Rev. 8/15
What is Iowa Farm A Syst?
Iowa Farm*A*Syst is a farmstead assessment system developed to assist rural residents in protecting their
water resources, particularly their drinking water. Individuals can tailor the Iowa Farm*A*Syst program to
meet their needs by choosing specific topics that fit their farmstead or acreage. The Iowa Farm*A*Syst program is based on a series of 11 units. Each unit provides information on the subject area and an assessment
worksheet to evaluate on-farm practices affecting water quality. Also included in the units are references to
Iowa environmental laws and technical assistance contact information.
How will I know which unit will help me?
You will be able to identify the most useful Iowa Farm*A*Syst units by asking yourself the following
questions.
Do you…
Get your drinking water from a private well?
Have any unused or abandoned wells on the farm?
Have a private system to dispose of bathroom
and kitchen wastewater?
Have feedlots or barnyards?
Raise livestock in confinement?
Dispose of dead animals on your farm?
Use or store pesticides?
Use or store fertilizer?
Use or store petroleum products?
Use or store hazardous materials such as
chemicals, batteries, or petroleum products?
Have a manure storage unit?
Review/print this Iowa Farm*A*Syst unit
Water Well Condition & maintenance
Water Well Condition & maintenance
Household Wastewater Management
Open Feedlot Manure Management
Confinement Livestock Manure Management
Dead Animal Management
Pesticide Storage & Management
Fertilizer Storage & Management
Petroleum Storage & Management
Hazardous Materials Storage & Management
Assessing Your Emergency Response Planning for
Manure Spills
How do I start assessing my farmstead?
The 11 Iowa Farm*A*Syst units are each designed to be stand-alone units. However, the first step to
assessing your farmstead should be to draw a map of the area and label any potential sources of
contamination. Every farmstead is unique. You need to evaluate your farmstead’s site characteristics to determine the potential for groundwater and surface water contamination. This unit can help you get started.
After you have mapped your farmstead, consider what management decisions may be affecting the quality
of your water resources. This process will help you to prioritize which of the other Iowa Farm*A*Syst
assessments you may want to complete.
For more information or to download additional Iowa Farm*A*Syst units, visit www.iowafarmasyst. com or
Contact Rick Robinson, Iowa Farm Bureau (515) 225-5432
DISCLAIMER: This document is designed for general information only, and should not be relied upon as a definitive interpretation of all
potentially relevant statutes and regulations. The information contained herein is provided “as is”, without warranty as to its suitability for
application to any specific circumstances. The reader is advised to seek the advice of a licensed professional for opinions regarding the
application of the information or the statutes and regulations referenced herein to their specific circumstances. The Iowa Farm Bureau
Federation specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or resulting from a person’s use of the information contained in this document.
2
Confinement Livestock Manure Management
Careful storage and field application of animal manure can reduce the need for
commercial fertilizer and increase crop yields. Additionally, the organic matter in
manure can improve soil quality and increase the soils ability to hold moisture.
Management practices that improve the financial, social and environmental
sustainability of an animal feeding operation are the goals of an Environmental
Management System. An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a systematic approach to identify, correct and monitor the impacts your livestock
operation has on the environment. This process fully integrates environmental
responsibility into the business of farming, while also taking into account farm
profitability. The EMS framework helps you to evaluate existing facilities and
management systems and then identify opportunities to take voluntary actions
that reduce environmental risks, ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulation and support sound farm financial management.
An open feedlot
is a livestock yard
without vegetation
that is not totally
covered by a roof
where animals are
held for 45 days or
more in a 12 month
period.
A confinement feeding operation is an
area where animals
are confined to areas
that are totally roofed.
React
Make needed changes to action
plan as improvements are made.
Evaluate the success of your
improvements in meeting
planned goals and objectives.
The EMS
Improvement
Process
Check
Continually evaluate performance
through systematic observation
and record keeping tools to
identify potential problems.
This publication will help you to:
1. Understand the potential problems related to animal manure and Iowa laws concerning
confinement operations.
2. Assess your confinement operaton for potential water pollution problems.
3. Plan and prioritize actions that will minimize your potential for water pollution and prevent
manure spills.
4. Monitor critical control points for preventing manure spills on your farm.
5. Begin to develop and implement a livestock Environmental Management System (EMS).
6. Seek additional resources for developing an EMS for your entire farm or to locate appropriate
contacts for other related questions you may have.
3
“What kinds of problems can be caused by mismanaged manure on my farm?”
Manure Pollution Potential
The pollution potential for groundwater and surface water from confinement livestock operations comes
from animal manure as well as feed storage. If not properly managed, manure
can cause nutrient and bacterial contamination of wells. Not only are manure
*The maximum acleaks and spills a potential health hazard for your family and livestock, they can
ceptable level of nialso pollute your favorite fishing spot or swimming area.
trates in your drinking
water may be reported
• Nitrates. The Drinking water standard is 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l), or
in two ways:
parts per mil-lion (ppm). At levels greater than the standard, infants under 6
months of age may be at risk for methemoglobinemia, commonly called
10 ppm nitrate meablue-baby syn-drome. However the Iowa Department of Public Health
sured as nitrate-nitroreports that methemoglobinemia is no longer considered a reportable
gen (NO3 - N).
disease in Iowa. Elevated levels of nitrates are associated with the
development of certain kinds of cancers in otherwise healthy adults in some
studies.
•
•
•
•
Animals can also experience health problems from high nitrate levels. Nitrate levels below 100
ppm nitrate will not cause problems for any class of livestock. However, if nitrate levels exceed 100 ppm
nitrate, some animals may be affected.
Ammonia from manure can kill fish. Ammonia is the most toxic compound in manure to fish and other
aquatic life. Even small amounts of ammonia released into a stream can kill fish in a matter of minutes.
The toxicity of ammonia changes with the temperature and pH of the water.
Organic matter in manure can also kill fish and reduces the recreational value of streams, lakes
and ponds. Organic matter in livestock manure is 50 times more concentrated than in raw municipal
sewage. Organic matter discharged to a stream may kill fish. However, the effect is slower than with ammonia. As organic matter is “broken down” or decomposes, the oxygen in the water is used up. Therefore,
less oxygen is available to support fish and other aquatic life.
Fecal bacteria and other microorganisms in livestock manure can contaminate both groundwater
and surface water, posing potential health problems. Both desirable and undesirable microorganisms live in our environment. Animal manure is a potential source of undesirable bacteria, viruses, fungi,
protozoa and parasites that may cause disease. Water purification practices, such as chlorinating, do not
effectively control all of these organisms.
“What key points do I need to focus on to safeguard my
drinking water and prevent pollution of other water?”
Location of Wells and Surface Water Bodies
Make sure wells are located above, or upslope, from a livestock confinement
building and other animal feeding operation structures so that accidental leaks
and spills will not drain into your well. The greater the distance between the manure storage structure and your well, the less likely it will contaminate your well.
Because of this, always try to meet and exceed Iowa’s minimum separation distances. An important factor in protecting drinking water is proper well construction. For more information on this, see Iowa Farm*A*Syst Water Well Condition and
Maintenance.
4
A shallow well does
not have five feet of
continuous low-permeability soil or rock
(bedrock, for example)
located at least 25 feet
below the soil surface
and above the aquifer. A deep well has a
minimum of five feet
of continuous low-permeability soil or rock
located at least 25 feet
below the surface and
above the aquifer.
Minimum Separation Distances
Iowa Law requires all livestock buildings and manure storage structures, regardless of the size of
the operation, to meet the following minimum separation distances from wells.
Type of Structure
Public Well
Private Well
Shallow
Deep
Shallow
Deep
Unformed (earthen)
manure storage structures
OR lagoons OR egg
washwater storage
1,000 feet
400 feet
400 feet
400 feet
Confinement building
OR formed manure
storage structure
200 feet
100 feet
200 feet
100 feet
Iowa law also requires that all confinement feeding operations, regardless of size, maintain minimum separation distance from surface
water sources and other sensitive areas. The minimum required distance is determined by how recently your confinement feeding facility
was constructed or expanded.
Major water sources OR
wellheads OR an agricultural
drainage well OR known
sinkholes
Constructed or expanded
before 3/01/03
Constructed or expanded
after 3/01/03
500 feet
1000 feet
Water sources other than
major water sources OR
surface intake of an
agricultural drainage well
Constructed or expanded
before 3/01/03
Constructed or expanded
after 3/01/03
200 feet
500 feet
NOTE: Confinement feeding operations and manure storage structures must also meet minimum separation distances from residences,
businesses, churches, schools and public use areas. Additionally, there are separation distances for land application of manure. For more
information on minimum separation distances, see the assessment beginning on page 15 of this publication or contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as directed on page 11 of this publication.
