

may contain non-numeric conditions (e.g., development of nutrient management plans, retention 

structures, inspections and reporting, and other pollution prevention practices) if numeric 

effluent limitations are infeasible and if non-numeric conditions are reasonably necessary to 

achieve effluent limitations and standards and to carry out the intent of the CWA. In addition, 

these CAFOs also must require a minimum of annual reporting of monitoring results. which is 

discussed above in Section 2.8.1. [40 CFR 122.44(i)(2)]. 

CAFOs of different sizes often have similar potential to discharge pollutants to waters of the 

United States and may use similar pollution control practices effectively. Permitting authorities 

should base BPJ determinations on pollution reduction achieved by feedlot operations within the 

locality, information gathered during inspections, and any economic or other analyses on 

pollutant control technologies previously conducted for the feedlot industry. The analyses 

14 
performed by EPA for the feedlot industry in establishing the feedlot regulations and effluent 

limitations guidelines may be a useful source of information. EPA also conducted an economic 

analysis of waste management practices for feedlots for the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization 

Amendments (CZARA), which also may be useful for development of NPDES permits. 

2.8.3 Permit Terms Relating to Land Application of Manure 

In general, the Clean Water Act does not regulate manure spreading operations, only manure 

spreading for CAFOs. As explained previously, CAFOs are the only feedlots subject to 

regulation under the point source permit program (NPDES). When a NPDES permit contains 

conditions for appropriate land application practices, and the permittee complies with those 

conditions, the permit will provide compliance with the CWA and act as a “shield against 

enforcement for any additions of pollutants to Waters of the United States that may occur. If a 

feedlot is determined not to be a CAFO! then it is not a point source (Appendix EL In addition, 

the C WA does not regulate manure spreading once the manure leaves the propep where it was 

generated. The CAFO ownerioperator is only responsible for complying with KPDES permit 

requirements relative to any manure spreading on-site. 

To ensure that land application of manure is in accordance with appropriate practices, it is 

recommended that the permittee develop, implement and periodically update a nutrient 

management plan to: apply nutrients at rates necessary to achieve realistic crop yields: improve 

the timing of nutrient application; and, use agronomic crop production technolo_q to increase 

nutrient efficiency. 

Use of nutrient management plans minimize damage to groundwater and surface water and 

increases the efficiency of nutrient uses by crops. A nutrient management plan should be 

developed and kept on-site by the permittee. This document should be reviewed and updated if 

necessary by the permittee at least once every three years, or whenever the crop rotation is 

changed or the nutrient source is changed. Nutrient management plans should be reviewed by the 

permitting authority on a periodic basis. A detailed description of recommended core 

components of a nutrient management plan is available in The United States Department of 

Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook. 

EPA contemplated that in certain circumstances that NPDES permits incorporate appropriate 

land application measures. The Agency promulgated and published permit application forms 

regarding agricultural activities: Short Form B. 38 FR 10960 (May 3, 1973), (proposed); and, 38 

fi 18000 (July 5, 1973). Section II.3 of the permit application form requests information on the 

appropriate land (in acres) available for manure disposal and/or runoff disposal. 

15 
3.0 THE 25YEAR, 24-HOUR STORM EVENT EXEMPTION 

Section 2.0 discussed the size and discharge criteria defining concentrated animal feeding 

operations (CAFOs). Discharges from animal feeding operations that occur under certain rainfall 

conditions are subject to a narrow exemption from the NPDES regulations for CAFOs. This 

exemption, discharge due to a 25-year. 24-hour storm, is discussed in greater detail in this section. 

3.1 Applicability of the 25Year, 24-Hour Storm Exemption 

A 25-year, 24-hour storm refers to the number of inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period that is 

expected to occur only once every 25 years. 5 Storm events larger than the 25-year, 24-hour 

storm are expected to occur less frequently than smaller storm events. For example, a 50-year, 

24-hour storm event is larger than a 25-year. 24-hour storm event and is expected to occur less 

frequently. Conversely, a lo-year, 24-hour event is smaller and is expected to occur more 

frequently than a 25-year. 24-hour storm event. Maps published by the National Weather 

Service (NWS) show the amount of rainfall that constitutes the 25-year. 24-hour storm event for 

every location in the United States. 

Example: Cheyenne, Wyoming received 3 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. According to the NWS, the 25 

year. 24-hour storm event for Cheyenne is 2.8 inches of rain. Therefore. the storm exceeds the 25year, 24-hour 

a-mm t?VPllf /I 

According to 40 CFR 122. Appendix B. an animal feeding operation is not a CAFO if it 

discharges only in the event of a 25-year. 24-hour storm or larger. This exemption applies to all 

feedlots. including CAFOs designated as such on a case-by-case basis. 

The effluent guidelines for feedlots [40 CFR 4 121, and consequently NPDES permits for 

CAFOs. contain references to catastrophic and chronic rainfall. A catastrophic event is 

equivalent to a 25-year, 24-hour storm event. Catastrophic events could also include tornadoes, 

hurricanes, or other catastrophic conditions that would cause an overflow from the required 

waste retention structure. A chronic rainfall is a series of wet weather conditions that preclude 

dewatering of properly maintained waste retention structures [58 FR 76201. Under the current 

effluent limitations guidelines for CAFOs. permitted discharges that result from chronic rainfall 

or catastrophic events do not violate the CWA. Unpermitted discharges other than those due to 

a 25-year, 24-hour storm, however, would not be authorized because, absent a permit, a discharge 

is a violation of the CWA. 

Example: According to NWS, the 25year. 2-Lhour storm event for Omaha, Nebraska is 5.3 inches of rain. A 

storm lasting six days delivers 20 inches of rain. This is not a 25year, 24-hour storm event because 5.3 inches 

of rain was not received in any single 24-hour period. Rather, it is a chronic rainfall. A discharge from an 

unpermitted facility would be a CWA violation. A discharge from a facility with a NPDES permit that contains 

language based on the effluent limitations guidelines would not be a CWA violation as long as the facilitv ha 

been oDerated D~QQ!&L 

5 The 2%year. 24-hour storm event is a statistical calculation of the National Weather Service. and is defined by the 

Department of Commerce in ” 25-year. 24-Hour Rainfall”. Technical Paper JO. as the maximum 24-hour precipitation event 

with a probable recurrence interval of once in 25 years. 

16 
NPDES permits for CAFOs may include language similar to the effluent guidelines or language 

requiring the installation of diversion systems(smaller operations). Also. every NPDES permit 

must include the provisions of 40 CFR 122.4 1. including the upset and bypass provisions. This 

permit language will ensure that the permitted operation is not in violation of the permit or the 

CWA due to discharges that occur as a result of a chronic rainfall, providing that the operation is 

in compliance with all other permit conditions. 

3.2 Retention Structure Capacity 

Retention structures need to be designed, built, and maintained to prevent discharges that are 

caused by storms up to and including the 25-year, 24-hour storm. The capacity of the retention 

structure must be based on the amount of process generated wastewater generated by the facility 

and the volume of the expected runoff from a 25-year, 24-hour storm for all the contributing 

drainage areas (including open lot surfaces, roofed areas. and areas between lots and retention 

structures). However, an unpermitted concentrated animal feeding operation with a retention 

structure that is designed, built, and maintained to contain process wastewater and the runoff 

from a 25-year .24-hour storm is not protected from liability under the CWA in the event of a 

discharge due to smaller storm events. While design and equipment effectiveness may increase 

the confidence of the unpermitted discharger, capacity alone provides little protection from 

enforcement in the event of a discharge. The capacity to contain all runoff from a 25-year, 24- 

hour storm event protects unpermitted facilities from violating the CWA & if it functions to 

actually prevent all discharges from smaller and chronic storm events. 

Example: An unpermitted CAFO’s waste handling system has the capacity to contain the expected volume of 

runoff from a 25year, 24-hour rainfall event plus three week’s worth of average daily process-generated 

wastewater production. It rains heavily for three weeks (a chronic rainfall), but the rainfall in any 24-hour period 

never exceeds the 25-year, 24-hour storm event. The facility’s waste handling system reaches capacity and 

discharges to waters of the United States. The facility would be in violationofthe Clean Water Act: < 

Example: A permitted CAFO’s waste handling system has the capacity to contain the expected volume of runoff 

from a 25-year, 24-hour rainfall event plus three week’s worth of average daily process-generated wastewater 

production. It rains heavily for three weeks (a chronic rainfall), but the rainfall in any 24-hour period never 

exceeds the 25-year, 24-hour storm event. The facility is covered by language identical to the effluent limitations 

guidelines in the permit and is not considered in violation of the CWA. 

