Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-441-6972
St. Paul, Minn. -- Operators of nearly 1,200 large livestock farms with general operating permits are being reminded about the Aug. 1 application deadline for a new, five-year general operating permit for 2011-2016.
Permit application packets are available on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/topics/feedlots/feedlots.html, or by calling the designated regional office. Information about the application process is being sent electronically where e-mail addresses are available, and by regular mail for others.
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) permit prohibits the discharge of pollutants from livestock production areas, and restricts the amount of pollutants entering waters as a result of land application of manure. It is intended to protect surface and ground water quality around feedlot facilities and to minimize any potential impacts from pollution caused by pathogens and nutrients, primarily from manure.
The 2011-2016 general permit is a combination of the federal requirements for large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Minnesota rules and statutes. A significant change moves the issuance date up to Feb. 1, 2011 instead of May 31, 2011 to better align with the spring construction season. Applications are due 180 days in advance, making Aug. 1, 2010 the application deadline.
Another major change requires public notice of all permit applications. Each completed application will be open for a 30-day public comment period. Permit notices will be posted on the MPCA Web site Public Notices page. Applications include plans for odor and manure management, emergencies, animal carcass disposal and operation and maintenance. Incomplete applications will be delayed until all forms are received.