Manure Storage Facilities
By law, manure from a confinement feeding operation cannot be discharged
into a water of the state or into a tile line. Therefore, all manure must be stored
in either a formed or unformed manure storage structure. An unformed manure
storage structure is either a lagoon or earthen storage basin. A formed manure
storage structure has walls and a floor constructed of concrete, wood, steel or
other similar materials.
The environmental safety of collecting manure in one place depends on the
design and construction of the storage facility. If a storage facility is not structurally sound, manure may leach into the soil causing groundwater contamination.
Surface water is threatened if liquid manure levels are not managed properly and
manure overflows, or if the storage structure is damaged.
According to Iowa law, manure storage structures must have sufficient capacity to
store all manure produced between periods of application, including water from
A water of the state is
any stream, lake, pond,
marsh, watercourse,
waterway, well, aquifer
or any other body or
accumulation of water,
natural or artificial,
public or private,
which is contained
within, flows through,
or borders upon the
state or any portion
thereof. This includes
road ditches.
5
precipitation and other water sources (i.e. wash water and milking wastewater).
A two-foot freeboard must be maintained in unformed or earthen manure storage structures and a onefoot freeboard must be maintained in unroofed formed manure storage structures. Freeboard is the vertical
distance between the liquid level and the top of the lowest point of an earthen manure storage structure’s
embankment or the lowest uncontrolled external outlet on a formed manure storage structure.
Specific recommendations for preventing manure leaks and spills in your operation can be found in the manure management assessment beginning on page 3 of the Emergency Response Planning for Manure Spills
Unit. Generally, consider the following suggestions for regular maintenance:
•
•
•
•
Always take time to check for cracks or loss of watertight seals when concrete and steel storage structures are emptied.
Periodically walk around manure storage structures and look for evidence of seepage, erosion, rodent
burrows and leaking. Repair any erosion, breaks, leaks or rodent holes immediately.
Be aware of signs of seepage from below ground manure storage structures. For example, a facility that
is filling slower than it should, or an incidence where liquid must be added for the manure to be agitated
or pumped. Both situations indicate that the storage structure may be leaking. Evaporation loss from
liquid storage in Iowa is minimal under normal weather conditions.
Control weeds and tree growth around unformed manure storage structures.
Discontinued Manure Storage Facilities
Discontinued manure storage facilities, especially unformed or earthen manure storage structures, can pose
significant water quality problems.
Iowa law requires that manure must be removed from an animal feeding operation and its manure control
facilities within six months after use is discontinued. The manure must be properly land-applied.
Abandoned unformed or earthen structures should be completely emptied, including any manure-saturated soil under the structure. Any depressions or holes should be filled in and graded so that water does not
pond. The area should be seeded.
Formed structures that are no longer usable should be demolished and disposed of properly. Any depressions or holes should be filled in and graded so that water does not pond. The area should be seeded.
Contact your regional DNR field office for more information on removal of abandoned facilities.
If a facility has set empty or been abandoned for more than 24 months, a permit must be renewed before
re-use begins again.
“I’ve heard that I may need a manure management plan or that I must submit an update. What are the
requirements?”
Manure Management Plans
Iowa law requires that a manure management plan (MMP) be submitted to and approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for confinement feeding operations that have an animal unit capacity of
more than 500 animal units. The one exception to this is an operation that was built before May 31, 1985 and
has not been expanded since; there is no requirement for a manure management plan in this case, even if
the capacity exceeds 500 animal units. Owners of out-of-state confinement operations that have an animal
unit capacity of more than 500 animal units and apply manure in Iowa must also submit a manure management plan to the Iowa DNR. Those animals not in confinement are not counted when determining the need
for a plan. Additional requirements of confinement feeding operations that have an animal unit capacity of
more than 500 animal units include:
6
•
•
•
•
•
•
Apply manure in accordance with the plan.
Submit annual updates for the manure management plan.
Pay an annual compliance fee.
Provide copies of the manure management plan to the counties where the operation is located and
where manure is applied.
Maintain a current plan and manure application records at the confinement feeding operation site, or at
a residence or office of the owner or operator within 30 miles of the site.
Maintain proper manure applicator certification or hire commercial manure applicators with proper
certification.
Calculating Animal Unit Capacity
To calculate the Animal Unit Capacity (AUC) of your operation, multiply the maximum number of each
animal species confined at one time by the appropriate factor indicated below, then add all animal units
together: AUC = (No. of HEAD) X (FACTOR)
Animal Species
Slaughter or feeder cattle
Immature dairy cattle
Mature dairy cattle
Swine over 55lbs.
Swine 15lbs to 55lbs.
Sheep and Lambs
Horses
Turkeys 7lbs or more
Turkeys less than 7lbs.
Broiler or layer chickens 3lbs. or more
Broiler or layer chickens less than 3lbs.
Fish
(No. HEAD)
X=
(FACTOR)
AUC
1.0
1.0
1.4
0.4
0.1
0.1
2.0
0.018
0.0085
0.01
0.0025
.001
TOTAL:
Manure Management Plan Forms
All manure management plans must be submitted to DNR on DNR forms. Manure management plan forms
can be requested through your county Iowa State University Extension office, regional DNR office or downloaded from the DNR animal feeding operations web site (contact information for each is located on page
10 of this assessment). Each manure management plan must meet specific criteria outlined in Iowa law and
DNR rules, such as:
•
•
•
Calculate maximum applications based on the nitrogen or phosphorus use of the crops being grown,
based on the Phosphorus Index.
Identify the specific land areas on which manure will be applied.
Specify planned application methods and timing.
7
Original plans must be filed with your regional DNR office, and a current plan must be maintained at the
confinement operation site, or at a residence or office of the owner or operator within 30 miles of the site,
and made available to DNR at their request.
Record Keeping Requirements
Records of manure application must be maintained and available at the confinement site for DNR inspection. At a minimum, the records must include the method of manure application, dates when manure was
applied, location(s) and acres in each field on which manure was applied, and the manure application rate.
Records must be maintained for five years after the year of manure application or for the length of the crop
rotation, whichever is longer. The current plan and records must be maintained at the confinement operation site, or at a residence or office of the owner or operator within 30 miles of the confinement site and
made available for review upon request by DNR.
Assistance
Assistance in developing a manure management plan is available from a number of sources, including
private consultants, Iowa State University Extension, and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Some of these sources will prepare a complete plan for an operation and others will only provide general
assistance. Contact your county ISU Extension or local NRCS field office to determine the assistance they will
provide. The Iowa Manure Management Action Group web site (see page 10 of this publication for contact
information) provides a list of consultants that prepare manure management plans.
“I’m considering making some changes to my existing confinement building or possibly building a new confinement building. Do I need a special permit?”
Construction Permits
A construction permit may be needed if you are planning to build a new confinement feeding operation,
expand an existing confinement feeding operation or if you are in any way modifying the volume or manner
in which manure is stored. Answer the questions in the blue box on this page to determine if you need to
apply for a construction permit.
Construction permit application forms are available from your regional DNR field office or from the DNR web
site (see page 10 of this publication for contact information). In most cases, the permit application must be
completed with the assistance of a Licensed Professional Engineer. Construction permit applications should
be filed 120 days prior the planned start of construction. ‘
Are you…
Building, expanding or modifying a confinement feeding operation that will have 1,000 animal
units or more and uses formed manure storage?
Building, expanding or modifying a confinement feeding operation of any size that uses an
unformed or earthen manure storage structure?
Building, expanding or modifying a confinement feeding operation of any size that includes an
egg washwater structure?
Reopening a confinement feeding operation that was closed for 24 months or more and will
house 1000 animal units?
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you are required to have an approved construction
permit before any modifications can be made.
8
Construction Design Statement
A construction design statement certifies that the formed manure storage structure will be constructed according to the minimum concrete standards established by Iowa law. New or existing confinement feeding
operations must file a construction design statement with DNR prior to starting construction of a formed
manure storage structure if the operation will have an animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units.
Animal unit capacity can be determined using the worksheet on page 7.
A construction design statement should be completed by the person responsible for constructing the
formed manure storage structure and be signed by the owner. This statement is required only if the assistance of a professional engineer is not required. Operations that do not need a construction permit but are
required to submit a manure management plan must file the construction design statement, along with the
manure management plan, with the appropriate DNR Field Office at least 30 days prior to starting construction. Construction design statement forms are available from your regional DNR field office or from the DNR
web site (see page 10 of this assessment for contact information).
