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Frequently Asked Questions
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

What is an "animal unit"?

What types of permits do new/expanding operations need?

When will I need a WPDES permit?

When should I submit my application?

What should my application contain to be considered complete?

After I submit my completed application, what are the next steps?

What will my final permit contain?

What is an "animal unit"?

Animal units are calculated for each different type and size class of livestock and poultry. For instance, facilities with 1,000 beef cattle, 700 milking cows or 200,000 chickens would each be considered to have the equivalent of 1,000 animal units. To determine the actual number of animal units on your operation, use the Animal Units Calculation Worksheet, Form 3400-25A [PDF 128KB].

Animal Units Chart

To see the changes proposed in the NR 243 rule revision regarding animal unit calculations, please see the NR 243 revisions page.

What types of permits do new/expanding operations need?

Different types of state and local permits/approvals are required for new or expanding livestock operations. Planning early to accommodate these requirements can make your transition smoother by helping to avoid time-consuming and costly delays. Although it is not be an all-inclusive list, this State and Local Permit Checklist [PDF 113KB] is a good place to begin. It is important to check with your town, county, and state staff early in the planning process to see what regulations apply to your operation.

When will I need a WPDES permit?

All livestock and poultry operations that will be expanding to 1,000 or more animal units must apply for a WPDES permit at least 180 days (six months) before reaching that size. If your operation already has more than 1,000 animal units but does not have a WPDES permit, contact your regional DNR representative.

When should I submit my application?

A permit application must be submitted at least 12 months before an operator expects to reach 1,000 or more animal units. It is essential that operators contact the DNR early on to ensure that permitting issues are addressed as part of the planning process and to be sure that the final permit is issued prior to actual construction or expansion. During the application process, regional DNR staff will make a site visit with the operator to gather information and further explain issuance procedures.

What should my application contain to be considered complete?

Before processing of your permit application can begin, you must submit complete, detailed application materials. Detailed instructions are contained within the application packet (Instructions for Completing a Livestock Operation Permit Application). Generally, a complete application will include specific information about the operation, a preliminary Manure Management Plan (typically based on the Natural Resources Conservation Service 590 Standard), an environmental analysis questionnaire, and information on proposed and existing manure storage facilities and runoff control systems. Operators may choose to hire a consultant to assist in preparing the application materials.

After I submit my completed application, what are the next steps?

Once the completed application is received and reviewed, DNR staff will prepare a Plans and Specifications Review, an Environmental Analysis (if necessary), and a draft permit. Both the Environmental Analysis and the proposed draft permit undergo a public notice process. While each of these items is in its 30-day comment period, the public may submit comments or request a public informational hearing. After all comments are received and addressed and the hearing (if necessary) has taken place, the permit may be issued. If the owner, operator or the public wants to challenge some of the permit conditions, a hearing before a judge may be requested. Flowchart of the permit process [PDF 69KB]

What will my final permit contain?

The finalized permit will contain requirements for proper runoff control, manure storage, and manure management to ensure that there are no discharges of pollutants to navigable waters and that groundwater is protected. Once the permit is issued, the owner or operator is required to submit a finalized Manure Management Plan based on the conditions of the issued permit, a monitoring and inspection program, and annual reports summarizing the landspreading of manure to ensure compliance with the permit. Operators must also submit an application for permit renewal every five years, and must notify the DNR of any proposed construction or management changes.

DISCLAIMER: Information on this page is provided for education purposes only. Contact a member of the DNR Ag. Runoff Management Program Staff with any questions.

Contact Thomas S. Bauman with feedback about this page.

Last Revised: Friday October 26 2007