The cost depends on how serious of an environmental concern your facility poses. Many times all it takes is some inexpensive management changes to meet the environmental requirements of a livestock facility permit. In other instances when the facility can directly impact surface or ground waters, major structural changes may be needed, which can carry high dollar costs depending on the amount of concrete or dirt work required. You will also need to check with your state regulatory agency as to what level of change may be needed to come into compliance. Some states may allow for "partial" systems if the environmental risk is low. In all instances, the need is specific to the site, and there is no single answer for each facility, nor is there an average cost to come into compliance.
To be sure, it is best to work with an adviser to do an assessment of your operation and determine where you fit into the continuum of concern. Check with your local Cooperative Extension office to see if it provides an assessment tool you can use to help you decide on what needs to be changed. Many states have assessment tools, but they will vary somewhat based on state regulations. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service may be able to provide some direct technical assistance or can identify a private sector technical service provider to assist with the development of a plan and its potential cost.
Author: Ron Wiederholt, North Dakota State University