9
For More Information:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Web: www.iowadnr.gov Phone: 515-725-8200
24 Hour Emergency Spill Reporting: 515-725-8694
DNR Environmental Services Field Offices
Atlantic: 712-243-1934, Des Moines:515-725-0268, Manchester: 563-927-2640, Mason City: 641-424-4073,
Spencer: 712-262-4177, Washington: 319-653-2135
• Provide confinement permitting assistance.
• Assist with understanding Iowa law and DNR rule requirements.
• Review and approve manure management plans.
Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG)
Web: www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/ Phone: 515-231-2830
• Provides comprehensive information on manure management research, policy, and events.
• Offers manure management publications and educational programs.
• Lists manure management service providers.
Midwest Plan Services
Web: www.mwps.org Phone: 800-562-3618
• Develop and distribute agricultural publications covering topics including: agricultural engineering; farm
business management; animal production; construction; grain and postharvest; soil, air, and water management; manure management; and ventilation for livestock housing.
Iowa State University Extension
Web: www.extension.iastate.edu
• Contact your county extension office. The county director, ag engineer or livestock field specialist may be
able to answer your question or direct you to other extension specialists.
• Provides confinement facility design assistance.
• Assists in development of manure management plans.
• Distributes publications on a variety of topics. Publications are available at Iowa State University Extension county offices or from the Extension Distribution Center, Ames, 515-294-5247. Many of the publications are available online at www.extension.iastate.edu/pubs.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web: www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov
Contact the NRCS/SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District) office located in your county.
• Provides information from the Soil Survey on soil drainage capabilities for site selection.
• Distributes information on NRCS standards for livestock manure storage structures.
• Assists in the development of manure management plans and comprehensive nutrient management
plans.
• Provides engineering services for manure control facility design.
10
Additional resources for designing & implementing an Environmental
Management System
Certified Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture (CEMSA)
Iowa Soybean Association Phone: 515-251-8640
Web: http://www.iasoybeans.com/
Administer program to assist producers in developing and implementing an agriculture EMS based on the
ISO 14001 EMS that is well known in industrial settings.
Partners for Livestock Environmental Management Systems
Web: www.iowabeefcenter.org Phone: Iowa Beef Center - 515-294-6290
• Involved with a 9 state consortium to investigate the feasibility and applicability of EMS to agriculture,
specifically open beef feedlots.
Farm and Home Environmental Management Programs
Web: www.uwex.edu/AgEMS Phone: 608-262-0024
• Develop environmental management tools and educational materials for homeowners, farmers and
watershed groups.
• Focus on policy issues and enhancing partnerships between private landowners, government agencies
and universities.
EMS for Pork Producers
N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Web: http://www.p2pays.org/porktool/
• Hosts website dedicated to assisting pork producers designing and implementing an EMS.
• Provides an EMS manual template, as well as procedures, checklists, charts and other tools that follow
the ISO 14001 model.
Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship Curriculum
Web: www.LPES.org
Provides producer targeted educational materials and assessment tools developed by a team of 15 universities and others. Modules include animal dietary strategies, manure storage and treatment, land application
and nutrient management and outdoor air quality.
On Farm Assessment and Environmental Review
Web: http://www.acwf.org/projects/projects.htm Phone: America’s Clean Water Foundation - 515-278-8002
• Provides an on-farm environmental assessment for pork, beef feedlot, dairy and poultry operations. The
assessment is free of charge, confidential and conducted by a team of two certified, professional assessors.
11
Improving Environmental Management on Your Confinement Operation
Plan
Define goals…
Consider your reasons for wanting to improve the environmental performance of your confinement operation. Is your primary
concern protecting drinking water for your family? Are you
concerned that regulatory issues may have an economic impact
on your operation? Perhaps you feel pressure from neighbors to
improve and document environmental management. There are
many different reasons to begin making environmental improvements on your farm.
Plan
The EMS
Improvement
Do
Give thought to what you’d like your environmental management system to accomplish. It is important to understand your objective so that you can determine whether
or not the changes you are making are effective.
Identify risks…
Complete the assessment beginning on page 15 of this publication to evaluate how your confinement
operation interacts with the environment and identify areas of good stewardship. The assessment will help
you to identify your level of risk for contaminating water resources and alert you to practices that violate
Iowa law.
Fill out only the assessment tables that are applicable
to your specific operation. The evaluation areas are in the shaded “Risk” column at the left. Choose and mark
the risk category that best fits your situation- “Low Risk”, “Moderate Risk” or “High Risk” as they relate to the
potential for your confinement operation to contaminate water resources.
Develop a plan…
Review the recommendations for actions that can reduce your level of risk. These suggestions are listed
in the column to the right of the assessment under “Recommended Actions”. The recommendations are
specifically designed to prevent manure spills and contamination of water resources.
Use the worksheet on page 36 to document your plans for improving the environmental performance of
your confinement operation. Prioritize actions and plan for improvements based on the level of risk (take
special note of critical evaluation points), regulatory compliance (take special note of “!” symbol), economic,
and other resource considerations. Some of the activities that will reduce your risk may be inexpensive and
take very little time to implement. Other activities may involve a significant commitment of time or financial
resources.
Do
Communicate your plans…
Begin implementing your plan of action by assigning responsibilities to family members or employees.
Communicate your reasons for wanting to improve and document environmental stewardship on your farm,
as well as your goals for the confinement operation. Ensure that all individuals are aware and capable of
their responsibilities.
It also may be important to communicate your planned changes with people outside of your operation.
Determine what type of communication is needed for handling relationships with regulators, neighbors or
others that may be interested.
12
Check
Inspect equipment and structures…
- Visually inspect manure storage and handling equipment on a regular basis. This will help you to spot future or potential problems while they are still easy to correct. The frequency of inspections may vary, but a
regular inspection schedule should be developed and followed for each system. Factors to consider when
determining the frequency of inspection include system age, state of repair, complexity and proximity of
water resources.
Document your findings…
- Complete the checklist on page 36 to record monitoring activities. In addition to checking off monitoring
activities that have been completed, you should make note of maintenance procedures conducted or other
findings. Documentation is an important component of the EMS process. Checklists offer a means of ensuring that all items are inspected and noting when they are inspected. They also are evidence of environmental stewardship and may be useful in the event of litigation.
React
Update action plan…
Make needed changes to your action plan or
other means of documentation as improvements are made.
The action plan should be continuously
updated as you re-evaluate your need for
improvements.
Evaluate performance…
- Evaluate environmental performance by
reusing the assessment tool provided in this
publication or other assessments. Consider
whether or not the improvements made
have been effective in meeting the goals
and objectives you defined in Step 1. Do the
changes lower your risk for manure spills? Do
they protect your family’s drinking water or
the creek nearby? Is there a need to address
other aspects of your farming operation in
your EMS?
Plan
React
The EMS
Improvement
Do
Check
- Consider seeking additional resources to help you plan for environmental improvement beyond the scope
of your confinement manure management practices. Page 11 lists additional resources for assistance
with environmental planning, such as developing a comprehensive EMS for your entire farm.
13
Assessment: Confinement Manure Management
Evaluate your potential risk for contaminating ground or surface water as a result of manure management
in your confinement livestock operation by completing the following assessment tables. Fill out only those
tables that are applicable to your confinement operation. The evaluation areas are in the shaded “Risk”
column. Choose the risk category that best fits your situation. Note how likely you are to contaminate water
resources as indicated by “Low Risk”, “Moderate Risk” or “High Risk”. Suggestions for actions that can reduce
your level of risk are listed in the column to the right under “Recommended Actions”. These recommendations have been specifically designed to prevent manure spills and contamination of water resources.
Take special note of the critical evaluation points. If you fail to meet these standards, your drinking
water supply is in immediate danger.
Those situations that violate Iowa law are indicated by “!” and printed in bold text.
Location of wells and surface water bodies
Manure generation
Unformed/earthen manure storage structures (liquid manure)
Formed manure storage structures (liquid manure)
Abandoned livestock facilities
Manure transportation
Land application of liquid manure
Irrigation systems
Drag hose systems
Emergency action planning
16
17
18
21
24
25
26
30
32
33
Additional Tools
Plan of Action Worksheet
34, 35
Use this worksheet to prioritize and document your plans for improving the environmental performance of
your confinement livestock operation. Prioritize actions based on level of risk, regulatory compliance, economic and other resource considerations.
