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.
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.
What is ODA's CAFO permit application process?
A complete application should be submitted to ODA at least 180 days prior to the date of intended construction or operation. For more information, see our step-by-step process for CAFO permitting.
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.
Why land use is important
Oregon's land-use laws regulate the use of land and permitted uses. When an applicant submits a CAFO application to ODA, the application must include a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS). A representative from the local land use authority must sign a LUCS ensuring that the proposed CAFO can be located at the site and is compliant with Oregon's land-use system. According to state law, local governments implement their own comprehensive land plans and land use regulations (zoning). ODA has no regulatory authority in Oregon’s land-use system.
ORS 215.203(2) defines all agricultural operations. In addition, there are 19 Statewide Land Use Planning Goals that all cities and counties use in creating their comprehensive land-use plans. For example, statewide Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, defines agricultural land and requires that agricultural land be identified and protected. Lands determined to be agricultural land are designated as (zoned) and protected by Exclusive Farm Use zones (EFU). State law permits farm use as a right on lands zoned EFU.
Agency partners
ODA, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Water Resources Department, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of State Lands
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