There are many resources available to assist producers in learning about which regulations apply to their operation. This page focuses on water-related programs.

Federal Programs

• EPA Final CAFO Regulations (2008)
• EPA Fact Sheet
• EPA Questions and Answers on the final regulations
• EPA Virtual Center for Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) links
• The Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES) Curriculum includes a set of CAFO Fact Sheets These were developed based on the EPA regulations issued in 2003 under the Clean Water Act, and will be revised and updated to reflect final federal regulations. The fact sheets help answer questions such as:
  • Do I Need a Permit?
  • What Requirements Apply to My Type of Operation?
  • What is Nutrient Management Planning?
  • What Should I Know Before Land Applying Manure?
  • What Financial Assistance is Available?

State Programs

• The EPA Virtual Center lists links to state contacts

in state environmental regulatory agencies and EPA regional contacts.

• ASIWPCA (Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators) state CAFO programs web site is an outgrowth of the ASIWPCA Animal Agriculture task force. Here you will find general information on state programs as well as innovative ideas for implementing specific aspects of CAFO programs.
• The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CNMP Watch web site with state-by-state information on nutrient management planning (NMP) programs. This site is designed to assist livestock producers prepare their nutrient management plans in the many forms they might take. the website emphasizes nutrient management planning and the plans that a livestock producers might need to meet a state or federal water quality regulatory requirement.
• An LPE Learning Center page, State Specific Manure Nutrient Management Information lists links to resources developed for 20+ states.

Local Programs

In addition, you can contact your local:

• Cooperative Extension office,
• Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS office),
• Soil & Water conservation district, or
• county zoning office

to find out about local or area programs or regulations that apply to you. The Soil & Water conservation districts and NRCS offices also good sources of information about cost-share or financial assistance programs that can help reduce the financial burden associated with complying with regulations.