Confinement Livestock Manure Management Monitoring Checklist 36
Use this checklist to schedule and record monitoring activities. This worksheet also has space for making
note of maintenance procedures conducted and other findings.
Iowa DNR Unformed Manure Storage Structure Inspection Checklist 37
Refer to this checklist for information on what DNR looks for during the annual unformed/earthen basin
inspection process.
14
15
Well is more than 200 feet
away from confinement
building AND
Well is more than 200 feet
away from formed manure
storage AND
Well is level with the
confinement building and
formed manure storage
structures.
Well is more than 400 feet
away AND
Well is level with an unformed
manure storage structure,
lagoon or egg washwater storage structure.
Well is more than 200 feet
away from confinement
building AND
Well is more than 200 feet
away from formed manure
storage AND
Well is upslope from the
confinement building and
formed manure storage
structures.
Well is more than 400 feet
away AND
Well is upslope from an
unformed manure storage
structure, lagoon or egg
washwater storage structure.
Facilities are more than 1000
feet from agricultural drainage
well, wellheads, known sinkholes or major water sources
AND
Facilities are more than 500
feet from water sources (other
than major water sources.)
Distance from confinement building OR formed
manure structures to a
private shallow water well
(see shallow well definition on page 5)
Distance from unformed
manure storage structure,
OR lagoon OR egg
washwater storage
structure to a private
shallow or deep water
well
Additional separation
distances (for facilities
constructed or expanded
prior to March 2003)
Well is more than 100 feet away
from confinement building AND
Well is more than 100 feet
away from formed manure
storage AND
Well is level with the confinement building and formed
manure storage structures.
MODERATE RISK
Well is more than 100 feet away
from confinement building AND
Well is more than 100 feet
away from formed manure
storage AND
Well is upslope from the confinement building and formed
manure storage structures.
LOW RISK
Distance from confinement building OR formed
manure storage structures
to a private deep water
well (see deep water well
definition on page 5)
RISK
Location of wells and surface water bodies
- Close unused or abandoned wells.
- Test water for nitrates and coliform bacteria.
- Refer to Iowa Farm*A*Syst Assessing Your Well
Water Condition and Maintenance to assess the
condition of your well and identify practices to
minimize contamination potential.
- Consider relocation of the well.
- Close unused or abandoned wells.
- Test water for nitrates and coliform bacteria.
- Refer to Iowa Farm*A*Syst Assessing Your Well
Water Condition and Maintenance to assess the
condition of your well and identify practices to
minimize contamination potential.
- Consider relocation of the well.
- Close unused or abandoned wells.
- Test water for nitrates and coliform bacteria.
- Refer to Iowa Farm*A*Syst Assessing Your
Well Water Condition and Maintenance to
assess the condition of your well and identify
practices to minimize contamination potential.
- Consider relocation of the well.
- Take extra precaution to prevent spills, leaks or
overflows by repeated monitoring and
assessment.
- Consider relocation of the animal feeding
operation structure.
Well is less than 200 feet
away from the confinement
building OR
Well is less than 200 feet away
from formed manure storage OR
Well is downslope from the confinement building and formed
manure structure and may be
susceptible to runoff.
Well is less than 400 feet
away OR
Well is downslope and may be
susceptible to runoff or seepage from an unformed manure
storage structure, lagoon or egg
washwater storage structure and
may be susceptible to runoff.
Facilities are less than 500
feet from agricultural drainage
wells, wellheads, known sinkholes or major water sources OR
Facilities are less than 200 feet
from water sources (other than
major water sources)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Well is less than 100 feet
away from confinement building
AND
Well is less than 100 feet away
from formed manure storage
AND
Well is downslope from the confinement building and formed
manure storage structures.
HIGH RISK
16
Additional separation
distances
(for facilities constructed
or expanded after March
2003)
RISK
Facilities are more than 1000
feet from agricultural
drainage well, wellheads,
known sinkholes or major
water sources AND
Facilities are more than 500
feet from water sources (other
than major water sources.)
LOW RISK
MODERATE RISK
Location of wells and surface water bodies
Facilities are less than 1000
feet from agricultural
drainage wells, wellheads,
known sinkholes or major
water sources OR
Facilities are less than 500
feet from water sources (other
than major water sources.)
HIGH RISK
- Take extra precaution to prevent spills, leaks or
overflows by repeated monitoring and
assessment.
- Consider relocation of the animal feeding
operation structure.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
17
Waterers are maintained
and in good condition with
minimal leaking or wasting
by animals AND
A minimal amount of
wastewater is added to
manure storage facilities
from clean-out activities or
cooling systems.
All water from roofs and
upslope ground is diverted
away from or around manure
storage structures.
Clean water diversion
LOW RISK
Wastewater output*
*Some lagoon systems are
designed for addition of
fresh water.
RISK
Manure generation
Most water from roofs and
upslope ground is diverted
away from or around manure
storage structures.
MODERATE RISK
Water from roofs and upslope
ground is not diverted and
flows into manure storage
structures.
Waterers are in poor condition
OR
Waterers leak OR
Excessive amounts of water
are wasted by animals OR
Excessive amounts of wastewater are added to manure storage facilities from clean-out
activities or cooling systems.
HIGH RISK
- Consider installation of gutters, terraces,
diversions or other structures that will help
divert clean water around or away from manure
storage structures.
- Contact ISU Extension or a professional
engineer for assistance in designing clean water
diversion structures.
- Visually inspect all clean water diversion
structures for cracks, erosion, rodent burrowing,
weed or tree growth on a monthly basis.
- Keep written records of all inspections.
- Install water meter and monitor water meters for
livestock waterers on a daily basis. Keep written
records.
- Repair leaks in livestock waterers immediately.
- Manage flow rates through waterers. Consider
alternative waterer styles that might reduce
wastewater output (i.e. cup vs. nipple waterers).
- Calculate projected manure output based on
animal species, production phase and number of
animals. Also take into account water usage and
the potential for precipitation and evaporation to
impact total output (Note: Under normal Iowa
weather conditions, precipitation amounts are
roughly equal to that of evaporation on an annual
basis.)
- Compare manure output on a per head basis
with average book values.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
18
Berms of structure are
mowed and free of weeds
and/or trees AND
No signs of erosion are
visible on inner or outer
berms AND
No rodent holes are visible.
Piping between structures is
maintained free of cracks or
corrosion AND
Joints are tight with no
evidence of seepage.
Design and construction meet
all DNR rule requirements AND
Construction permit
approved by the DNR AND
Design and construction
certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa AND
Structure is designed to
contain at least 14 months
manure output from the
animal feeding operation.
Pipe maintenance
Design of unformed
(earthen) manure
storage structure
LOW RISK
Condition of unformed
(earthen) manure storage
structure OR lagoon
RISK
Design and construction meet
all DNR rule requirements AND
Construction permit approved
by the DNR AND
Design and construction
certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa AND
Structure is designed to
contain less than 14 months
manure output from the
animal feeding operation.
Berms of structure are
mowed and free of weeds
and/or trees AND
Moderate signs of erosion
are visible on inner or outer
berms AND
No rodent holes are visible.
MODERATE RISK
- Visually inspect the berm of the structure on a
monthly basis or more frequently (weekly) when
near full. Look for signs of seepage and rodent
holes.
- Keep berms of structure mowed and apply
pesticides as necessary to control weeds and
rodents.
- Repair rodent holes immediately.
- Control rodents with bait stations.
- Consider installing riprap to the inner berm or
concrete or rock on inlet pipes to control inner
berm erosion.
- Give special attention to liner inspection after
heavy rainfall events.
- Establish or maintain adequate grass cover to
control outer berm erosion.
- Repair erosion on inner and outer berms.
- Inspect all pipes for leaks and tighten joints
annually or prior to each clean out and repair as
necessary.
- Consider having piping inspected by a thirdparty professional (such as the installer) every 3
to 4 years.
- Consider closing earthen manure storage
structure and replacing with formed structure.
- Contact your regional DNR office for
information on obtaining an as-built
construction permit (contact information
located on page 10 of this unit).
Piping between structures is
cracked or corroded OR
Evidence of seepage at joints
or cracks.
Design and construction do
not meet all DNR rule
requirements OR
Construction permit has not
been approved by the DNR OR
Design and construction were
not certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Structure is overgrown with
weeds and/or trees OR
Inner or outer berms are
severely eroded OR
Numerous rodent holes are
present.
