WPDES CAFO Permits

WPDES CAFO permits require proper manure management and ensure that adverse impacts to water quality do not occur. Permit applicants must submit detailed information about the operation, a manure management plan, plans and specifications for all manure storage facilities, and a completed environmental analysis questionnaire. Once a WPDES CAFO permit is issued, operators must comply with the terms of the permit by following approved construction specifications and manure spreading plans, conducting a monitoring and inspection program, and providing annual reports. See below for more details on WPDES Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Permits.

For new or expanding operations, a permit application must be submitted at least 12 months before an operator expects to reach 1,000 animal units or more. It is essential that operators contact the DNR early on in the expansion planning process. This ensures that DNR review of regulated structures is completed prior to construction, that permitting concerns can be addressed as part of the planning process, and that the WPDES permit is issued before the operation expands beyond 1,000 animal units.

NOTE: If an operation currently has more than 1,000 animal units and does not have a WPDES permit, the owner or operator must contact the DNR immediately.

It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to request an application from the DNR. Enforcement actions could result for those who do not apply but are found to have 1,000 animal units or more. See below for more details on the WPDES CAFO permit process.

WPDES Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Permits

• Wisconsin CAFO Statistics

  Detailed information about the number and location of CAFOs in Wisconsin

• Online, Real-time Data for WPDES Permitted CAFOs

  This interactive web page allows you to search, filter and download information about CAFO permitted operations.

• WPDES CAFO Permit Applications

  The components for a complete WPDES permit application packet can be downloaded below in PDF format. If you would like to receive the permit application packet through the mail, or if you have any questions, please contact your Regional DNR Ag. Runoff Management Specialist or check the list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning permit application timelines and procedures.
  
  
  1. Livestock Operation Permit Application Cover Letter (updated 1/07) [PDF 56KB]
  2. Instructions for Completing a Livestock Operation Permit Application [PDF 26KB]
  3. Livestock / Poultry Operation WPDES Permit Application (Form 3400-25) [PDF 53KB]
  4. Animal Units Calculation Worksheet (Form 3400-25a) [MS-Word 224KB] | [PDF 74KB]
  5. Environmental Analysis Questionnaire [PDF 46KB]
  6. Appendix A: State and Local Permit Checklist [PDF 37KB]
  7. Appendix B: WPDES Permit Application Process Flowchart [PDF 15KB]
  8. Appendix C: Manure Production Worksheet [PDF 146KB]
  9. Appendix D: Wisconsin Administrative Code NR243 [PDF 166KB]
  10. Appendix E: Consulting Engineers Specializing in Water Quality Design [PDF 17KB]

• WPDES CAFO Permit Forms

  1. CAFO WPDES Compliance Monitoring Checklist [PDF 260KB]
  2. Plan and Specifications Checklist [PDF 64KB]

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.