This interpretation was supported by Carr v. Alta Verde Industries, 93 1 F.2d 1055 (5th Cir. 

199 I), in which an unpermitted facility discharged as a result of chronic rainfall that did not 

qualify as a 25-year, 24-hour storm. The court ruled that such a facility was not exempted from 

CWA jurisdiction (and the NPDES permit program), and remained in continuing violation while 

discharging until it obtained a NPDES permit. Discharges from an unpermitted facility, other 

than those from a 25-year. 24-hour storm, are in violation of the CWA regardless of retention 

capacity. 

17 
4.0 OTHER REGULATORY PROGRAMS 

This section discusses two provisions of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendment of 

1990 (CZARA) that apply to feedlots. Although a CAFO with a NPDES permit is exempt from 

CZARA. NPDES permitting efforts should be coordinated with CZARA and other applicable 

regulatory programs. 

It also discusses Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) program, which apply to feedlots only in 

rare instances. 

4.1 Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 

In its reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act in 1990, Congress identified 

nonpoint source pollution as a major factor in the continuing degradation of coastal waters. 

Congress also recognized that effective solutions to nonpoint source pollution could be 

implemented at the State and local levels. Therefore, in the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization 

Amendments of 1990 (CZARA), Congress added Section 6217, which calls upon States with 

federally-approved coastal zone management programs to develop and implement coastal 

nonpoint pollution control programs. The $6217 program is administered at the federal level 

jointly by EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA). 

Section 62 17(g) of CZARA called for EPA, in consultation with other agencies, to develop 

guidance on “management measures” for sources of nonpoint source pollution in coastal waters. 

Under $62 17 of CZARA, EPA is responsible for developing technical guidance to assist States in 

designing coastal nonpoint pollution control programs. On January 19, 1993, EPA issued its 

Guidance Spec@ing Management Measures For Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters 

which addresses five major source categories of nonpoint pollution: 

1) Urban runoff; 

2) Agriculture runoff; 

3) Forestry runoff; 

4) Marinas and recreational boating; and 

5) Hydromodification. 

The guidelines for the agriculture nonpoint source category specifically includes management 

measures for “confined animal facilities.” The guidance also specifies management measures for 

erosion and sediment control, nutrient management on cropland, and grazing. These three 

additional management measures apply to facilities with livestock even if they are not confined 

animal facilities as defined by CZARA. However, they do not apply to CAFOs under the 

NPDES program. This section explains which feedlots are subject to the confined animal facility 

requirements of CZARA and discusses these requirements in more detail. It also briefly explains 

the nutrient management measure, which may be implemented by confined animal facilities. 

What is the “Coastal Zone”? 

Under the initial Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 35 States and territories are considered 

to have coastal waters. Participation in the coastal zone management program is vdluntary. 

18 
Twenty-nine States have developed coastal zone management programs rhat were approved by 

NOAA, Of the other 6 States with coastal waters. 2 are not participating and 4 have programs 

currently in development.6 

Each of these 29 States delineated a “coastal zone” for their program. In delineating a “coastal 

zone.” States have implemented this language differently, depending on the specific geography 

and other circumstances in the State. In many States. the coastal zone extends inland a set 

distance, while in others the entire State is part of the coastal zone (e.g., Delaware and Florida). 

CZARA Avvroach 

The original Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 did not specifically address water quality 

concerns. The enactment of $6217 acknowledges the impact of nonpoint source pollution on 

coastal waters. States are to develop and implement coastal nonpoint pollution control programs 

rhat must be approved by NOAA and EPA. One of the first steps in program approval is to 

delineate a $6217 management area. which may or may not correspond to the previously 

established coastal zone. 

NOAA made recommendations to the States in IMarch 1993 for coastal zone boundary changes 

to address nonpoint pollution of coastal waters. In general, the recommendations are that coastal 

watersheds be used as boundaries for $62 17. States may change their coastal zone boundaries to 

coincide with the program management area, or may use State authorities other than the Coastal 

Zone Management Act to implement management measures in areas outside of the coastal zone. 

The $62 17 management area may be larger than the coastal zone to encompass all the activities 

that may contribute to nonpoint pollution of coastal waters; in no case may the program 

management area be smaller than the coastal zone. 

EPA’s Guidance Spec@ng Management Measures For Sources of Nonpoinr Pollution in Coastal 

Waters specifies “management measures” designed to protect coastal waters from nonpoint 

source pollution. The management measures are the equivalent of technology-based controls for 

the nonpoint source program and are defined in CZARA $62 17 as: 

. ..economically achievable measures to control the addition of pollutants to our coastal 

waters, which reflect the greatest degree of pollutant reduction achievable through 

the application of the best available nonpoint pollution control practices, technologies, 

processes, siting criteria. operating methods, or other alternatives. 

To remain eligible for full federal funding under 53 19 of CWA and $306 of CZMA. coastal States 

must develop programs to implement the management measures in conformity with EPA’s 

management measures guidance, including establishing enforceable policies and mechanisms to 

assure implementation of the measures. States, however, have flexibility to determine the most 

6 The 29 States and territories currently participating in the program are: Alabama. Alaska. American Samoa. California. 

Connecticut. Delaware, Florida Guam. Hawaii. Louisiana, Maine. Maryland. Massachusetts. hlichigan. \iississippi. New 

Hampshire. New Jersey, New York. North Carolina Northern Mariana Island, Oregon. Pennsylvania Puerto Rico. South 

Carolina Rhode Island. Virginia. U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington. Wisconsin. The four States currentI\, developing 

programs are: Georgia, Minnesota Ohio. and Texas. Illinois and Indiana are not participating in the coastal zone 

management program. 

19 
effective way to implement them within the management area. This flexibility allows for the 

enormous differences in the site-specific factors that influence the nature and amount of nonpoint 

source pollution, and the different mechanisms States have at their disposal to enact control 

programs. Different States may decide to use different management practices to achieve 

conformity with the required management measures. Management measures are not directly or 

automatically applicable to categories of nonpoint sources as a matter of federal law. instead, it 

is the State Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, backed by the authority of State law, 

that provides for implementation of the management measures. 

CZ4R.A Manapement Measures-for Animal Feedirw Operations 

The effect of the CZARA management measures for feedlots is to subject smaller feedlots to 

requirements similar to those found in the NPDES regulations. Feedlots located in $62 17 

program management areas that are not CAFOs under the NPDES program may be subject to 

CZARA requirements. This section will outline the two management measures for confined 

animal facilities presented in EPA’s CZARA guidance. 

The rhst management measure for comined animal facilities in the EPA guidance applies. in 

$6217 management areas, to all new operations and existing “large” operations (as defined by the 

CZAR4 and explained below): 

Management Measure for Facility Wastewater and Runoff from Confined Animal Facilities (New or Large 

Existing Facilities) 

Limit the discharge from the confined animal facility to surface waters by: 

l Storing both the facility wastewater and the runoff from confined animal facilities that is caused by storms 

up to and including a 25-year. 24-hour frequency storm. Storage facilities should: 

(a) Have an earthen lining or plastic membrane lining, or 

(b) Be constructed with concrete, or 

(c) Be a storage tank. 

l Managing stored runoff and accumulated solids from the facility through an appropriate waste utilization 

This management measure applies to all new facilities regardless of size and to ail existing 

confined animal facilities that contain more than a certain number of animals. As defined in 

EPA’s guidance, a large facility is one that contains the numbers of livestock or equivalent animal 

units listed below. 

20 
Head .4nimal Units 

Beef Feedlots 

Stables(horses) 

Dairies 

Layers 

300 

200 

70 

15,000 

300 

400 

98 

150 (liquid manure system) 

495 (continuous overflow watering system) 

Broilers 15,000 150 (liquid manure system) 

495 (continuous overflow watering system) 

Turkeys 13,750 2,475 

Swine 200 80 

These cutoffs were developed based on an economic analysis for CZARA, and the numbers of 

animals are different than the numbers of animals used in the definition of a CAFO under the 

NPDES regulations. This does not impede implementation of the NPDES program since EPA’s 

CZARA guidance states that any facility with a NPDES permit for concentrated animal feeding 

operations is exempt from CZARA requirements. If a facility subject to CZARA requirements 

is later designated as a CAFO by the Director of a NPDES permit program. that facility is no 

longer subject to the CZARA management measures. This means that a feedlot will never be 

subject to both NPDES and CZARA requirements at the same time. 