HIGH RISK
Unformed/earthern manure storage structures (liquid manure)
19
- Modify existing marker to indicate level at
which freeboard is compromised.
- Install a permanent marker in the manure
storage structure. Refer to the diagram on page
9 for more information.
- Monitor liquid levels on a monthly basis and
keep organized records of liquid levels at each
inspection.
- Know projected manure generation and
compare with actual liquid levels.
- Direct stormwater away from access roads with
roof gutters, berms or curbs.
- Improve accessibility by graveling, paving,
grading or tiling.
No liquid level indicator is
present.
Poor drainage and access
roads make manure removal
possible only in dry weather.
Adequate drainage and
access roads make manure
removal possible in a variety
of weather conditions.
Accessibility of manure
storage areas
Permanent marker allows
measurement of liquid
depth.
Permanent marker allows
easy measurement of
remaining storage capacity
AND
Marker provides a highly
visible indication of lowest
release point or where
freeboard level will be
compromised.
Location of unformed
(earthen) manure storage
structures
Liquid level marker
Structure has been
adequately maintained to
contain the designed
storage capacity AND
At least a 2 foot freeboard is
maintained at all times.
Capacity of unformed
(earthen) manure storage
structure
- Take extra care in monitoring for leaks if
structure is located in course textured soils or
other high risk area.
- Consult a professional engineer or groundwater
specialist to determine depth to water table.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Constructed in coarse
textured soil OR
Fractured bedrock or high
water table less than 2
feet below storage bottom OR
Depth to water table is
unknown.
HIGH RISK
Constructed in medium or
fine textured soils AND
No indication of coarse
material, high water table or
fractured bedrock observed.
Storage capacity is
somewhat diminished AND
At least a 2 foot freeboard is
maintained at all times.
MODERATE RISK
- Monitor liquid levels on a monthly basis and
after each significant rain event.
- Keep organized records of liquid levels.
- Calculate manure generation volumes and
project how much the level should rise over
time.
- Plan pumping activities according to rate of
accumulation to ensure at least a 2 foot
freeboard.
- Estimate the number of trips and total time
required to haul and spread the manure.
- Be aware of the lowest point of release in your
manure storage structure.
- Thoroughly agitate manure prior to and during
pump out to ensure that solids will not build up
in structure and decrease capacity.
LOW RISK
Storage capacity is severely
diminished OR
Storage capacity is unknown OR
The 2 foot freeboard is
compromised.
RISK
Unformed/earthern manure storage structures (liquid manure)
20
Liquid manure is thoroughly
agitated prior to manure
loadout to prevent solids buildup in the structure AND
Care is taken during agitation
of unformed structures so that
agitation does not cause inner
bank erosion.
Site entrances are secured
with locked access gates
AND
Site is well lit.
Security
LOW RISK
Runoff containment
overflow
RISK
Site entrances are secured
with locked access gates OR
Site is well lit.
Liquid manure is not
agitated thoroughly, leaving
small amount of solids AND
Holding capacity is not
significantly diminished.
MODERATE RISK
Site entrances are not secured
with locked access gates ANDSite is not well lit.
Lack of or poor agitation has
caused solids to build up in
the storage structure, decreasing liquid holding capacity OR
Care is not taken to prevent
agitation from eroding the
inner berm of earthen storage
structures.
HIGH RISK
Unformed/earthern manure storage structures (liquid manure)
- Secure site entrances by adding access gates or
locking existing gates.
- Add outdoor lighting to the facility, especially
around manure storage cleanout pipes.
Consider motion activated lighting.
- Remove handles from gravity drain valves to
discourage tampering.
- Thoroughly agitate liquid manure prior to and
during manure loadout to prevent/minimize
solids from accumulating in the structure.
- Point nozzle of agitator away from the inner
berm.
- Keep the agitator a sufficient distance above
the liner so liquid velocities are reduced enough
to minimize erosion.
- Repair berm erosion.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
21
Structure is free of cracks
AND
No signs of manure seepage at
seams or bolt holes.
Piping between structures is
maintained free of cracks or
corrosion AND
Joints are tight with no
evidence of seepage AND
No gravity drain is present,
manure is pumped out the
top of the structure OR
Physical barrier is present to
protect pipes and valves on
gravity drain AND
Gravity drain has a double
valve system.
Design and construction
meet all DNR rule requirements
AND
Construction permit
approved by the DNR AND
Design and construction
certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa AND
Structure is designed to
contain at least 14 months
manure output from the
animal feeding operation AND
A berm or other means of
secondary containment is
present around manure
storage in case of overflow.
Piping and valve
maintenance
Design and capacity of
formed manure storage
structure (for operations
with greater than 1000
animal unit capacity)
LOW RISK
Formed manure storage
structures (liquid manure)
RISK
Design and construction meet
all DNR rule requirements AND
Construction permit
approved by the DNR AND
Design and construction
certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa AND
Structure is designed to
contain less than 14 months
manure output from the
animal feeding operation.
Piping between structures is
maintained free of cracks or
corrosion AND
Joints are tight with no
evidence of seepage AND
Physical barrier is not present
around gravity drain, but a
double valve system is in place.
Minor cracks are evident
AND
No signs of manure seepage at
seams, bolt holes or cracks.
MODERATE RISK
Formed manure storage structures (liquid manure)
- Install a physical barrier such as posts or
concrete around gravity drainpipes and valves
to prevent them from being backed over or run
into.
- Grease and inspect valves for leaks annually or
prior to each clean out.
- Install double valve units on each gravity drain.
- Inspect all pipes for leaks annually or prior to
each clean out.
- Consider having piping inspected by a thirdparty professional (such as the installer) every 3
to 4 years.
- Redesign reception pit to back-up into building
rather than overflow into uncontrolled area.
- Redesign reception pit to adequately handle
the maximum volume of manure being
produced.
- Consider building a berm or other means of
secondary containment between manure
storage structure and any water sources.
Design and construction do
not meet all DNR rule
requirements OR
Construction permit has not
been approved by the DNR OR
Design and construction were
not certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa.
- Inspect walls of structure for cracks and leaks
annually or when empty.
- Patch cracks.
- Monitor toe drain effluent on a quarterly basis
for signs of contamination.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Piping between structures is
cracked or corroded OR
Evidence of seepage at joints or
cracks OR
Physical barrier is not present
around gravity drain and gravity
drain does not have a double
valve system.
Major cracks are evident OR
Cracks, seams or boltholes
show signs of manure seepage.
HIGH RISK
22
Storage capacity is severely
- Monitor liquid levels on a monthly basis and
keep organized records.
diminished OR
Storage capacity is unknown OR - Calculate manure generation volumes and
project how much the level should rise over
The 1 foot freeboard is compromised (for outside structures only). time.
- Plan pumping activities according to the rate
of accumulation to ensure at least a 1 foot
freeboard.
- Estimate the number of trips and total time
required to haul and spread the manure.
- Be aware of the lowest point of release in your
manure storage structure.
- Thoroughly agitate manure prior to and during
pump-out to ensure that solids do not build up
and decrease capacity.
Storage capacity is
somewhat diminished AND
At least a 1 foot freeboard is
maintained at all times.
Structure has been adequately
maintained to obtain the designed storage capacity AND
At least a 1 foot freeboard is
maintained at all times.
Capacity of formed
manure storage structure
- Redesign reception pit to back-up into building
rather than overflow into uncontrolled area.
- Redesign reception pit to adequately
handle the maximum volume of manure being
produced.
- Consider building a berm or other means of
secondary containment between manure
storage structure and any water sources.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Structure was constructed
after March 1, 2003 AND
Structure not constructed
according to Iowa’s
minimum concrete
standards.
HIGH RISK
Design and construction
certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa OR
Construction design statement
certifies that the structure
is constructed according to
Iowa’s minimum concrete
standards AND
Structure is designed to
contain less than 14 months
manure output from the
animal feeding operation.
MODERATE RISK
Design and construction
certified by a professional
engineer licensed in Iowa OR
Construction design statement
certifies that the structure is
constructed according to Iowa’s
minimum concrete standards
AND
Structure is designed to contain
at least 14 months manure
output from the animal feeding
operation.
LOW RISK
Design of manure storage
structure (for operations
with 500 to1000 animal
unit capacity,not requiring
a DNR approved construction permit)
RISK
Formed manure storage structures (liquid manure)
23
Poor drainage and access
roads make manure removal
possible only in dry weather.
Lack of or poor agitation has
caused solids to build up in the
storage structure, decreasing
liquid holding capacity
Liquid manure is not agitated
thoroughly, leaving small
amount of solids.
