Workshops To Focus on Water Quality Permits for Livestock Operations
Agricultural producers
with growing livestock operations are invited to attend the 2008
Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) workshops and web conferences
to be held around the state during June and July.
In Wisconsin, any livestock operation planning to expand beyond 700 dairy cows, 1,000 beef cattle or 2,500 hogs must apply for a Department of Natural Resources water quality (WPDES) permit.
Producers who either need or have a permit will get a chance to:
- Hear from a featured livestock producer with experience in the permitting process.
- Learn about changes in the rules governing WPDES permits
- Get one-on-one access to agency representatives.
- Pick up a CAFO WPDES permit application and other relevant materials.
The programs are sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; the University of Wisconsin-Extension; and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association.
Large-scale livestock operators, consultants, engineers and related workers need detailed information about the latest CAFO regulations and permit requirements to avoid costly mistakes and inefficiencies. The workshops and web conferences are designed for current Wisconsin producers with WPDES permits, as well as livestock operators who in the future will need to apply for a permit.
"The idea of applying for a WPDES permit is intimidating to many producers," notes Kevin Erb, UW-Extension conservation professional development and training coordinator. "But the contents of a permit--the spill response plan, documentation of enough acreage to safely apply manure, engineering drawings of the manure system--are essential for farms that want to be proactive and prevent problems from happening."
The agenda for the current permit holders will cover nutrient management planning, plans, specifications submittal for manure storage/runoff control/monitoring, and reporting requirements. DNR staff will also provide information on recent revisions to WPDES permit requirements.
The sessions for producers growing their livestock operations will cover calculating the number of animals onsite to determine whether a permit is needed, what information to submit as part of a permit application, and presentations on the DNR permitting process and requirements.
Face-to-face workshops
will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m at Green Bay on June 23; Johnson
Creek on June 24; Eau Claire on July 8; and Richland Center on July 9.
In addition to the classroom meetings, a series of in-depth interactive web conferences will be held in ten locations around the state. These will allow producers, consultants and agency staff to learn more details about changes in the WPDES permit process and ask questions of experts.
Topics and dates for the three-hour web conferences are as follows: Livestock Siting, July 18; Applying for a WPDES Permit, July 25; Submittal of Plans and Specs, July 30; CAFO Nutrient Management Plans, July 31.
The $30 pre-registration fee includes attendance at one workshop and the four web conferences. For more information or to register, visit http://www.uwex.edu/ces/regionalwaterquality/conservationtraining/ and click on "CAFO," or call Kevin Erb (920-391-4652), kevin.erb@ces.uwex.edu
Top of Page | Cooperative Extension Home
If you have trouble accessing this page, require this information in an alternative format or wish to request a reasonable accommodation because of a disability, email Clementine Uwabera, clementine.uwabera@ces.uwex.edu or phone 608-263-2776 or 1-800-974-6644 TTY.