This CZARA management measure has the same goal as the NPDES CAFO requirements: no 

discharge of wastewater or runoff from feedlots during storms equal to or smaller than the 25- 

year, 24-hour storm event. Both programs envision facilities designed with sufficient storage 

capacity to hold all wastewater and runoff up to and including the 25-year. 24-hour storm event, 

although CZARA has more stringent requirements for waste storage structures to protect 

groundwater. In addition, the CZARA management measure calls for stored runoff and 

accumulated solids from the facility to be managed through an appropriate waste utilization 

system. This requirement can be met through implementation of an appropriate nutrient 

management piti. 

The second management measure for feedlots in EPA’s CZARA guidance applies to “small 

existing units” (as defined in the CZARA and explained below): 

Management Measure for Facility Wastewater and Runoff from Contined Animal Facilities (Small Existing 

Units) 

Minimize the discharge of pollutants by: 

l Designing and implementing systems that collect solids. reduce contaminant concentrations, and reduce 

runoff to minimize the discharge of contaminants in both facility wastewater and in runoff that is caused 

by storms up to and including a 25-year. 1 74-hour frequency storm. Implement these systems to 

substantially reduce significant increases in pollutant loading to groundwater. 

l Managing stored runoff and accumulated solids from the facility through an appropriate waste utilization 

system. 

21 
This management measure applies to all existing operations that contain the following number of 

livestock or animai units: 

Head Animal Units 

Beef Feedlots 50-299 

Stables(horses) 100-199 

Dairies 20-69 

Layers 5,000-l 4.999 

Broilers 5,000-14,999 

Turkeys 5,000- 13.749 

Swine 100-199 

50-299 

200-399 

28-97 

50- 149 (liquid manure system) 

165-494 (continuous overflow watering system) 

50-149 (liquid manure system) 

165-494 (continuous overflow watering system) 

900-2,474 

40-79 

This management measure for smaller existing units calls for a somewhat less stringent level of 

control and was developed to minimize the economic impact on small operations (i.e., systems 

should minimize as opposed to limit discharges). This management measure also calls for proper 

land application of waste. Feedlots containing fewer than the number of livestock animal units 

listed above are not subject to the requirements of CZARA management measures. 

CZARA Nutrient Management Measure 

Under CZARA, States are required to develop plans for nutrient management for activities 

associated with the application of nutrients to agricultural lands. Use of nutrient management 

plans minimizes damage to groundwater and surface water and increases the efficiency of nutrient 

use by crops. Coastal zone States should implement the nutrient management measure through 

application of management practices and operation and maintenance requirements for nutrient 

application to agricultural land. 

The nutrient management practices to use are those commonly suggested by the USDA and 

States for general use of agricultural lands, and each State may select those management practices 

most appropriate for its nutrient management needs. At a minimum, however, the nutrient 

management plans should conform to the management measure as described below. 

22 
Nutrient Management Measure 

Develop, implement. and periodically update a nutrient management plan that includes the following core 

components: 

. Farm and field maps indicating acreage, crops, soils, and waterbodies. 

. Realistic yield expectations for the crop(s) grown. 

. A summary of available nutrient resources including: soil test results for pH. phosphorus. nitrogen, 

and potassium; a nutrient analysis of manure or other effluent; nitrogen contribution to the soil from 

legumes grown in the rotation (if applicable); and, information on other significant nutrient sources 

(i.e. irrigation water). 

. An evaluation of field limitations based on environmental hazards or concerns. such as: sinkholes, 

shallow soils over fractured bedrock. and soils with high leaching potential: lands near 

surface water; highly erodible soils; and. shallow aquifers. 

. Use of the limiting nutrient concept to establish the mix of nutrient sources and requirements for the 

crop based on realistic yield expectations. 

. Identification of application and timing methods for nutrients in order to: achieve realistic crop 

results, reduce losses to the environment, and avoid application to frozen soil or during periods 

of leaching or runoff. 

. Provisions for the proper calibration and operation of nutrient application equipment, 

The practices that can be used to implement and fulfill these management measures are described 

in detail in EPA’s Guidance Specifying Management Measures For Sources of Nonpoint Pollution 

in Coastal Waters. The practices described in this reference are useful for feedlots with NPDES 

permits as well. 

4.2 The Safe Drinking Water Act 

The following four programs established by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) may apply to 

select feedlots. 

The Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) helps protect underground sources of 

drinking water by controlling the pollutants disposed of in injection wells. Injection wells that 

accept feedlot drainage are classified as agricultural drainage wells, one of the many types of 

Class V wells. Currently, all Class V wells are authorized by rule and are subject to inventory 

requirements at 40 CFR Part 144, but not to technical requirements. However, Class V wells are 

subject to a performance standard that prohibits movement of contaminants into an underground 

source of drinking water, if the contaminants could cause a violation of a drinking water standard 

or otherwise adversely affect human health. Well injection of feedlot waste and runoff is very 

,mcommon. For that reason, the UIC program requirements will apply to very few feedlots. 

The Sole Source Aauifer Program includes development of a comprehensive management plan 

requiring identification of existing and potential point and nonpoint sources of groundwater 

23 
degradation, an assessment of the relationship between activities on the land surtace and 

groundlvater quality, and development of management practices to be implemented in the critical 

protection area. If identitied as a source ot‘ 3 (Jroundwater deyradation, a feedlot located above a 

sole source aquifer could be subject to additionai management practices. In a sole source aquifer 

area. no federal tinancial asststance can be used for projects that could contaminate the aquifer 

and create a significant public health hazard. For t’eedlots above a sole source aquifer, permitting 

authorities should work with USDA-h:RCS (Kaatural Resources Conservation Service) and 

USDA-CFSA (Conservation Farm Sewice Agency) to determine applicable waste retention 

requirements for facilities using federal cost-share funds. 

The f requires each State to adopt a program to protect 

wellhead areas from contaminants that may adversely affect human health. States determine the 

boundary of their wellhead protection areas and are required to identify all actual and potential 

sources of contaminants Lvithin each \+ellhead protection area. A feedlot within a designated 

\\,ellhead protection area identitied as a source ~I‘contaminnnts adversely atfecting human health 

could be subject to additional discharge limitations or management practices. 

The 5urt‘ace \i’ater Treatment Kuie establishes criteria that public water systems must meet in 

order to avoid tiltration. These criteriainclude identification of activities that mav have an 

adverse effect on the quality of water sources, and demonstration through ownership or written 

agreements \sith land owners that all sources of human activities with potential for such adverse 

impact can be controlled. Feedlots located near such public water systems may be asked to enter 

into such a v,ritten agreement 
APPENDIX A 

NPDES Regulations for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations 

A-l 
Q 122.23 

requisite authority to sign permit applications unless the corporation has notified the 

Director to the contrary. Corporate procedures governing authority to sign permit applications may provide for assignment or 

delegation to applicable corporate positions 

under §122.22(a)(l)(ii) rather than to specific 

individuals.’ 

(2) For a partnership or sole proprietorship. By a general partner or the proprietor, respectively; or 

(3) For a municipality, State, Federal, 

or other public agency. By either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official. For purposes of this section, 

a principal executive officer of a Federal agency includes: (i) The chief executive officer of the agency, or (ii) a 

senior executive officer having responsibility for the overall operations of a 

principal geographic unit of the agency 

(e.g., Regional Administrators of EPA). 

(b) All reports required by permits, 

and other information requested by the 

Director shall be signed by a person described in paragraph (a) of this section, 

or by a duly authorized representative 

of that person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if: 

(1) The authorization is made in writing by a person described in paragraph 

(a) of this section; 

(2) The authorization specifies either 

an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of 

the regulated facility or activity such 

as the position of plant manager, operator of a well or a well field, superintendent, position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position having overall responsibility for 

environmental matters for the company, (A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a 

named position.) and, 

(3) The written authorization is submitted to the Director. 

(c) Changes to authorization. If an authorization under paragraph (b) of this 

section is no longer accurate because a 

different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of 

the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of paragraph (b) 

of this section must be submitted to 

the Director prior to or together with 

any reports, information, or applications to be signed by an authorized representative. 

(d) Certification. Any person signing a 

document under paragraph (a) or (b) of 

this section shall make the following 

certification: 

I certify under penalty of law that this 

document and all attachments were prepared 

under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that 

qualified personnel properly gather and 

evaluate the information submitted. Based 

on my inquiry of the person or persons who 

manage the system, or those persons directly 

responsible for gathering the information, 

the information submitted is, to the best of 

my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations. 

(Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 el seq.), Safe 

Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 3OOf et seq.), 

Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. ‘7401 el seq.). Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 

U.S.C. 6901 et seq.)) 