Site entrances are secured with
locked access gates AND
Site is well lit AND
Handles are not removed from
valves on gravity drain.
Adequate drainage and access
roads make manure removal
possible in a variety of weather
conditions.
Liquid manure is thoroughly
agitated prior to manure
loadout to prevent solids
build-up in the structure.
Site entrances are secured with
locked access gates AND
Site is well lit AND
Handles are removed from
valves on gravity drain.
Agitation
Security
Site entrances are not secured
with locked access gates AND
Site is not well lit.
No liquid level indicator is
present.
Accessibility of manure
storage areas
Permanent marker allows
measurement of liquid depth.
Permanent marker allows easy
measurement of remaining
storage capacity AND
Marker provides a highly
visible indication of lowest
release point or where
freeboard level will be
compromised.
Constructed in coarse
textured soil OR
Fractured bedrock or high water
at or below storage bottom OR
Depth to water table is
unknown.
HIGH RISK
Liquid level marker
MODERATE RISK
Constructed in medium or
fine textured soils AND
No indication of coarse
material, high water table or
fractured bedrock observed.
LOW RISK
Location of formed
(concrete or steel) manure
storage structures
RISK
Formed manure storage structures (liquid manure)
- Secure site entrances by adding access gates or
locking existing gates.
- Add outdoor lighting to the facility, especially
around manure storage cleanout pipes.
Consider motion-activated lighting.
- Remove handles from gravity drain valves to
discourage tampering.
- Thoroughly agitate liquid manure prior to and
during manure loadout to prevent/minimize
solids from accumulating in the structure.
- Direct stormwater away from access roads with
roof gutters, berms or curbs.
- Improve accessibility by graveling, paving,
grading, or tiling.
- Modify existing marker to indicate level at
which freeboard is compromised.
- Install a permanent marker in the manure
storage structure. Refer to the diagram on page
9 for more information.
- Monitor liquid levels on a monthly basis and
keep organized records of liquid levels at each
inspection.
- Know projected manure generation and
compare with actual liquid levels.
- Take extra care in monitoring structure for
leaks if located in high risk areas.
- Consult a professional engineer or groundwater
specialist to determine depth to water table.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
24
Storage structures are free
of manure AND
Structures and site are in
good repair.
Manure storage structures are
emptied and demolished AND
Holes and depressions are
filled and graded AND
Vegetative cover is established.
Management of
permanently abandoned
livestock facilities
LOW RISK
Management of temporarily vacant livestock
facilities
RISK
Abandoned livestock facilities
Manure storage structures are
emptied but not demolished.
MODERATE RISK
Manure remains in storage
structures.
Manure remains in storage
structures OR
Structures and site are not in
good repair.
HIGH RISK
- Remove all manure from manure storage
structures within 6 months of depopulation,
including any saturated soil beneath the
structure.
- Fill in any depressions and grade surface of
deconstruction area.
- Plant and maintain a viable vegetative cover
such as grass or alfalfa.
- Remove all manure and land apply within 6
months of depopulation.
- Continue monitoring and maintaining storage
structures.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
25
Loading area is free of manure
or sludge accumulation AND
Secondary containment
ensures that any leaks, spills or
overflows will not run off.
Boots are installed on injection
knives AND
Any manure spilled or dripped
on public roadways
is removed as soon as
possible AND
All field driveways are wide
enough to allow for safe
passage of application
equipment.
Tank valves are in good
condition AND
Drain plug is in good
condition with no signs of
corrosion AND
No evidence of seepage at
valve or drain plug sites.
Road hazards
Condition of valves and
drain plug on tanks
LOW RISK
Spill containment and
cleanup in liquid manure
loading area
RISK
Manure transportation
Boots are not installed on
injection knives OR
Manure spilled or dripped on
public roadways is
sometimes removed OR
Some field driveways are
wide enough to allow for safe
passage of large application
equipment.
MODERATE RISK
- Clean up spills as they occur.
- Consider installation of secondary
containment in the load out area. Consult ISU
Extension or a professional engineer for
assistance.
- Educate employees on the hazards of overfilling
tanks.
- Consider alternative, less traveled routes.
- Load wagons in field when possible to
minimize road travel.
- Widen narrow driveways to allow for safe
passage of large application equipment.
- Install boots on injection knives to catch drips.
- Monitor condition of valves and drain plug on a
weekly basis during application periods.
Replace as necessary to maintain in good
condition.
Manure spilled or dripped
on public roadways is rarely
or never removed OR
Most field driveways are not
widened sufficiently to allow
for safe passage of large
application equipment.
Tank valves are broken or
corroded OR
Drain plug corroded OR
Seepage is evident at valve or
drain plug sites.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Manure and/or sludge are
accumulated in loading area.
HIGH RISK
26
Manure applicator is calibrated
prior to each major manure application event AND
Manure applicator is calibrated
at each application event where
the manure consistency is
different than the previous
application AND
Written records of the calibration are kept.
Manure applied as near as
possible to times when crops
need fertilization AND
Manure application avoided
during wet weather or on snow
covered ground.
Manure is injected OR
Manure is incorporated within
24 hours of surface application.
All fields receiving manure
are covered as evenly as
practical AND
Manure is never applied to
unharvested areas such as
grassed waterways or field
borders.
Manure application
timing
Manure application
method
Manure distribution
LOW RISK
Applicator calibration
RISK
Land application of liquid manure
All fields receiving manure are
covered as evenly as practical
AND
Manure is never applied to
unharvested areas such as
grassed waterways or field
borders.
Manure is incorporated more
than 24 hours following surface application.
Manure applied without
regard to plant growth or
season AND
Manure application usually
avoided during wet weather
or on snow covered ground.
Manure applicator is calibrated
prior to each major manure application event AND
Manure applicator is calibrated
at each application event where
the manure consistency is
different than the previous
application AND
Written records are not kept.
MODERATE RISK
- Calibrate your liquid manure applicator prior
to each major application event and each time
the consistency of the product you are
spreading changes. More information on
calibrating your liquid manure spreader can be
found by contacting ISU Extension (contact
information located on page 10).
- Integrate manure calibration into your existing
record keeping system.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Fields receiving manure are
not covered uniformly OR
Manure is frequently
applied to unharvested
areas such as grassed
waterways or field borders.
Manure is not incorporated
or injected.
- Apply manure according to a manure
management plan.
- Develop and follow a manure management
plan. Contact Iowa State University Extension for
assistance in developing a manure management plan, or visit the Iowa Manure Management Action Group web site for a list of private
consultants that prepare nutrient management
plans (refer to page 10 for contact information).
- Inject manure or incorporate manure within 24
hours of surface application.
- Consider factors such as desired application
rate, total manure volume and conservation
compliance when selecting application method
and equipment.
Manure applied without
- Avoid applying manure during wet weather or
regard to existing or
on snow covered ground.
forecasted weather conditions OR - Consider precipitation forecast before deciding
Manure applied on snow
to land apply manure.
covered ground.
- Consider increasing temporary storage capacity
so that application during wet weather or on
snow covered ground can be avoided.
Manure applicator is not
calibrated prior to each major
manure application event OR
Manure applicator is not
calibrated at each application event where the manure
consistency is different than the
previous application.
HIGH RISK
27
Manure applied at a rate
that does not exceed crop
nutrient removal rate on a
per acre basis OR
Manure is applied according to
a current manure management
plan AND
Manure is applied at a rate
that does not exceed the soil
water holding capacity.
Commercial fertilizer added
to address only deficits in
nitrogen or phosphorus
following manure nutrient
crediting.
Surface runoff controlled by
practices such as conservation
tillage, filterstrips, vegetated
waterways, stream buffers or
riparian areas AND
Manure is injected AND
Any drips or ponding on end
rows is incorporated.
Value given to manure
nutrients
Runoff control
LOW RISK
Manure application rate
RISK
Surface runoff controlled by
practices such as conservation
tillage, filterstrips, vegetated
waterways, stream buffers
or riparian areas AND
Manure is injected OR
Manure is surface applied and
incorporated within 24 hours.
Commercial fertilizer
application rates partially
reduced to reflect manure
application.
Manure applied at a rate that
does not exceed crop nutrient removal rate on a per acre
basis OR
Manure is applied
according to a current
manure management plan
AND
Manure is applied at a rate
that does not exceed the soil
water holding capacity.
MODERATE RISK
Land application of liquid manure (continued)
Surface runoff not controlled
by practices such as
conservation tillage, filterstrips,
vegetated waterways, stream
buffers or riparian areas OR
Manure is not injected or
incorporated.
