A concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) is an animal feeding operation (AFO) (refer to FAQ 27108 for definition of an AFO) that meets certain conditions. CAFOs are required by the Clean Water Act to maintain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit if they discharge or propose to discharge. For more information on "discharge or propose to discharge." see FAQ 38315 and Final CAFO Regulations (http://cfpub1.epa.gov/npdes/afo/cafofinalrule.cfm?program_id=7). An AFO can be defined as a CAFO:
• if it meets the large CAFO size thresholds (large CAFO),
• based on size (meets medium-size thresholds) and has specific risks of manure-contaminated water reaching waters of the United States, (medium), or
• if designated by the permitting authority after an inspection.
A decision process used for determining CAFOs is illustrated in the CAFO Fact Sheet “Do I Need an NPDES for My Livestock or Poultry Operations?”
Author: Rick Koelsch, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska
