Principles for Temporary Abandonment Facilities often are temporarily closed with the intention of restarting livestock production. While the abandonment plan requirement for a NDEQ permit should focus on permanent abandonment, it is appropriate to have a temporary closure plan in mind. The first three steps identified for permanent abandonment continue to be relevant. Remove all liquids and pumpable slurry. Protect the integrity of the existing earthen liner.
Land apply the liquid and pumpable slurry to crop land at agronomic rates.
The water should limit damage to the sidewalls from weed growth, erosion and burrowing animals during temporary storage. Monitor the storage water depth regularly. If storms result in insufficient depth, pump this water onto crop or pasture land. The water should not be discharged into a stream, ditch or drainage. By defining the steps necessary to implement facility abandonment, a plan meeting NDEQ review requirements can be assembled.