Commercial fertilizer
application rates are not
reduced to reflect manure
application.
Manure is applied at a rate
that exceeds crop nutrient
uptake OR
Manure is applied at a rate that
exceeds the soil water holding
capacity OR
Ponding of manure occurs.
HIGH RISK
- Control surface water runoff by installing
practices such as conservation tillage,
filter-strips, vegetated waterways, stream
buffers or riparian areas.
- Inject manure or incorporate surface applied
manure within 24 hours.
- Incorporate drips and ponding on end rows as
soon as possible.
- Test manure to determine actual nutrient values.
- Develop and follow a manure management
plan. Contact Iowa State University Extension for
assistance in developing a manure management
plan, or visit the Iowa Manure Management
Action Group web site for a list of private
consultants that prepare nutrient management
plans (refer to page 10 for contact information).
- Test the nutrient value of your manure onfarm
by installing test strips with varying rates of
commercial fertilizer.
- Rotate application to different fields based on
nutrient requirements to make the best use of
manure nutrients.
- Test manure to determine actual nutrient values.
- Apply manure according to a manure
management plan.
- Develop and follow a manure management
plan. Contact Iowa State University Extension for
assistance in developing a manure management
plan, or visit the Iowa Manure Management
Action Group web site for a list of private
consultants that prepare nutrient management
plans (refer to page 10 for contact information).
RECOMMENDED ACTION
28
Surface application of liquid
manure that is not incorporated
meets or exceeds all of the following: 200 feet from sinkholes
AND
200 feet from abandoned wells
AND
200 feet from drinking water
wells or cisterns AND
200 feet from wetlands AND
200 feet from all other water
sources not designated as
high quality water resources
AND
200 feet from agricultural
drainage wells or agricultural
drainage surface inlets AND
800 feet from high quality
water resources AND
750 feet from buildings or
public use areas including
residences, churches,
businesses and schools.
Applicator is certified by
Iowa DNR as a Commercial
Applicator AND
Applicator comes well
recommended AND
Applicator is committed to
following a manure
management plan AND
Applicator provides the
operator with accurate
detailed application records
in a timely manner.
Choice of custom manure
applicator
LOW RISK
Separation distances for
liquid manure application
Applies to surface
application only, no
incorporation
RISK
MODERATE RISK
Land application of liquid manure (continued)
- Consider changing application method to
injection or incorporate manure within 24
hours of surface application.
- Incorporate manure around well heads,
wetlands and other water sources to minimize
potential for runoff.
- Install a grassed buffer area around well heads,
wetlands and other water sources.
- Mark tile inlets or wells with a bucket to increase
visibility and ensure separation distances are
maintained.
- Consult the Iowa Manure Management Action
Group website for a list of custom applicators.
- Consult with other livestock producers about
past experiences with manure applicators.
- Ask for a pre-application meeting with your
applicator to discuss your manure management
plan and load out and application procedures.
- Make sure the custom applicator provides
detailed application records in a timely manner.
- Evaluate condition of applicator’s equipment.
Applicator is not certified
by Iowa DNR as a Commercial
Applicator OR
Applicator has history of
frequent spills OR
Applicator is not committed
to following a manure
management plan AND
Applicator does not
provide the operator with
accurate detailed application
records in a timely manner.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Surface application of
liquid manure does not meet
one or more of the minimum
separation distances.
HIGH RISK
29
A current manure management
plan is maintained on site AND
Manure is land-applied
according to the manure
management plan AND
Written records of each manure
application are kept and
maintained for five years or
the length of the crop rotation,
whichever is greater.
A current manure management plan has been submitted
to DNR and approved AND
Manure management plan
is kept on site AND
Manure is land-applied
according to the manure
management plan AND
Written records of each
manure application are kept
and maintained for five years
or the length of the crop rotation, whichever is greater.
Availability and use of
manure management
plan and application
records (more than 500
animal unit capacity)
LOW RISK
Availability and use of
manure management
plan and application
records (less than 500
animal unit capacity)
RISK
A manure management plan
exists, but needs updating
AND
Written records of each
manure application are kept
and maintained for five years
or the length of the crop rotation, whichever is greater.
MODERATE RISK
Land application of liquid manure (continued)
- Integrate manure application information into
your current farm record keeping system.
- Update your manure management plan with
current fields, manure nutrient analysis,
practices and application rates.
- Develop a manure management plan. Contact
Iowa State University Extension for assistance in
developing a manure management plan, or visit
the Iowa Manure Management Action Group
web site for a list of private consultants that
prepare nutrient management plans (refer to
page 10 for contact information).
- Integrate manure application information into
your current farm record keeping system.
- Update your manure management plan with
current fields, manure nutrient analysis, practices
and application rates.
- Develop a manure management plan. Contact
Iowa State University Extension for assistance in
developing a manure management plan, or visit
the Iowa Manure Management Action Group
web site for a list of private consultants that
prepare nutrient management plans (refer to
page 10 for contact information).
No DNR approved manure
management plan exists OR
Manure management plan
is not up to date OR
Manure management plan
is not kept on site OR
Written records of each manure
application are kept, but not
maintained for five years or the
length of the crop rotation,
whichever is greater OR
Records of manure
applications are not kept.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
No manure management
plan exists OR
Records of manure applications
are not kept.
HIGH RISK
30
Separation distances for
irrigated liquid manure
Low pressure
(less than 25 psi) systems
Irrigation systems
RISK
Irrigation of liquid manure
meets or exceeds all of the
following:
100 feet from property
boundary line where
irrigation is being used AND
200 feet from sinkholes AND
200 feet from abandoned
wells AND
200 feet from drinking water
wells or cisterns AND
200 feet from wetlands AND
200 feet from all other water
sources not designated as
high quality water resources
AND
800 feet from high quality
water resources AND
250 feet from buildings or
public use areas including
residences, churches,
businesses and schools.
LOW RISK
MODERATE RISK
Land application of liquid manure (continued)
Irrigation of liquid manure
does not meet one or more
of the minimum separation
distances OR
Manure is applied by irrigation
within an agricultural drainage
well area, including any land
where surface or subsurface
water drains to the well directly
through a drainage system
connected to the well.
HIGH RISK
- Install a grassed buffer area around well heads,
wetlands and other water sources.
- Incorporate manure where adjacent to property
lines, public use areas or water resources.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
31
LOW RISK
Irrigation of liquid manure
meets or exceeds all of the
following:
100 feet from property
boundary line where
irrigation is being used AND
200 feet from sinkholes AND
200 feet from abandoned
wells AND
200 feet from drinking water
wells or cisterns AND
200 feet from wetlands AND
200 feet from all other water
sources not designated as
high quality water resources
AND
800 feet from high quality
water resources AND
750 feet from buildings or
public use areas including
residences, churches,
businesses and schools.
Sprinkler application rate is
lower than soil uptake rate
AND
No ponding occurs.
Separation distances for
irrigated liquid manure
High pressure
(more than 25 psi) systems
Irrigation volume/rate
Irrigation systems (continued)
RISK
Sprinkler application rate is
about equal to soil uptake
rate AND
Some ponding occurs AND
No offsite movement of
water over field surface
occurs.
MODERATE RISK
Land application of liquid manure (continued)
- Install a grassed buffer area around well heads,
wetlands and other water sources.
- Incorporate manure where adjacent to property
lines, public use areas or water resources.
- Inspect field for ground saturation prior to
application.
- Reduce application rate so that it is less
than or equal to soil uptake rate.
- Monitor tile outlets when applying to fields that
have known subsurface tile. Pay special attention
to tile outlets.
- Consider soil characteristics and weather data
prior to making application decisions. Your
county soil survey book will include information
on the water holding capacity of soil types in
your field. Contact the NRCS for more
information about soil characteristics.
Sprinkler application rate
exceeds soil uptake rate OR
Considerable water movement occurs over field surface.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Irrigation of liquid manure
does not meet one or more
of the minimum separation
distances OR
Manure is applied by irrigation
within an agricultural drainage
well area, including all land
where surface or subsurface
water drains to the well directly
through a drainage system
connected to the well.
HIGH RISK
32
LOW RISK
All hoses and couplers are
free of seepage or leaks
AND
Extreme care is taken when
handling hose AND
Hose lines are continuously
inspected, before and
during each use.
Pressure gauges are
equipped with automatic
shut-off switches AND
Operators are in constant
contact and system can be
shut down immediately if
problems occur.
