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Non-Discharge Permitting Unit :: Animal Operations

Procedures for Installing and Operating an Innovative Wastewater Treatment System on Your Existing Animal Waste Management Facility:

1. Consider Whether the System is Truly Innovative:

Solids separation in conjunction with an anaerobic lagoon and spray field system or covered anaerobic lagoons are not considered innovative systems by the Division of Water Quality (Division). If these systems are employed, they should be addressed in the existing Animal Waste Management Plan for the facility.

 2. Determine Which Process to Follow if the System is Considered Innovative by the Division:

The process to follow depends on the size of the innovative system and whether permanent structures will be constructed.

A. Pilot Studies:

A pilot study is not permanent, treats less than 50% of the waste generated on the farm, and redirects all treated waste back into the existing lagoon at the site.

To receive an approval letter for a Pilot Study, the owner of the facility must request approval by the Division of Water Quality in writing. A letter stating the details of the system, including any supporting documents, should be addressed to the Non-Discharge Permitting Unit, Division of Water Quality, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617. Pilot studies should not begin until written approval is received from the Division of Water Quality .

Approvals for pilot studies authorize the construction of the necessary components and may require monitoring and reporting requirements.

B. Full Scale Systems:

If the system cannot be considered a pilot study (see above definition) an Innovative Animal Waste Management System Permit must be obtained. The permit application is available on-line at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ndpu/ndpuapps.html . This permitting process involves a full technical review of the project. Therefore, all design documentation (plans, specifications, calculations etc.) is required to be submitted with the permit application. All design documents must be stamped and sealed by a Professional Engineer currently registered in the State of North Carolina.

FAQ's for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) General Permit for Animal Operations

Who must have an NPDES Permit?

• Any farm that has animal numbers meeting the Federal Threshold Numbers or any farm that has had a recent discharge violation

 What are the Federal Threshold Numbers?

• 2500 Swine greater than 55 pounds in weight
• 700 Mature Dairy Cattle
• 1,000 Beef Cattle in confinement
• 30,000 Poultry with liquid waste management system

How far back will DWQ go in the history of the farm to check for discharge problems?

• January 1, 2001

If the producers have multiple sites, are they evaluated together?

• If the farms are adjacent to one another and owned by the same person or entity, yes, otherwise no

If there is an Ownership Change for a facility that has an NPDES permit because of discharge problems, does the new owner still have to have the NPDES permit?

• Yes

Is there a separate annual fee for NPDES permits?

• No

Will the permit fee change?

• No

If you have rainbreakers do you still have to check the irrigation activities every 120 minutes?

• Yes

If there are no animals on the farm and you don't intend on repopulating the farm, do you have to have an NPDES permit?

• No, but you will be required to maintain your state non-discharge permit until the animal waste management system is properly closed

What are considered "normal mortality rates?"

• The average mortality rates for the specific facility

 Does the OIC have to be watching the spray irrigation at all times during irrigation if there are no rainbreakers in place?

• Yes, the OIC or the designated backup OIC has to be present at all times during irrigation activities

Who can calibrate application equipment?

• Anyone who has been trained and has the knowledge to do so

Where can you get information on calibrating application equipment?

• The Cooperative Extension Service intends to put on calibrating workshops

Who can do the sludge survey?

• Anyone who has been trained and has the knowledge to do so

Where can I get information on sludge surveys?

• The Cooperative Extension Service has a publication for sludge surveys

Where on the farm does the rain gauge need to be placed?

• As close to the lagoon(s) as is possible

Are the heifers considered mature cows?

• No

Are the dry cows considered mature cows?

• Yes

Why do you need to send a copy of the WUP with the permit application?

• DWQ needs to have the latest waste plan on file

Is the monthly stocking record (condition II.4) based on daily averages?

• Yes

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