Feedlot permits

The MPCA has four types of feedlot permits that may be required for a feedlot facility:

• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
• State Disposal System (SDS)
• Construction Short Form (CSF)
• Interim

NPDES and SDS permits contain operating conditions for the largest feedlots in Minnesota (generally 1,000 or more animal units). CSF permits authorize construction and expansion activities at smaller feedlots. Interim permits are issued to smaller feedlots that need some time to correct a pollution problem.

For owners of smaller feedlots considering an expansion that would require an NPDES or SDS permit, learn more about what that would entail:

• Expanding an existing feedlot: What to know about obtaining an NPDES or SDS permit (wq-f3-59)

Anaerobic digesters that process manure typically require a feedlot permit.

• Regulatory requirements for anaerobic digesters (wq-f8-54)

Do you need a permit?

Answer the following questions — in order — to determine what type of feedlot permit you may need for your facility.

Question 1

Does the facility discharge to waters of the U.S. and exceed any of the federal large CAFO thresholds?

• Yes: Facility must obtain NDPES permit
• No: Proceed to question 2

There are benefits to having an NPDES permit, even if it's not required. Learn more:

• NPDES and SDS permits for feedlots (wq-f3-48)

Question 2

Does the facility currently or after a proposed expansion have the capacity to house 1,000 or more animal units? Refer to:

• Yes: Facility must obtain an SDS permit
• No: Proceed to question 3

Coverage under an NPDES permit satisfies the need to obtain coverage under a SDS permit.

Question 3

Has a part of the facility been identified as a pollution hazard by MPCA staff or the County Feedlot Officer?

• Yes: Facility must obtain an interim permit.
• No: Proceed to question 4.

Question 4

Is the facility proposing construction or expansion that will result in the facility having the capacity to house 300 or more animal units, or proposing to construct a manure storage area at a facility that has capacity to house 300 or more animal units?

• Yes: facility must obtain a CSF permit.
• No: Proceed to question 5.

Question 5

Is the facility proposing construction or expansion that will result in the facility having the capacity to house less than 300 animal units, or proposing to construct a manure storage area at a facility that has capacity to house less than 300 animal units?

• Yes: Complete this form
  • Notice of construction or expansion of an animal feedlot or manure storage area under 300 animal units (wq-f3-24)
• No: Facility may need to be registered

Note: This information only a guide for the most common situations and does not account for unique site-specific circumstances that may require permit coverage even if this page indicates a permit is not required.

What other permits may be required?

Contact the MPCA, your county feedlot officer and local zoning officials for information about other possible requirements. Contact the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources for information about water appropriations permits.