Shutdown system
All piping and equipment
are free of leaks AND
Equipment is inspected prior
to each use AND
Preventative maintenance
meets or exceeds manufacturer’s recommendations.
Condition of hose
Drag hose systems
Condition of irrigation
equipment
Irrigation systems (continued)
RISK
Pressure gauges are
equipped with automatic
shut-off switches OR
Operators are in constant
contact and system can be
shutdown immediately if
problems occur.
All piping and equipment are
free of leaks AND
Equipment is inspected
annually AND
Some random preventative
maintenance occurs.
MODERATE RISK
Land application of liquid manure (continued)
- Inspect entire line for seepage or bubbles at the
start of each use and every one to two hours
during use.
- Train employees on the importance of constant
monitoring and care of the hose.
- Inspect the condition of the hose prior to each
use and monitor continuously during use.
- Equip pressure gauges with switches that
automatically detect a change in pressure
and/or can shut down the pump.
- Continuously monitor pressure at both the
manure source and tractor.
- Educate employees on how to quickly shut
down the system and react in a spill situation.
Operators are not in constant
contact and immediate shutdown is impossible.
- Inspect and service irrigation equipment and
piping on a monthly basis or as recommended
by the manufacturer.
- Inspect piping prior to each use.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Hose shows evidence of
seepage or leaks OR
Little regard is given to care
of hose during handling OR
Hose lines are not inspected
before and during each use.
Leaks are evident in piping
or irrigation equipment OR
Equipment not inspected for
leaks OR
Maintenance only occurs to
address obvious problems.
HIGH RISK
33
Emergency action plan
contains all of the following:
A plan of action for preventing
release of manure and runoff and
containing the spill AND
A detailed map of the confinement
site and fields available for land
application AND
A list of contact names and
numbers AND
A clean-up plan.
Content of emergency
action plan
Emergency action plan kept
at confinement site AND
Emergency response
numbers posted at each
telephone AND
All family members and
employees have access to
and understand the
emergency action plan AND
Plan has not been updated
or reviewed for more than
one-year, but manure handling
practices have not changed
MODERATE RISK
Emergency action plan kept
at confinement site AND
Emergency response
numbers posted at each
telephone AND
All family members and
employees have access to
and understand the emergency
action plan AND
Emergency action plan
reviewed and updated on an
annual basis.
LOW RISK
Availability and use of
emergency action plan
RISK
Emergency Action Planning
Emergency action plan does
not contain one or more of the
following:
A plan of action for preventing
release of manure and runoff and
containing the spill OR
A detailed map of the confinement site and fields available for
land application OR
A list of contact names and
numbers OR
A clean-up plan.
No emergency action plan OR
Emergency action plan
exists, but kept off site OR
Emergency response
numbers are not posted OR
Family members and/or
employees are not familiar
with emergency response
measures OR
Emergency action plan is
outdated.
HIGH RISK
- Refer to the Iowa Farm*A*Syst Assessing your
Emergency Action Planning and Preparedness
publication for more information on developing
an effective emergency action plan.
- Refer to the Iowa Farm*A*Syst Assessing your
Farmstead Characteristics for more information
and tools to prepare a detailed site map.
- Refer to the Iowa Farm*A*Syst Assessing your
Emergency Action Planning and Preparedness
publication for more information on developing
an effective emergency action plan.
- Review and update emergency action plan on
an annual basis or more frequently if manure
handling practices change.
- Post emergency response numbers at each
telephone location and program mobile phones
with important telephone numbers.
- Familiarize all family members and employees
with the emergency action plan and their roles
and responsibilities and review at least annually.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
34
(circle)
Call county sanitarian and request water test for well next to confinement. Repeat annually in spring. Consider
closing well if water tests poorly.
Update manure management plan. Check IMMAG website for possible
consultants.
Within 3 months...
Install a permanent marker in liquid manure storage pit.
Liquid level marker
Consider hiring custom manure applicator to inject manure with a drag hose system in spring and/or fall. Check references
and certification of possible contractors.
Custom manure application
Critical Evaluation Point
Violates Iowa Code
* Changes to be made within five years should be re-evaluated each year until completed
Consider expanding manure storage to handle 14 months of manure volume.
Manure storage capacity
*Within 5 years...
Install gutters on confinement buildings to divert manure away from below
ground manure pit.
Within 1 year...
Change drain plug prior to fall manure application.
Clean water diversion
Drain plug on manure tank
EXAMPLE
Manure Management
Private Well
Area of concern
Date of assessment: 8/20/2003
August 6
August 6
March 4
March 4
10/15
10/15
This week
8/26
Completed
Scheduled
Directions: Fill out this worksheet after completing any of the Iowa Farm*A*Syst risk assessments. Pay special attention to areas on your farmstead that you rated as a “high” or “moderate”
risk. Note the areas of the Iowa Farm*A*Syst risk assessment worksheet that are marked to indicate a violation of Iowa law or a critical evaluation point and circle the appropriate symbol. It
may be helpful to make note of anticipated costs and available resources.
Plan of action
35
(circle)
*Within 5 years...
Within 1 year...
Within 3 months...
Critical Evaluation Point
Violates Iowa Code
* Changes to be made within five years should be re-evaluated each year until completed
Area of concern
Date of assessment:
Completed
Scheduled
Directions: Fill out this worksheet after completing any of the Iowa Farm*A*Syst risk assessments. Pay special attention to areas on your farmstead that you rated as a “high” or “moderate”
risk. Note the areas of the Iowa Farm*A*Syst risk assessment worksheet that are marked to indicate a violation of Iowa law or a critical evaluation point and circle the appropriate symbol. It
may be helpful to make note of anticipated costs and available resources.
Plan of action
36
End date
Piping and valves on manure
storage
Private well water
Manure management plan review
and update
Liquid manure spreader calibration
Walls of formed manure storage
structure
Annual/Intermittent monitoring
Irrigation equipment
Liquid level in manure pit
Liquid level in manure pit
Clean water diversion structures
Berm of earthen manure control
facility
Monthly monitoring
Valves and drain plug on manure
tank (inspect weekly during use)
Weekly monitoring
Start date
Date/
Comments
Name of operation
Date/
Comments
Date/
Comments
Confinement Livestock manure management monitoring checklist
Date/
Comments
Date/
Comments
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION
Field Office 1
909 W Main St Ste 4
Manchester IA 52057
563-927-2640
Field Office 2
th
2300 15 St SW
Mason City IA 50401
641-424-4073
Field Office 3
1900 N Grand Ave
Spencer IA 51301
712-262-4177
Field Office 4
1401 Sunnyside Ln
Atlantic IA 50022
712-243-1934
Field Office 5
th
401 SW 7 Ste I
Des Moines IA 50309
515-725-0268
Uniformed Manure Storage Structure Inspection
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Facility ID No.
Legal Description (1/4, S, T, R)
County
Facility 911 Address
Permit/Project No.
Mail Address
Appt Time
Current Tier Rating
Clerical Violation
Technical Violation
Yes
Yes
No (If yes explain)
No (If yes explain)
Person Contacted
Phone No.
Person Present
Basin Type(s)
Field Office 6
1023 W Madison
Washington IA 52353
319-653-2135
Storage Basin
Animal Species
Swine
Anaerobic
Poultry
Cattle
Date
Date of Inspection
Previous Inspection
Lagoon
Year(s) Constructed
Other
Dairy
Head/Weight Capacity
Production Phase
Animal Unit Capacity
Basin Inspection:
1. Seepage In or Out?
Yes
No
na
9. Poor Vegetation/Weeds?
Yes
No
na
2. Stormwater Flow into Basin?
Yes
No
na
10. Trees/Woody Vegetation?
Yes
No
na
3. Outer Berm Erosion?
Yes
No
na
11. Discharge/Overflow Structure?
Yes
No
na
4. Inner Berm Erosion?
Yes
No
na
12. Freeboard Exceeded?
Yes
No
na
5. Erosion Under Inlet Pipe?
Yes
No
na
13. Deficient Groundwater Monitoring?
Yes
No
na
6. Damaged Piping?
Yes
No
na
14. Past Problems Unresolved
Yes
No
na
7. Rodent Damage?
Yes
No
na
15. Follow Up Required?
Yes
No
na
8. Livestock Damage?
Yes
No
na
Last Drawdown
Future Drawdown
Comments
Inspector
Producer
Post-Inspection Reviewer
05/2011 cmz
Original- DNR
Yellow Copy- Producer
DNR Form 542-8118
37