Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

What Does an NPDES CAFO Permit Require?

NOTE: These pages contain general information on the types of requirements that are included in NPDES permits issued to CAFOs. You must read the specific requirements in the NPDES permit issued to your CAFO to know exactly what you must do to comply.

NPDES permits contain specific requirements for CAFO operations, including requirements for the production area (where animals are confined and where wastes and raw materials are stored) and land application area (land under the control of the CAFO where manure or wastewater is spread). In general, the permit requirements include the following:

• CAFOs may not discharge pollutants, except under certain circumstances.
• Every CAFO must develop and implement a manure management plan that specifies best management practices for manure and wastewater handling and disposal which complies with the NPDES permit.
• Every CAFO must conduct inspections and monitoring and keep records.
• Every CAFO must submit an annual report to Ohio EPA.

Parts I, A and VII of the NPDES permit contains many of the technical standards that CAFOs must comply with.

• Standard Part I, A language [PDF 13K]
• Standard Part VII language [PDF 113K]

Click on the links below to find out more about the requirements of NPDES permits for CAFOs:

Performance standards
Operation and management practices
Monitoring and reporting
Land application requirements

Check U.S. EPA's NPDES CAFO rule page for a fact sheet series that provides general information on federal permit requirements for specific livestock sectors.

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