Due to the large number of anticipated permits under the recently revised rules for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Other Livestock Agricultural Operations regulations, the Department of Environmental Protection this week reminded potential applicants of several deadlines for the submission of applications.

The deadlines are available online, but here’s a quick overview--

· April 24, 2006 -- Dry poultry CAFO operations with more than 500 AEUs must apply;

· April 24, 2006 – Also other newly regulated CAFO operations, such as horses, or other existing operations that exceed one of the federal threshold numbers must apply; and

· January 22, 2007 -- Dry poultry CAFO operations with less than 500 AEUs must apply;

Newly proposed CAFO operations and existing operations that want to expand to become a CAFO must submit an application at least 180 days prior to beginning or expanding their operation.

After October 22, 2005, new or expanded liquid or semi-solid manure storage facilities require a water quality management permit if: the facility is a pond with a storage capacity greater than 1 million gallons in a high quality or exceptional value watershed or in a watershed that is impaired from nutrients from agricultural activities; or the storage capacity is 2.5 million gallons or more, regardless of type of facility and location.

After October 22, 2005, the following operations must not apply manure within 100 feet of surface water (a stream, lake or pond), unless a vegetated buffer no less than 35 feet in width has been established: CAOs and agricultural operations that receive manure from either a CAO or CAFO, directly or through a broker. A similar, though slightly more stringent requirement, applies to CAFOs as well.

The revised regulations were published in the October 22 Pennsylvania Bulletin.

For more information, visit the DEP Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations webpage.

12/2/2005