Livestock Waste
A livestock waste management system is a planned system to manage liquid and solid wastes from a confined animal feeding operation. It includes runoff from non-concentrated waste areas, with ultimate disposal in a manner that prevents or minimizes degradation of air, soil and water resources and protects public health and safety. Such systems are planned to preclude discharge of pollutants to surface or ground water and, to the fullest practicable extent, utilize waste products through soil and plants. Through proper collection, storage, transportation and utilization of wastes, pollution may be greatly reduced or eliminated.
Landowners of confined animal feeding operations that are requesting cost-share assistance are required to contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to determine if the facility has a significant pollution potential and is required to obtain a permit and install the appropriate pollution control practice(s).
For more information on permitting requirements for confined animal feeding operations go to the following KDHE website: http://www.kdheks.gov/feedlots
A few of the common livestock waste system practices are highlighted below.
Waste Storage Facility
A waste storage facility is a waste impoundment made by constructing an embankment and/or excavating a pit or dugout or fabricating a structure. Its purpose is to temporarily store wastes such as manure, wastewater and contaminated runoff as a storage function component of an agricultural waste management system.
Sediment Basin
A sediment basin is a basin constructed to collect and store debris or sediment. This practice is used to abate pollution by providing basins for deposition and storage of sediment and agricultural wastes as part of a livestock waste management system.
Wastewater Treatment Strip
This practice is implemented as a treatment component of an agricultural waste management system consisting of a strip or area of herbaceous vegetation. The purpose is to improve water quality by reducing loading of nutrients, organics, pathogens and other contaminants associated with animal manure and other wastes and wastewater by treating runoff from livestock holding areas with infiltration or treating wastewater with overland flow.
For more information on these practices or to apply for state financial assistance, please contact your county conservation district.