[48 FR 14153. Apr. 1, 1963, as amended at 48 

FR 39619, Sept. 1, 1963; 49 FR 36047. Sept. 29, 

1984; 50 FR 6941, Feb. 19, 1965; 55 FR 46063. 

Nov. 16, 19901 

# 122.23 Concentrated animal feeding 

0 erations 

l& 

(applicable to State 

DES programs, see 5 123.25). 

(a) Permit requirement. Concentrated 

animal feeding operations are point 

sources subject to the NPDES permit 

program. 

(b) Definitions. (1) Animal feeding operation means a lot or facility (other 

than an aquatic animal production facility) where the following conditions 

are met: 

(i) Animals (other than aquatic animals) have been, are, or will be stabled 

or confined and fed or maintained for a 

total of 45 days or more in any 12- 

month period, and 

(ii) Crops, vegetation forage growth, 

or post-harvest residues are not sustained in the normal growing season 

over any portion of the lot or facility. 

(2) Two or more animal feeding operations under common ownership are 

considered, for the purposes of these 

regulations, to be a single animal feeding operation if they adjoin each other 

or if they use a common area or system 

for the disposal of wastes. 

(3) Concentrated animal feeding operation means an “animal feeding operation” which meets the criteria in ag 

pendix B of this part, or which the Di- 
rector designates under paragraph (c; 

of this section. 

(c) Case-by-case designation of concentrated animal feeding operations. (1) 

The Director may designate any animal feeding operation as a concentrated animal feeding operation 

upon determining that it is a significant contributor of pollution to the 

waters of the United States. In making 

this designation the Director shall consider the following factors: 

(i) The size of the animal feeding operation and the amount of wastes 

reaching waters of the United States; 

(ii) The location of the animal feeding operation relative to waters of the 

United States; 

(iii) The means of conveyance of animal wastes. and process waste waters 

into waters of the United States; 

(iv) The slope, vegetation, rainfall, 

and other factors affecting the likelihood or frequency of discharge of animal wastes and process waste waters 

into waters of the United States; and 

(v) Other relevant factors. 

(2) No animal feeding operation with 

less than the numbers of animals set 

forth in appendix B of this part shall be 

designated as a concentrated animal 

feeding operation unless: 

(i) Pollutants are discharged into waters of the United States through a 

manmade ditch, flushing system, or 

other similar manmade device; or 

(ii) Pollutants are discharged directly into waters of the United States 

which originate outside of the facility 

and pass over, across, or through the 

facility or otherwise come into direct 

contact with the animals confined in 

the operation. 

(3) A permit application shall not be 

required from a concentrated animal 

feeding operation designated under this 

paragraph until the Director has conducted an on-site inspection of the operation and determined that the operation should and could be regulated 

under the permit program. 
APPENDIX B TO PART ~~~-CRITEXUA FOR 

DETERMINING A CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION (5 122.23) 

An animal feeding operation is a concentrated animal feeding operation for purposes of gl22.23 if either of the following criteria are met. 

(a) More than the numbers of animals specified in any of the following categories are 

confined: 

(1) 1,000 slaughter and feeder cattle, 

(2) 700 mature dairy cattle (whether milked 

or dry cows). 

(3) 2.500 swine each weighing over 25 kllograms (approximately 55 pounds), 

(4) 500 horses, 

(5) 10,000 sheep or lambs, 

(6) 55,090 turkeys, 

(7) 100,000 laying hens or broilers (if the facility has continuous overflow watering). 

(8) 30,000 laying hens or broilers (if the facility has a liquid manure system), 

(9) 5.000 ducks, or 

(10) 1.090 animal units; or 

(b) More than the following number and 

types of animals are confined: 

(1) 300 slaughter or feeder cattle, 

(2) 200 mature dairy cattle (whether milked 

or dry cows), 

(3) 750 swine each weighing over 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds), 

(4) 150 horses, 

(5) 3.000 sheep or lambs, 

(6) 16,500 turkeys, 

(7) 39,000 laying hens or broilers (if the facility has continuous overflow watering). 

(8) 9.000 laying hens or broilers (if the facility has a liquid manure handling system), 

(9) 1.500 ducks, or 

(10) 300 animal units; 

and either one of the following conditions 

are met: pollutants are discharged into navigable waters through a manmade ditch. 

flushing system or other similar man-made 

device; or pollutants are discharged directly 

into waters of the United States which orlglnate outside of and pass over. across, or 

through the facility or otherwise come into 

direct contact with the animals confined in 

the operation. 

Provided, however, that no animal feeding 

operation is a concentrated animal feeding 

operation as defined above if such animal 

feeding operation discharges only in the 

event of a 25 year, 24-hour storm event. 

The term animal unit means a unit of measurement for any animal feeding operation 

calculated by adding the following numbers: 

the number of slaughter and feeder cattle 

multiplied by 1.0. plus the number of mature 

dairy cattle multiplied by 1.4, plus the number of swine weighing over 25 kilograms (approxlmately 55 pounds) multiplied by 0.4, 

plus the number of sheep multiplied by 0.1, 

plus the number of horses multiplied by 2.0. 
new source subject to the provisions of 

this subpart: 

Effluent characteristic Effluent llmltatlons 

TSS _,___.,....,,___,,._...,........ Not to exceed 50 mgk 

pH __._.,._..__.__,,___,.,....,....... Withln the range 6.0 to 9.0. 

(b) Any overflow from facilities designed, constructed and operated to 

treat to the applicable limitations the 

precipitation and runoff resulting from 

a lO-year, 24-hour precicitation event 

shall not be subject to 

of this section. 

[42 FR 10661, Feb. 23, 19771 

t-he limitations 

g 411.36 Pretreatment 

new sources. 

standards for 

The pretreatment standards under 

section 307(c) of the Act for a source 

within the materials storage piles runoff subcategory, which is a user of a 

publicly owned treatment works (and 

which would be a new source subject to 

section 306 of the Act, if it were to discharge pollutants to the navigable waters), shall be the standard set forth in 

40 CFR part 128, except that, for the 

purpose of this section, $128.133 of this 

title shall be amended to read as follows: 

In addition to the prohibitions set forth in 

40 CFR 123.131, the pretreatment standard for 

incompatible pollutants introduced into a 

publicly owned treatment works shall be the 

standard of performance for new sources 

specified in 40 CFR 411.35; provided that, if 

the publicly owned treatment works which 

receives the pollutants is committed, in its 

NPDES permit, to remove a specified percentage of any incompatible pollutant, the 

pretreatment standard applicable to users of 

such treatment works shall, except in the 

case of standards providing for no discharge 

of pollutants, be correspondingly reduced in 

stringency for that pollutant. 

5 411.37 Effluent limitations guidelines 

representing the degree of effluent 

reduction attainable by the application of the best conventional pollutant control technology. 

The following limitations establish 

the quantity or quality of pollutants or 

pollutant properties, controlled by this 

section, which may be discharged by a 

point source subject to the provisions 

of this subpart after application of the 

best conventional pollutant control 

technology. 

(a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the following 

limitations establish the quantity or 

quality of pollutants or pollutant properties, controlled by this section, 

which may be discharged by a point 

source subject to the provisions of this 

subpart after application of the best 

conventional pollutant control technology. 

Effluent characteristrc Effluent ltmltaf~ons 

TSS ._..._....____..... Not to exceed 50 mgk 

pH . .._._.._.._..__._....,,.... Wlthin the range 6 0 to 9.0. 

(b) Any untreated overflow from facilities designed, constructed and operated to treat the volume of runoff from 

materials storage piles which results 

from a lo-year, 24-hour rainfall event 

shall not be subject to the pH and TSS 

limitations stipulated in paragraph (a) 

of this section. 

139 FR 6591, Feb. 20. 1974. Redesignated and 

amended at 44 FR 50741, Aug. 29, 19791 

PART 412~FEEDLOTS POINT 

SOURCE CATEGORY 

Subpart A-All Subcategories Except 

Ducks 

Sec. 

412.10 Applicability; description of all 

subcategories except ducks. 

412.11 Specialized definitions. 

412.12 Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction 

attainable by the application of the best 

practicable control technology currently 

available. 

412.13 Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction 

attainable by the application of the best 

available technology economically 

achievable. 

412.14 Pretreatment standards for existing 

sources. 

412.15 Standards of performance for new 

sources. 

412.16 Pretreatment standards for new 

sources. 

412.17 [Reserved] 

Subpart B-Ducks Subcategory 

412.20 Applicability; description of the duck 

subcategory. 

412.21 Specialized definitions. 
5412.11 

412.22 Effluent limitations guidelines representing the degree of effluent reduction 

attainable by the application of the best 

practicable control technology currently 

available. 

