Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

The livestock production industry has undergone a trend in recent decades toward consolidation of smaller livestock operations into fewer but larger operations. These larger operations tend to be more specialized and have more intense production cycles. Some have insufficient crop and pasture lands available to spread the manure and wastewater generated. The potential for water quality impacts from pollutant discharges at such facilities has led to changes in regulations and permitting programs to better protect waterways and drinking water supplies in Ohio and across the country. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and Ohio EPA have updated the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations and requirements for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to control spills and runoff of nutrients and other pollutants from these operations.

 Recent Updates

• Interactive map of CAFO locations in Ohio
• U.S. EPA CAFO guidance document "Implementation Guidance on CAFO Regulations - CAFOs That Discharge or Are Proposing to Discharge" 

Is my livestock operation a CAFO?

To be considered a CAFO, a livestock operation must first be considered an animal feeding operation, or AFO. If your livestock operation confines animals for at least 45 days in a 12-month period in an area where grass or other vegetation is not maintained during the normal growing season, then it is probably an AFO.

Next, an AFO must meet certain criteria to be considered a CAFO. There are three CAFO size categories: Large CAFOs, Medium CAFOs, and Small CAFOs. Each category has its own criteria defining which operations are considered to be CAFOs. You can find more information on the CAFO definitions and criteria in the fact sheet Ohio EPA NPDES Permit, Part I - General Overview of New Federal Regulations [PDF 80K]. All AFOs that meet the criteria for one of the CAFO size categories are regulated under the NPDES permitting program.

Do I need a CAFO NPDES permit?

If you are a large or medium CAFO that discharges or proposes to discharge, you need a CAFO NPDES permit.  A CAFO proposes to discharge if it is designed, constructed, operated or maintained such that a discharge will occur.  It must be noted that there is no exemption for large storm events, and that land application field discharges may trigger NPDES requirements.  For more information and suggestions for conducting an objective evaluation, see U.S. EPA's "Implementation Guidance on CAFO Regulations - CAFOs that Discharge or Are Proposing to Discharge [PDF]".

What information can I find on this Web site?

This Web site provides information and links to help farmers, citizens, local officials, and other interested parties understand the regulations and permitting requirements for CAFOs in Ohio.
Follow the links below to find

• General Information on NPDES Permitting and CAFOs in Ohio. This page provides general information on Ohio's surface water permitting laws and rules, Ohio's CAFO NPDES program, the number of regulated CAFOs in Ohio, and how CAFOs impact Ohio's water quality.
• What Does an NPDES CAFO Permit Require? These pages contain general information on the types of requirements that are included in NPDES permits issued to CAFOs, including performance standards, operation and management practices, monitoring and reporting requirements, and land application requirements. You must read the specific requirements in the NPDES permit issued to your CAFO to know exactly what you must do to comply.
• How Do I Apply for Permit Coverage? This page provides information on permit application fees, deadlines, and links to permit application forms.
• What Happens After I Am Covered? This page includes information on compliance, compliance assistance, and Ohio EPA's enforcement activities, including inspections and potential enforcement actions.
• Additional Information and Links. This page provides additional information and links to other Ohio EPA programs that might affect CAFOs, and other agencies in Ohio and at the national level with programs that might affect CAFOs. It includes links to a Summary of CAFO requirements administered by Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

 CAFO Downloads

• Map of Permitted Livestock Facilities in Ohio [PDF]
• Water Quality, Manure and Nutrient Management for Certified Livestock Manager Training, Rick Wilson, Ohio EPA-DSW 7-10-08 [PPT] 
• Ag Class Basics of Stream Ecology & Nutrients (PowerPoint) [PPT]
• Certified Livestock Managers Training at Ohio Department of Agriculture--February 6, 2007 (PowerPoint) [PPT]
• Department of Natural Resource-Division of Wildlife Officers Training--May 8, 2006 (PowerPoint) [PPT]
• Manure Science Review (For Farmers & Ag Stakeholders)- August 30, 2006 (PowerPoint) [PPT]
• Testimony at Wood County Commissioners / Senator Randy Gardner Meeting (Microsoft Word) [DOC]
• Grand Lake Saint Mary's Response to questions raised at the Summit (Sponsored by Keith Faber) (Microsoft Word) [DOC]

Contact Us

If you have questions about the CAFO program, contact:

Jon Bernstein
Permits & Compliance Section
(614) 728-2397

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