Do I need a permit for the manure generated by my animals?
The Oregon Department of Agriculture issues a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit to livestock owners so manure does not pollute ground and surface water.
There are three main factors that determine if your farm needs a CAFO permit:
- How many animals you have.
- How long the animals are confined for in a prepared area (e.g. in a barn, lot, pen).
- How the manure and wastewater generated by the farm is stored (e.g. do you collect your manure in a tank or do you stack it in a pile).
Reference table 1 in the CAFO permit (see current permit and related materials below) to determine whether the permit is required. For more information, see the CAFO geographic boundaries resource to contact the livestock water quality specialist in your area.
Applying for a permit
For operators not currently permitted, complete Application to Register (ATR) to the Oregon CAFO permit and review the animal waste management plan minimum requirements when completing section IV of the ATR.
CAFO permit fees
There is a $50 application fee when applying for a permit and an annual permit fee. Depending on the size of your operation, the annual permit fee is:
- $100 for a small CAFO
- $200 for a medium CAFO
- $300 for a large CAFO
Reference table 1 in the CAFO permit (see current permit and related materials below) to determine the size of your operation.
What if I need a CAFO permit but decide not to get one?
Failing to apply for a CAFO permit, if required, is a violation of state law and you may be assessed a financial penalty.
Public notices
Activities within the CAFO Program require public notice and participation opportunities. For details on noticing and public participation requirements, reference table 2 of the CAFO permit.
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Lost Valley Farm
Resources
Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) public noticesActivities within the CAFO Program require public notice and participation opportunities. You can sign up for email notifications. Subscribe to receive CAFO public notices
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Land Use Compatibility StatementPart of the CAFO permit application to asses that CAFO activities is an appropriate land use. Document
Large Animal Mortality - Safe and legal disposal of animal carcassesAnimal mortality management guidance Document
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Background information
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Current IssuesCurrent federal issues that impact NPDES permits NPDES website
NPDES and Animal Feeding OperationsAnimal feeding operations that meet the regulatory definition of a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) are regulated under the NPDES permitting program. EPA information on animal feeding operations
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Rules and regulations
Department of Environmental Quality Division 45, Regulations Pertaining to NPDES and WPCF PermitsDEQ's administrative rules for the CAFO Program DEQ - OAR Chapter 340
House Bill 2156CAFO program history Document
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Current permits and related materials
CAFO Program Memorandum of UnderstandingMOU between the Environmental Quality Commission and the Oregon Department of Agriculture for authorization of the CAFO program. CAFO Program MOU
Del Sistema Nacional de Eliminación de Descargas de Contaminantes Para Una Operación de Alimentación de Animals Estabulados Permiso
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