412.23 [Reserved] 

412.24 Pretreatment standards for existing 

sources. 

412.25 Standards of performance for new 

sources. 

412.26 Pretreatment standards for new 

sources. 

AUTHORITY: Sets. 301. 304 (b) and cc). 306 (b) 

and cc). and 307(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended; 33 U.S.C. 

1’251. 1311. 1314 (b) and (c), 1316 (b) and (c). and 

1317(c); 86 Stat. 816 et seq., Pub. L. 92-500; 91 

Stat. 1567. Pub. L. 95-217. 

SOURCE: 39 FR 5796, Feb. 14. 1974. unless 

otherwise noted. 

Subpart A-All Subcategories 

Except Ducks 

pj 412.10 Applicability; description of 

all subcategories except ducks. 

The provisions of this subpart are applicable to discharges of pollutants resulting from feedlots in the following 

subcategories: Beef cattle--open lots; 

beef cattle-housed lots; dairy cattlestall barn (with milk room); dairyfree stall barn (with milking center); 

dairy-cowyards (with milking center); 

swine-open dirt or pasture lots; 

swine-housed, slotted floor; swinesolid concrete floor, open or housed lot: 

sheep-open lots; sheep-housed lots; 

horses-stables (race tracks); chickens-broilers, housed; chickens-layers 

(egg production), housed: chickenslayer breeding or replacement stock; 

housed; turkeys--open lots; turkeyshoused; and for those feedlot operations within these subcategories as 

large or larger than the capacities 

given below: 

1.000 slaughter steers and heifers; 700 mature dairy cattle (whether milkers or dry 

cows); 2,500 swine weighing over 55 pounds; 

10,000 sheep; 55,000 turkeys; 100.000 laying 

hens or broilers when faci1it.y has unlimited 

continuous flow watering systems; 30.000 laying hens or broilers when facility has liquid 

manure handling system; 500 horses; and 

1.000 animal units from a combination of 

slaughter steers and heifers, mature dairy 

cattle, swine over 55 pounds and sheep. 

9 412.11 Specialized definitions. 

For the purpose of this subpart: 

(a) Except as provided below, the general definitions, abbreviations and 

methods of analysis set forth in part 

401 of this chapter shall apply to this 

subpart. 

(b) The term feedlot shall mean a concentrated, confined animal or poultry 

growing operation for meat, milk or 

egg production, or stabling, in pens or 

houses wherein the animals or poultry 

are fed at the place of confinement and 

crop or forage growth or production is 

not sustained in the area of confinement. 

(c) The term process waste water shall 

mean any process generated waste 

water and any precipitation (rain or 

snow) which comes into contact with 

any manure, litter or bedding, or any 

other raw material or intermediate or 

final material or product used in or resulting from the production of animals 

or poultry or direct products (e.g. milk, 

eggs). 

Cd) The term process generated waste 

water shall mean water directly or indirectly used in the operation of a feedlot 

for any or all of the following: Spillage 

or overflow from animal or poultry watering +fms; washing, cleaning or 

flushi!l; ,I*? *, barns, manure pits or 

other IL 8. facilities; direct contact 

swimming, washing or spray cooling of 

animals; and dust control. 

(e) The terms 10 year, 24 hour ruinfull 

event and 25 year, 24 hour rainfall <vent 

shall mean a rainfall event with a probable recurrence interval of once in ten 

years or twenty-five years, respectively, as defined by the National 

Weather Service in Technical Paper 

Number 40, “Rainfall Frequency Atlas 

of the United States”, May 1961, and 

subsequent amendments, or equivalent 

regional or state rainfall probability 

information developed therefrom. 

(f) The term open lot shall mean pens 

or similar confinement areas with dirt, 

or concrete (or paved or hard) surfaces 

wherein animals or poultry are substantially or entirely exposed to the 

outside environment except for possible small portions affording some 

protection by windbreaks, small shedtype shade areas. For the purposes 

hereof the term “open lot” is synonymous with the terms “cowyard” (dairy 

cattle), “pasture lot” (swine), and “dirt 

lot” (swine, sheep or turkeys). “dry 
S412.12 

lot” (swine, cattle, sheep. or turkeys) 

which are terms widely used in the industry . 

(g) The term housed lol shall mean totally roofed buildings which may be 

open or completely enclosed on the 

sides wherein animals or poultry are 

housed over solid concrete or dirt 

floors, slotted (partially open) floors 

over pits or manure collection areas in 

pens, stalls or cages, with or without 

bedding materials and mechanical ventilation. For the purposes hereof, the 

term ‘*housed lot”.is synonymous with 

the terms “slotted floor” buildings 

(swine, beef), “barn” (dairy cattle) or 

“stable” (horses), “houses” (turkeys, 

chickens), which are terms widely used 

in the industry. 

(h) The term stall barn shall mean 

specialized facilities wherein producing 

cows and replacement cows are milked 

and fed in a fixed location. 

(i) The term free stall barn shall mean 

specialized facilities wherein producing 

cows are permitted free movement between resting and feeding areas. 

(j) The term milkroom shall mean 

milk storage and cooling rooms normally used for stall barn dairies. 

(k) The term milking center shall 

mean a separate milking area with 

storage and cooling facilities adjacent 

to a free stall barn or cowyard dairy 

operation. 

$412.12 Effluent limitations guidelines 

representing the degree of effluent 

reduction attainable by the application of the best practicable control 

technology currently available. 

In establishing the limitations set 

forth in this section, EPA took into account all information it was able to 

collect, develop and solicit with respect to factors (such as age and size of 

plant, raw materials, manufacturing 

processes, products produced, treatment technology available, energy requirements and costs) which can affect 

the industry subcategorization and effluent levels established. It is. however, 

possible that data which would affect 

these limitations have not been available and, as a result, these limitations 

should be adjusted for certain plants in 

this industry. An individual discharger 

or other interested person may submit 

evidence to the Regional Administrator (or to the State, if the State has 

the authority to issue NPDES permits) 

that factors relating to the equipment 

or facilities involved, the process applied, or other such factors related to 

such discharger are fundamentally different from the factors considered in 

the establishment of the guidelines. On 

the basis of such evidence or other 

available information, the Regional 

Administrator (or the State) will make 

a written finding that such factors are 

or are not fundamentally different for 

that facility compared to those specified in the Development Document. If 

such fundamentally different factors 

are found to exist, the Regional Administrator or the State shall establish for 

the discharge effluent limitations in 

the NPDES permit either more or less 

stringent than the limitations established herein, to the extent dictated by 

such fundamentally different factors. 

Such limitations must be approved by 

the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Administrator may approve or disapprove 

such limitations, specify other limitations, or initiate proceedings to revise 

these regulations. 

(a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the following 

limitations establish the quantity or 

quality of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged by a 

point source subject to the provisions 

of this subpart after application of the 

best practicable control technology 

currently available: There shall be no 

discharge of process waste water pollutants to navigable waters. 

(b) Process waste. pollutants in the 

overflow may be discharged to navigable waters whenever rainfall events, 

either chronic or catastrophic, cause 

an overflow of process waste water 

from a facility designed, constructed 

and operated to contain all process 

generated waste waters plus the runoff 

from a lo-year, 24-hour rainfall event 

fcr the location of the point source. 

6412.13 Effluent limitations guidelines 

representing the degree of effluent 

reduction attainable by the application of the best available technology economically achievable. 

(a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the following 
§ .20 

limitations establish the quantity or 

quality of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged by a 

point source subject to the provisions 

of this subpart after application of the 

best available technology economically 

achievable: There shall be no discharge 

of process waste water pollutants to 

navigable waters. 

(b) Process waste pollutants in the 

overflow may be discharged to navigable waters whenever rainfall events, 

either chronic or catastrophic, cause 

an overflow of process waste water 

from a facility designed, constructed 

and operated to contain all process 

generated waste waters plus the runoff 

from a 25-year, 24-hour rainfall event 

for the location of the point source. 

9 412.14 Pretreatment standards for 

existing sources. 

The pretreatment standards under 

section 367(b) of the Act for a source 

within all subcategories except ducks 

which is a user of a publicly owned 

treatment works and a major contributing industry as defined in 40 CFR 

part 128 (and which would be an existing point source subject to section 301 

of the Act, if it were to discharge pollutants to the navigable waters), shall 

be the standard set forth in 40 CFR 

part 128, except that, for the purpose of 

this section, 40 CFR 128.121. 128.122, 

128.132, and 128.133 shall not apply. The 

following pretreatment standard establishes the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties controlled 

by this section which may be discharged to a publicly owned treatment 

works by a point source subject to the 

provisions of this subpart. 

