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 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit or in the Water Pollution Control Facilities (WPCF) General Permit 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.
How do I apply 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.
What are the 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 NPDES Permit or in the WPCF Permit 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.
- There is a Proposal for a Substantial Change to an Animal Waste Management Plan (AWMP) for an existing CAFO in Area 3. Written comments due by 5 p.m. Dec. 11, 2019. For information, click on the Area 3 tab below.
- There is a notice of proposed rulemaking that would raise annual permit fees, application fees and transfer fees for CAFOs. A public hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 12, 2019, at Oregon Department of Agriculture, 635 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97301. Written comments due by 5 p.m. Dec. 20, 2019.
- There also is a Proposal for a General Permit Registration for a New CAFO in Area 5. A public hearing has been scheduled for 2-4 p.m., Dec. 16, 2019, at Harney ESD, 25 Fairview Heights, Burns, OR 97720. Written comments due by 5 p.m., Dec. 21, 2019. For information, click on the Area 5 tab below.
For details on noticing and public participation requirements, reference table 2 of the CAFO permit.
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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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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
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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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