Confined Animal Feeding Operations

Confined animal feeding operations are those that exceed 1000 animal units.  Animal units are calculated by multiplying the average weight of the animals by the number of animals and then dividing by 1000.  An animal unit is the equivalent of 1 - 1000 pound cow.  Livestock operations with over 1000 animal units must have a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP)  in writing.  Operations with 300 to 1000 animal units must have a plan, but not necessarily in writing,  however, any problem farms that come to the attention of regulators can be required to have a plan in writing no matter what their size.  All animal producers are required to follow regulations no matter what their size.  Animals on pasture or rangeland are not required to have a written plan.

I have been working on 2 CNMP's previously written in order to get them ready for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to review so that I can renew my technical service provider's certification.  Included on the front page of the plans is the geographic location.  A law suit by an environmental group has prompted EPA to propose rules that would require livestock farms to register their location with the agency.  Time Magazine has an article on the subject.  There is lots of mention of Illinois in the article.   I am curious to know if EPA has enough people to do anything about inspection.  Livestock farms are usually easy to find if you just drive down the road.  Regulators just don't have the time or inclination to do so.  I can't see how another regulation can help the manpower situation.