Pollutant or pollutant property Pretreatment standard 

Fecal coliform .._......_.__.................... No limitation 

BOD5 .___..._____. ,___.............__.............. Do. 

[40 FR 6440. Feb. 11. 19751 

$412.15 Standards of performance for 

new sources. 

(a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the following 

standards of performance establish the 

quantity or quality of pollutants or 

pollutant properties which may be discharged by a source subject to the provisions of this subpart: There shall be 

no discharge of process waste water 

pollutants to navigable waters. 

(b) Process waste pollutants in the 

overflow may be discharged to navigable waters whenever rainfall events, 

either chronic or catastrophic, cause 

an overflow of process waste water 

from a facility designed, constructed 

and operated to contain all process 

generated waste waters plus the runoff 

from a 25-year, 24-hour rainfall event 

for the location of the point source. 

9 412.16 Pretreatment standards for 

new sources. 

The pretreatment standards under 

section 307(c) of the Act for a source 

within all subcategories except ducks 

which is a user of a publicly owned 

treatment works (and which would be a 

new source subject to section 306 of the 

Act, if it were to discharge pollutants 

to the navigable waters). shall be the 

standard set forth in part 128 of this 

chapter, except that, for the purpose of 

this section, 5128.133 of this title shall 

be amended to read as follows: 

In addition to the prohibitions set forth in 

40 CFR 128.131. the pretreatment standard for 

incompatible pollutants introduced into a 

publicly owned treatment works shall be the 

standard of performance for new sources 

specified in 40 CFR 412.15; Provided That, if 

the publicly owned treatment works which 

receives the pollutants is committed, in its 

NPDES permit, to remove a specified percentage of any incompatible pollutant. the 

pretreatment standard applicable to users of 

such treatment works shall, except in the 

case of standards providing for no discharge 

of pollutants. be correspondingly reduced in 

stringency for that pollutant. 

(i 412.17 [Reserved] 

Subpart B-Ducks Subcategory 

Ei 412.20 Applicability; description of 

the ducks subcategory. 

The provisions of this subpart are applicable to discharges of pollutants resulting from feedlots for the following 

subcategories: Ducks-dry lot; duckswet lot; and for those feedlot operations within these subcategories as 

large or larger than the capacities 

given below: 

5.000 ducks 
5412.21 

Q 412.21 Specialized definitions. 

For the purpose of this subpart: 

(a) Except as provided below, the general definitions, abbreviations and 

methods of analysis set forth in Part 

401 of this chapter shall apply to this 

subpart. 

(b) The term feedlot shall mean a concentrated, confined animal or poultry 

growing operation for meat, milk or 

egg production, or stabling, in pens or 

houses wherein the animals or poultry 

are fed at the place of confinement and 

crop or forage production or growth is 

not sustained in the area of confinement. 

(c) The term process waste water shall 

mean any process generated waste 

water and any precipitation (rain or 

snow) which comes into contact with 

any manure, litter or bedding, or any 

other raw material or intermediate or 

final material or product used in or resulting from the production of animal 

or poultry or direct products (e.g. milk, 

eggs). 

(d) The term process generated waste 

water shall mean water directly or indirectly used in the operation of a feedlot 

for any or all of the following: Spillage 

or overflow from animal or poultry watering systems: washing, cleaning or 

flushing pens, barns, manure pits or 

other feedlot facilities; direct contact 

swimming, washing or spray cooling of 

animals; and dust control. 

(e) The terms IO-year, Z&hour rainfall 

event and 25-year, 24-hour rainfall event 

shall mean a rainfall event with a probable recurrence interval of once in ten 

years or twenty-five years, respectively, as defined by the National 

Weather Service in Technical Paper 

Number 40, “Rainfall Frequency Atlas 

of the United States”, May 1961, and 

subsequent amendments, or equivalent 

regional or state rainfall probability 

information developed therefrom. 

(f) The term dry lot shall mean a confinement facility for growing ducks in 

confinement with a dry litter floor 

cover and no access to swimming areas. 

(g) The term wet lot shall mean a confinement facility for raising ducks 

which is open to the environment with 

a small portion of shelter area, and 

with open water runs and swimming 

areas to which ducks have free access. 

# 412.22 Effluent limitations widelines 

represer -ng the degree of effluent 

reducticn attainable by the application of the best practicable control 

technology currently available. 

In establishing the limitations set 

forth in this section, EPA took into account all information it was able to 

collect, develop and solicit with respect to factors (such as age and size of 

plant, raw materials. manufacturing 

processes, products produced, treatment techrnlogy available, energy requirements and costs) which can affect 

the industry subcategorization and effluent levels established. It is, however, 

possible that data which would affect 

these limitations have not been available and, as a result, these limitations 

should be adjusted for certain plants in 

this industry. An individual discharger 

or other interested person may submit 

evidence to the Regional Administrator (or to the State, if the State has 

the authority to issue NPDES permits) 

that factors relating to the equipment 

or facilities involved, the process applied, or other such factors related to 

such discharger are fundamentally different from the factors considered in 

the establishment of the guidelines. On 

the basis of such evidence or other 

available information, the Regional 

Administrator (or the State) will make 

a written finding that such factors are 

or are not fundamentally different for 

that facility compared to those specified in the Development Document. If 

such fundamentally different factors 

are found to exist, the Regional Administrator or the State shall establish for 

the discharger effluent limitations in 

the NPDES permit either more or less 

stringent than the limitations established herein, to the extent dictated by 

such fundamentally different factors. 

Such limitations must be approved by 

the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Administrator may approve or disapprove 

such limitations, specify other limitations, or initiate proceedings to revise 

these regulations. 

(a) The following limitations establish the quantity or quality of pollutants or pollutant properties, controlled 

by this section, which may be discharged by a point source subject to 

the provisions of this subpart after ap- 
5412.26 

plication of the best practicable con- no discharge of process waste water 

trol technology currently available: pollutants to navigable waters. 

Effluent limilations 

Effluent characterishc 

Average of daily 

MaxImum values for 30 

for any 1 consecutive days 

day shall not exceedh4etric units (kgU.000 ducks) 

BOD5 ,_.., ,.. ._.. .__.._..... ._ 1.66 0.91 

Fecal coliform . .._......___.....___ (‘1 (‘) 

Engksh units (lb/l ,000 ducks) 

(b) Process waste pollutants in the 

overflow may be discharged to navigable waters whenever rainfall events, 

either chronic or catastrophic, cause 

an overflow of process waste water 

from a facility designed, constructed 

and operated to contain all process 

generated .waste 24-hour rainfall event 

for the location of the point source. 

4 412.26 Pretreatment standards for 

new sources. 

BOO5 . . . . ..__.__._....................... 3.66 

Fecal cokform ._....__.._............ (21 

1 Not to exceed mpn of 4001100 ml at any time. 

2.00 

(*) 

ZSee above (no1 typrcally expressed in English units). 

Q 412.23 [Reserved] 

b 412.24 Pretreatment standards for 

existing sources. 

The pretreatment standards under 

section 307(b) of the Act for a source 

within the ducks subcategory which is 

a user of a publicly owned treatment 

works and a major contributing industry as defined in 40 CFR part 128 (and 

which would be an existing point 

source subject to section 301 of the Act, 

if it were to discharge pollutants to the 

navigable waters), shall be the standard set forth in 40 CFR part 128,, except 

that, for the purpose of this section, 40 

CFR 128.121, 128.122, 128.132, and 128.133 

shall not apply. The following 

pretreatment standard establishes the 

quantity or quality of pollutants or 

pollutant properties controlled by this 

section which may be discharged to a 

publicly owned treatment works by a 

point source subject to the provisions 

of this subpart. 

The pretreatment standards under 

section 307(c) of the Act for a source 

within the ducks subcategory, which is 

a user of a publicly owned treatment 

works (and which would be a new 

source subject to section 306 of the Act, 

if it were to discharge pollutants to the 

navigable waters), shall be the standard set forth in part 128, of this chapter, except that, for the purpose of this 

section, $128.133 of this title shall be 

amended to read as follows: 

In addition to the prohibitions set forth in 

40 CFR 128.131, the pretreatment standard for 

incompatible pollutants introduced into a 

publicly owned treatment works shall be the 

standard of performance for new sources 

specified in 40 CFR 412.15; Provided That, if 

the publicly owned treatment works which 

receives the pollutants is committed, in its 

NPDES permit, to remove a specified percentage of any incompatible pollutant, the 

pretreatment standard applicable to users of 

such treatment works shall, except in the 

case of standard providing for no discharge 

of pollutants, be correspondingly reduced in 

stringency for that pollutant. 

