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 fees related to CAFO permits?
There is an application fee of $100 for a small CAFO, $150 for a medium CAFO, and $300 for a large CAFO when applying for a permit. There also is an annual permit fee. Depending on the size of your operation, the annual permit fee will be:
- $125 for a small CAFO
- $250 for a medium CAFO
- $400 for a Tier 1 large CAFO
- $900 for a Tier 2 large CAFO
For more information, see the CAFO fee table.
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. Click on the area tabs below for information. For details on noticing and public participation requirements, reference table 2 of the CAFO permit. You can sign up to be notified by email when a CAFO public notice is announced.
No current public notices
No current public notices
No current public notices
No current public notices
No current public notices
One position available on the CAFO Advisory Committee
The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s CAFO Program has an open membership seat available for one position representing the public for the CAFO Advisory Committee (CAC).
The committee membership consisting of industry and public members allows for open and constructive dialogue representing a variety of perspectives about the program's operations. ODA also collects input from the Advisory Committee and the public on proposed CAFO rules or rule revisions.
Un puesto disponible en el Comité Asesor de la Operación de Alimentación de Animales Confinados de Oregon
El Programa CAFO del Departamento de Agricultura de Oregon tiene un puesto de membresía disponible para un posición que representa al público para el Comité Asesor de CAFO (CAC).
La membresía del comité que consiste en miembros de la industria y el público permite un diálogo abierto y constructivo que representa una variedad de perspectivas sobre las operaciones del programa. ODA también recopila información del Comité Asesor y del público en general sobre las reglas propuestas de CAFO o las revisiones de las reglas.
Resources
Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) public notices
Activities within the CAFO Program require public notice and participation opportunities. You can sign up for email notifications. Subscribe to receive CAFO public notices
Landowner's Guide to Managing Livestock Mortality
Information about how to safely dispose of large animal carcasses. Livestock mortality guide
Background information
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Current Issues
Current federal issues that impact NPDES permits NPDES website
NPDES and Animal Feeding Operations
Animal 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
Rules and regulations
Department of Environmental Quality Division 45, Regulations Pertaining to NPDES and WPCF Permits
DEQ's administrative rules for the CAFO Program DEQ - OAR Chapter 340
Current permits and related materials
CAFO Program Memorandum of Understanding
MOU 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