A small number of operations are classified as CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). These operations are based on the number of animals. Refer to the CAFO Chart under the "CAFO External Links" section for a current definition.

These operations are regulated under the NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) permitting program and other regulations through the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency). In PA, EPA delegates DEP (PA Department of Environmental Protection) to manage the program. CAFOs not only need an Act 38 nutrient management plan, but also complete permitting applications and record keeping requirements. Go to the DEP CAFO web link on the right for more information.

As mentioned before, farm operations that are not a CAO or a CAFO are required to have a manure management plan, a simplified version of a nutrient management plan. Technically, this requirement has been in existence for many years, but DEP could not say exactly what this type of plan would look like in the past.

Now, with increased pressure to improve water quality from EPA and other Federal sources, DEP has just released a workbook in which farmers can fill in the information themselves, follow the minimum guidelines, and be in compliance with PA and Federal water protection laws. Check it out in the "Most AG Operations Links" section on the right-hand side of this web page.

In 2009, a local poultry farmer installed a poultry manure burner to help save money on propane while keeping manure nutrients from reaching local surface and ground waters and the Chesapeake Bay. Many groups such as Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Fish & Wildlife Federation, PA Department of Environmental Protection, PA State Conservation Commission, PA Department of Revenue, Penn State Small Business Development Center and Snyder County Conservation District helped out with this project. Check out the two external links at the bottom right of this web page for details.

There are two other programs, not through conservation districts, that effect certain farmers indirectly through nutrient and manure management:

Manure Hauler & Broker Program: This program certifies people that commercially haul, land apply or broker manure in PA. The PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) is tasked to manage the program. Go to the PA Manure Hauler & Broker Program link under the "Other External Links" section for more information.

Note: There will be a meeting at the former Career Link Building in Selinsgrove for manure haulers and brokers on February 23, 2012. Click here for details.

Odor Management Program: As part of Act 38, this program requires that new CAOs and CAFOs, as well as CAOs and CAFOs that build new or expand manure storage or animal housing structures, must have an odor management plan written and implemented. For more information, go to the PA Odor Management Program link under the "Other External Links" section.