Pollutant or pollutant property Pretreatment standard 

Fecal cokform . . ..___......_............... No limrtahon. 

SOD5 ..,........,...__......,,,,.................., Do. 

[40 FR 6440, Feb. 11, 19751 

$412.25 Standards of performance for 

new sources. 

(a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the following 

standards of performance establish the 

quantity or quality of pollutants or 

pollutant properties which may be discharged by a source subject to the provisions of this subpart: There shall be 
.WPENDLY B 

Srmpie /nspection Report 
APPENDlX B 

SAMPLE 

.UMMAL FEEDING OPERATION INSPECTION REPORT 

(Name of permitting authority) 

I. GENERAL INFORVL4TION 

Inspector’s Name Arrival Time 

Departure Time 

Facility Name Owner Name/Operator Name 

Facility Location Owner Address/Operator Address 

Vame and position of individual to whom credentials presented 

Weather conditions immediately prior to and during inspc-ztion 

II. FACILITY OPERATION INFORMATION 

I. What tv~e of operation is lhe Iactlity? 

-DGy CatU 

BeeC Cattle 

-Chickens 

Tllrkep 

ZSwine 

-Hmrr 

3. How many and what type of anrmab are pmenl? 

-Dairy Cattle 

-Swint{Ovcr 5Sibr.) 

-Beer Cattle 

Horses 

-Sheep and/or Lambs 

-Chicken8 

-Turkeys 

Other 

_ Livestock ,M8rket 

_ RmttrrckIRodeo 

__ Other 

No. al animals 

No. ol rniials 

No. of animals 

No. of animrls 

No. or animals 

.No. 0r animala 

No. ol animals 

No. or animala 

~pprox~matc number 01’ days anlmrl. are rt;rbledlconlined and red/mumuined,over any Il-month pertod (provide source al the infOrmatiOn) 
SAMPLE 

6. Do the animals enter or cro,, rurhcr wa‘er (e.g... r,vcrs. atre~n,,. cnnala,on . regular bwia? Ye¶ so 

7 \V’crc anlmnls obsrrvcd m IUI.~JCC water? Yes - ‘oIII. WASTE HANDLING, TREATMENT, AND/OR MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS 

I. Describe the typcl oTconlincment(i.e... free stall burns, tieltered or limited rhelter dirt lots. paved or dirt open lo& swine bouur) 

2. Docnbe the types ol waste handling used (ix.. direct sprndmg m solid form. slourd floor with lagoon or 

piL slnglc or multi-cell logoon. rcrated lagoon. land rpphcauon ol’ liquid mmwrc. spray irrigntlon, contrxttw dlsporal, etc.) 

3. If (here IS l waste storage lagoon give capwty and state how the dintensmns wera obtaiaed (I.e... meuurrd. atimrtad. inrornutioo from Uw operator) 

4. Is there I nutrient management plan (a.~... land rppliaoon records) kepl on-site? 

5 Can pollu~~~r, from the disposal of wmst” and waslewaters enter I surface waler, drybed, ditch. anal. c(r ? II p, “am the 9urea ‘1a8~. dr+h 

ditch. canal. etc., and deacr~br how the discharge may occur 

IV. DISCHARGE INFORMATION 

II there u evldcncc of I discharge or I discharge was observed. obtain answers to the rollowin~ questions and indicata how the Inlormatio~ -aa 

obulned. ~lro, take I sample from the source of thr discharge and clke photographs of the discharge or cvidencr of the dlrchar~ 

1 Did the discharge occur through or kcnuse of I moo-made ditch. flushing system or similar man-made device (i.e... man-made abrplng or gradlag or 

man-made alteration to property, trough)? 

Ye1 NO 

Explain how and why the dascharge occurred 
V. 

1. 

6. 

APPENDIX C 

Glossary 

C-l 
Glossary 

4 - The maximum 24-hour precipitation event expressed in inches 

with a probable recurrence interval of once in 25 years, as defined by the National Weather 

Service. 

Aerobic - The presence of free oxygen, or the use of bacteria and free oxygen to reduce organic 

matter. 

Anaerobic - The absence of oxygen, or the use of anaerobic bacteria to reduce organic matter. 

. . . Deratlou - A lot or facility (other than an aquatic animal production 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 areas do not sustain crops, 

vegetation, forage growth, or post-haxvest residues in the normal growing season. 

Animal unit - A unit of measurement for any animal feeding operation calculated by adding the 

following numbers: the number of slaughter and feeder cattle multiplied by 1 .O, plus the number 

of mature dairy cattle multiplied by 1.4, plus the number of swine weighing over 25 kilograms 

(approximately 55 pounds) multiplied by 0.4, plus the number of sheep multiplied by 0.1, plus 

the number of horses multiplied by 2.0. 

Best available technolow CBAT) - A level of reduction determined to be economically 

achievable through the use of the best available technology according to 301(b)(2)(a) and 

§402(a)( 1) of the Clean Water Act. The criteria and standards for establishing technology-based 

permit requirements are listed in 40 CFR 125.3. 

Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technologlr (BCT) - A level of treatment that succeeds 

BPT (Best Practical Control Technology Currently Available) for conventional pollutants. The 

deadline for achieving BCT was July 1, 1984 but was changed in the 1987 amendments to March 

31, 1989. 

. Bestmanagementctxes CAMPS) - Schedules of activities, prohibitions, maintenance 

procedures, and other management practices found to be the most effective and practicable 

methods to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States. Best 

management practices also include operating procedures, and practices to control site runoff, 

spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage. 

Clean Water Act - The Clean Water Act, found at 33 USC 1251 a previously called the 

Federal Water Pollution Control Act. 

. . Concentrated animal feeding - An animal feeding operation that meets the criteria 

in 40 CFR Part 122, Appendix B, or that the Director designates as a significant contributor of 

pollution pursuant to 40 CFR 122.23(c). Animal feeding operations defined as concentrated in 

40 CFR 122, Appendix B are as follows: 
1. A lot or facility that stables or confines and feeds or maintain for a total of 45 

days or more in any 12-month period more than the number of animals specified 

in any of the following categories: 

h. 

i. 

j. 

1,000 slaughter or feeder cattle, 

700 mature dairy cattle (whether milkers or dry cows), 

2,500 swine each weighing over 25 kilograms (approximately 55 pounds), 

500 horses, 

10,000 sheep or lambs, 

55,000 turkeys, 

100,000 laying hens or broilers (when the facility has unlimited continuous 

flow watering systems), 

30,000 laying hens or broilers (when facility has liquid manure handling 

system), 

5,000 ducks, 

1,000 animal units. 

2. A lot or facility that discharges pollutants into waters of the United States either 

through a man-made ditch, flushing system, or other similar man-made device; or 

directly into waters of the United States which originate outside of and pass over, 

across, or through the facility or otherwise come into direct contact with the 

animals confined in the operation and that stable or confine and feed or maintain 

for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period more than the numbers of 

animals in the following categories: 

h. 

i. 

i 

300 slaughter of feeder cattle, 

200 mature dairy cattle (whether milkers of dry cows), 

750 swine (each weighing over 25 kilograms), 

150 horses, 

3,000 sheep or lambs, 

16,000 turkeys, 

30,000 laying hens or broilers (when the facility has unlimited continuous 

flow watering systems), 

9,000 laying hens or broilers (when facility has liquid manure handling 

system), 

1,500 ducks, or 

300 animal units. 

Provided, however, that no animal feeding operation is a concentrated animal feeding operation as 

defined above if such animal feeding operation discharges only in the event of a 25-year, 24-hour 

storm event. 

Concrete and earthen Dit - A structure for storage of liquid or solid manure with a concrete 

floor and earthen sides that may include a filter waiI or picket dam to allow liquid to drain from 

one side to a separate compartment. 
Concrete tank - A tank constructed entirely of concrete and located under the animal 

confinement so that manure falls directly into the tank. 

Confinement feedinp - Feeding in limited quarters, often under a roof and over slotted floors. 

. . Control - Any system used for retention of wastes on the premises prior to their 

ultimate disposal, which may include the retention of manure, liquid waste, and runoff from the 

feedlot area. 

Earthen pit - A liquid manure storage structure constructed entirely of natural soil, hauled-in 

clay or soil, and bentonite. 

Filter walls - A wall with dram holes in it constructed entirely of natural soil, hauled-in clay or 

soil, and bentonite. 

Gutter: - A channel or trough used to carry liquid waste. 

Gutter Cleaner - A device installed in shallow, narrow gutters to carry the manure to a stacker 

for piling. 

