Long Term Lagoon Storage. Most producers prefer liquid manure storage over solid manure storage because pumping reduces the labor of handling. Solid Manure Storage producers cannot stack solid manure in open areas where rainfall is great. If they add bedding to make manure stack, they must contain runoff from the stack. Roofing the storage improves stacking and reduces clean water contamination when the roof has a gutter system.
Few managers use solid manure storages in Washington because of high rainfall.
Some stack manure east of the Cascade Range, however, where the climate is drier. Producers find it difficult to agitate lagoons and earthen storage basins for large herds well enough to allow good solids removal during pumpout. Separators, which require a dilute manure slurry are commonly used in flush cleaning of free stall barns. Separation of solids. Runoff Management or Control Systems Runoff, from rainfall on roofs, lots, or from outside the system, that contacts manure becomes contaminated.