Open Lot Agreement
In March 2009 the MPCA, Department of Agriculture, and Board of Water and Soil Resources signed a Memorandum of Understanding that after October 1, 2010, producers who signed an Open Lot Agreement (OLA) and have applied for and maintain eligibility for cost-share, will continue to receive a conditional waiver from enforcement penalties until cost-share is available for corrective measures.
Background
Since October 2000, livestock producers having open feedlots with fewer than 300 animal units (AU) had the option to sign an OLA (7020.2003, subp. 4, and 7050.0305), whereby they committed to correct their open lot runoff problems in exchange for a flexible time schedule for compliance and a conditional waiver from enforcement of penalties for past violations of water quality standards. Interim measures were to be completed by October 1, 2005, and final corrective measures by October 1, 2010.
Feedlots in Open Lot Agreement - Recommendations Beyond October 2010- Memorandum of Understanding
- Memorandum of Understanding Transmission Letter
- Managing Livestock Feeding on Pasture and Crop Residue
- Evaluating Open Lot Runoff Compliance – Requirements for Open Lots Without an NPDES Permit
- News release: Pollution Prevention Efforts Contribute to Success of Small Dairy
Links to Resources
Financial and technical assistance:
- USDA Farm Service Agency – operating loans
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture – loan programs
- Board of Water and Soil Resources/Soil and Water Conservation Districts – feedlot water quality management grant program
- Natural Resources Conservation Service – Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Watershed projects and districts:
- Chippewa River Watershed Project
- Crow River Organization of Waters
- Hawk Creek Watershed Project
- Yellow Medicine River Watershed District
- Sauk River Watershed District
- Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area
