Any agricultural professional practicing animal husbandry has to think about the daily needs of their livestock. In addition to ensuring a safe and adequately warm environment, they have to provide adequate nutrition and possibly veterinary care.
Additionally, the animals in their care produce manure, which they need to address. Some farmers choose on-site storage for manure as a simple and cost-effective solution. They may even want to compost the manure produced by their animals to sell it to local gardeners as fertilizer.
Mistakes with manure storage facilities and practices could potentially lead to civil litigation or claims of environmental damage. What rules regulate the storage of manure in agricultural operations?
Placement is critical
First and foremost, manure storage needs to be located away from groundwater and surface water sources. The law requires that manure storage systems have at least a 100-foot buffer separating them from wells and surface water. Storage must also be at least 200 feet from property lines.
Additionally, manure facilities generally need to be capable of properly containing liquid contents. The manure must not come into contact with groundwater or produce any runoff that could cause environmental or health concerns. Solid manure should be covered, meaning it is not openly exposed to the elements.
There are many other restrictions imposed on the storage of manure to prevent environmental damage. Accusations of improper manure storage could lead to major property renovation costs. Farmers could also face expensive citations and possibly also damage claims from their neighbors.
Planning appropriately for the more complex challenges of animal husbandry, including manure storage, can help farmers avoid legal challenges. Those expanding their operations or facing non-compliance allegations may need support while learning about and upholding agricultural statutes, and that’s okay.