Environmental Progress - Winter-Spring 2004

IEPA Issues General Permit for CAFO's

Permit will help livestock operators to comply with federal Clean Water Act

A new permit designed to assist an estimated 3,200 livestock operations in Illinois comply with federal Clean Water Act requirements to protect the state's waterways from manure and wastewater discharges has been finalized by the Illinois EPA. Adoption of this general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, permit will allow for timely issuance of permits for most Illinois livestock operations. The alternative of issuing individual NPDES permits for each Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is not a practical or efficient means of addressing thousands of facilities statewide.

In February 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued regulations for CAFOs in response to growing national concern about the potential for water quality problems from accidental release or improper handling of animal wastes. The CAFO general NPDES permit issued by the Illinois EPA is designed to cover these types of facilities and address runoff problems, the adequacy of manure storage, proper land application and many other matters.

An owner or operator of a "large" or "medium" CAFO, as defined by the regulations, must apply for a CAFO NPDES permit. This distinction is based on the number of animals in the operation, whether manure or wastewater from the operation is discharged to surface waters, or if livestock comes into contact with surface water in the areas in which they are confined. Medium-size CAFOs may be able to "opt out" of the permit, if they do not have a man-made ditch or pipe carrying manure or wastewater to surface waters or have animals in contact with surface water.

There are several deadlines for filing an application for a CAFO NPDES permit with the Illinois EPA. For more information go to the CAFO website, or contact Illinois EPA Environmental Help Line at 1-888-372-1996 or cafo@illinois.gov.