Holdin- - A detention device that stores runoff water from a settling basin. 

Lagooq - A reservoir or pond built to contain water and animal wastes until they can be removed 

or decomposed either by aerobic or anaerobic action 

Land aDDlicatior\ - The removal of wastewater and waste solids Corn a waste control facility 

and distribution to, or incorporation into, the soi. mantle primarily for disposal purposes. 

Liner - A barrier in the form of a layer, membrane, or blanket installed to prevent discharges 

from retention structures to waters of the United States, through groundwater that has a 

hydrologic connection to surface waters. 

. s - A mixture of water and manure, usually less than 10 percent solids. 

Liauid tight concrete pit - An outside manure pit constructed so that the entire wetted area is 

concrete. 

Livestock Waste - Animal waste, but also may include bedding, feed, and other by-products of 

an animal feeding operation. 

Man-made dischareine devices - A pipeline, ditch, or drain tile that discharges into Waters of 

the United States. Any object that carries waste or runoff (pipes, terraces, irrigation systems, 

tractors with bucket scoops, etc.). 
men B- A fenced area where the animals are fed, but that is not a pasture. 

Generally an open animal feeding operation will have a high density of animals, will have little or 

no vegetation, and will be covered with a manure pack that requires periodic cleaning. 

Qpen feedlot - (See open confinement, above). 

Process wastewatec - Any process-generated wastewater and any precipitation (rain or snow) 

which comes into contact with any manure, litter or bedding, or any other raw material or 

intermediate or final material or product used in or resulting from the production of animals or 

poultry or direct products (e.g., milk, eggs). 

Process-generated - Water used either directly or indirectly by an animal feeding 

operation for various uses, including: spillage or overflow from animal poultry watering systems; 

washing, cleaning, flushing pens, barns, manure pits, or other feedlot facilities; direct contact 

swimming, washing, or spray cooling of animals, and dust control. 

Retention fa&i$y or Retention structureg - All collection ditches and conduits for the 

collection of runoff and wastewater, and all basins, ponds, and lagoons used to store wastes, 

wastewaters, and manures. 

m (or m - Type of temporary runoff storage area where the liquids flow at 

a very slow velocity, which allows the solids to settle out and the liquids to drain out slowly. 

The - Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended, also known as the Clean Water Act, 

found at 33 USC 1251 St sea 

. . Waste ret- ret- - Excavated or diked structures or natural 

depressions provided for or used for the purpose of holding animal wastes and other associated 

animal feeding operation materials. 

. . Waste treatment faw - Structures and/or devices that stabilize, or otherwise control 

pollutants so that after discharge of treated wastes, water pollution does not occur and the public 

health and the beneficial uses of Waters of the United States are adequately protected. 

Waters of the United States 

1. All waters that are currently used, were used in the past, or may be susceptible to 

use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters that are subject to the 

ebb and flow of the tide. 

2. All interstate waters, including interstate wetlands. 

3. All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent 

streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, 

playa lakes, or natural ponds the use, degradation, or destruction of which would 

affect or could affect interstate or foreign commerce including any such waters: 
a Which are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for 

recreational or other purposes; 

b. From which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or 

foreign commerce; or, 

C. Which are or could be used for industrial purposes by industries in 

interstate commerce. 

4. All impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United States 

under this definition. 

5. Tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this definition. 

6. The territorial sea; and 

7. Wetlands adjacent to waters (other than waters that are themselves wetlands) 

identified in items 1 through 6 of this definition. 

w - Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency 

and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence 

of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include 

swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. 
APPENDIXD 

BibIiography 

D-l 
BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Publications and ReDortq 

Bodman, G.R., Dashazer, J.A., et al., Beef Housing and Equipment Handbook, Midwest Plan 

Service, Iowa State University, Fourth Edition. 1987. 

Ensminger, M.E., Animal Science (Animal Agriculture Series), Interstate Publishers, Inc., 

Danville, IL, Ninth Edition. 1989. 

Howard, K. and T. Plasto, Feedlotting: A Guide for Beef Producers, Queensland Department of 

Primary Industries Information Services, Brisbane, Australia. 1991. 

Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Regulations and Guidelines for Animal 

Feeding Operations in Iowa, Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 1992. 

Manges, H.L., Lipper, RJ., et al., Treatment and Ultimate Dtiposal of Cattle Feedlot Wastes, 

EPA 660/2-75-013. 1975. 

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Manure Management Handbook, Ontario Soil 

and Crop Improvement Association, Ontario, Canada. 1982. 

Sutton, Alan L. “Animal Agriculture’s Effect on Water Quality,” Water Qualily, Department of 

Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. July 1990. 

Swanson, N.P., Mielke, et al., “Transport of Pollutants from Sloping Cattle Feedlots as Affected 

by Rainfall Intensity, Duration, and Recurrence,” Livestock Wmte Management and Pollution 

Abatement, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, WI, pp. 5 l-55. 1971. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook, U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Washington, DC. 1992. 

U.S. Department of Commerce, 25 Year, 24 Hour RainfaZZ (Inches), Technical Paper 40, U.S. 

Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau, Washington, DC. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Development Documentfor Efluent Limitations 

Guidelines and New Source Perjbrmance Standardfor the Feedlots Point Source Categov, U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Water Programs, EPA 440/l -74-004-a. 

1974. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Feedlots C&se Studio of Selected States, U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, Feedlot Workgroups, Washington, DC. 1993. 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Preliminary Economic Achievubili~ Anarysis 

AgricuZturuZ Management Measures, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Policy, 

Planning, and Evaluation, Washington, DC. 1992. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Guiaiznce Spect$ing Management Measures for Sources 

of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Wuters, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, 

Washington, DC. January 1993. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Summary of Water Pollution from Feedlot Ware: An 

Analysis of its Magnitude and Geographic Distribution, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

Feedlots Workgroup, Washington, DC. 1993. 

Young, R.A., et al., “EfI’ectiveness of Vegetated Buffer Strips in Controlling Pollution from 

Feedlot Runoff,” Journal of Environmental Quality, pp. 483-487. July/Sept. 1980. 

Young, R A, et al. An Evaluation System to Rate Feedlot Pollution Potential, Agriculture 

Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC. 1982. 

The Clean Water Act as Amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, Public Law 100-4, Senate 

Committee on Environment and Public Works,lOOth Cong., 2d Session (1988). 

Criteria for Determining a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, 40 CFR 0 122, Appendix B 

(1992). 

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, 40 CFR $122.23 (1992). 

Efluent Guidelines and Standards: Feediots Point Sources Category, 39 FR 5704 (Feb. 14, 

1974). 

EPA Efluent Guidelines and Standards for Feedlots, 40 CFR 4 12 (Revised through July 1, 199 1). 

National Pollutant D&charge Elimination System and State Program Elements Necessary for 

Participation: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, 40 FR 54 182 (Nov. 20,1975). 

National Pollutant Discharge Eltknnation System General Permit and Reporting Requirements for 

Dkcharges from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (Region 6 Final Notice), 58 FR 76 10 

(Feb. 8, 1993). 

State Program Elements Necessaryfor Partk@tion in the National Pollutant Discharge 

Elimination System: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, 41 FR 11458 (Mar. 18, 1976).22 
APPENDIX E 

Fact Sheet - Southview Farm Case 

E-l 
Agricultural Point Sources and the Concerned Area Residents for the Environment v. 

Southview Farm 

The CWA does not regulate manure spreading operations in general -- only manure spreading by 

CAFOs. As explained previously, CAFOs are the only feedlots subject to regulation under the 

point source permit program. If a feedlot is not a CAFO, it is not a point source. In a recent 

Second Circuit case, Concerned Area Residents for the Environment v. Southview Farm, the 

Circuit Court agreed with the citizen plaintiffs’ alternative argument that, “manure spreading 

vehicles themselves were point sources. The collection of liquid manure into tankers and their 

discharge on fields from which the manure directly flows into navigable waters are point sources 

under the case law.” Southview Farm, 34 F.3d 114, 119 (2d Cir. 1994). EPA does not endorse 

this interpretation in general and believes it was only applicable to the Southview Farm case. 

Furthermore, EPA believes it was unnecessary for the Court to make this point in determining 

that Southview Farms was a CAFO because Southview Farm operated a “large” CAFO (more 

than 1,000 animal units). As a large CAFO, the means of conveyance (i.e., manure spreading 

vehicles) was irrelevant for determining whether there was a point source discharge. 
&EPA 

United States 

Environmental Protection Agency 

(4203) 

Washington, DC 20460 

Official Business 

Penalty for Priiate Use 

$300