Planning and Evaluation of Manure Storage

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LESSON 20 Planning and Evaluation of Manure Storage

Lesson 20Planning and Evaluation ofManure StorageBy Charles Fulhage and John Hoehne, University of Missouri

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MODULE C Manure Storage and Treatment

Financial SupportFunding for the development of this lesson was provided by USDA-CSREESand U.S. EPA Ag Center under a grant awarded to the University of NebraskaCooperative Extension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The followingorganizations were also affiliated with this project: Farm*A*Syst, MidWestPlan Service, USDA-ARS, and USDA-NRCS.

DisclaimerThis lesson reflects the best professional judgment of the contributing authorsand is based on information available as of the publication date. References toparticular products should not be regarded as an endorsement.

Copyright © 2001 MidWest Plan Service.Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3080.

For copyright permission, contact MidWest Plan Service (MWPS) at515-294-4337. Organizations may reproduce this publication for non-commercial use, provided they acknowledge MWPS as the copyrightowner and include the following credit statement:

Reprinted from Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship curriculum,lesson authored by Charles Fulhage and John Hoehne, University of Missouri,courtesy of MidWest Plan Service, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa50011-3080, Copyright © 2001.

...And Justice for All.MidWest Plan Service publications are available to all potential clientele without regardto race, color, sex, or national origin. Anyone who feels discriminated against should senda complaint within 180 days to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Weare an equal opportunity employer.

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Lesson 20Planning and Evaluation of Manure StorageBy Charles Fulhage and John Hoehne, University of Missouri

Intended OutcomesThe participants will• Understand the capabilities of and reasons for selecting a

particular storage type.• Understand risk items and identify important considerations

in planning and maintaining manure storage.• Be able to identify the important factors in siting manure

storage.

ContentsIntroduction 5Why do we store manure? 5Commonly used manure storage facilities 7

Typical solid manure storage facilities 7Typical slurry manure storage facilities 7Typical liquid manure storage facilities 8

Assessment of my manure storage facilities 9Considerations in planning and managing manure

storage facilities 9What type of manure storage facility should I select? 10Cost and economics of manure storage facilities 12

Appendix A. Environmental Stewardship Assessment: SitingConsiderations 13

Appendix B. Environmental Stewardship Assessment: SizingConsiderations 14

Appendix C. Environmental Stewardship Assessment: Design andConstruction 15

Appendix D. Environmental Stewardship Assessment: Operationand Maintenance 18

Appendix E. Regulatory Compliance Assessment: PermitRequirements 20

Activities• Complete assessment checklist for own manure storage.• Based on individual conditions and goals, identify

possible choices for manure storage.• Based on own on-site information, complete a site

selection checklist/evaluation.• Considering applicable buffer and/or separation

distances required by regulations, complete acompliance checklist for own manure storage.

PROJECT STATEMENT

This educational program,Livestock and PoultryEnvironmental Stewardship,consists of lessons arrangedinto the following six modules:• Introduction• Animal Dietary Strategies• Manure Storage and

Treatment• Land Application and

Nutrient Management• Outdoor Air Quality• Related Issues

Note: Page numbershighlighted in green arelinked to corresponding text.

Click on road map toreturn to Contents.

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The primaryreason to storemanure is to allowthe producer to landspread themanure at a timethat is compatiblewith the climaticand croppingcharacteristics ofthe land receivingthe manure.

The objectives of this lesson are to help participants understand the(1) need for manure storage facilities and (2) characteristics of different typesof manure storage facilities. Factors that might influence the selection of aparticular type of manure storage facility are discussed. Also, participants willbecome familiar with regulatory issues that may pertain to manure storagefacilities and will utilize assessment checklists for site selection and for theoperation and maintenance of manure storage facilities. Manure storagefacilities covered in this lesson include solid systems, slurry systems, andliquid (lagoon systems). Runoff holding ponds are covered in greater detailin Lesson 22, Open Lot Runoff Management Options.

Why Do We Store Manure?The capability to store manure reduces or eliminates the need to collect,

remove, and spread manure on a daily basis. In past years, when livestockoperations were smaller, daily hauling or very short-term storage withfrequent hauling was a common and manageable system.

However, as operations increased in size, and manure management systemsevolved from solid/semisolid systems to liquid systems, the need for storagebecame more pronounced.

The primary reason to store manure is to allow the producer to landspread the manure at a time that is compatible with the climatic and croppingcharacteristics of the land receiving the manure. Manure nutrients can bebest utilized when spread near or during the growing season of the crop.Therefore, the type of crop and method of manure application are importantconsiderations in planning manure storage facilities. For example, manureapplied to a corn crop with a tankwagon or injection system needs to beapplied in the fall after the crop is harvested, in the spring prior to planting,or both.

Spring application is preferable because it is closer to the crop’s growingseason. If irrigation from a lagoon is the application method, then manuremight be spread on the growing plants.

Forage or hay crops generally provide the greatest flexibility in planningland application operations. Cool season grasses can generally utilize manurenutrients from early spring to late fall, and application equipment generallydoes not adversely affect the crop regardless of its growth stage. In warmerregions, cropping scenarios might be developed that provide growing plantsduring a major portion of the year (double cropping/triple cropping).

Climate and associated soil conditions are additional factors that stronglyinfluence the storage period needed for manure. Saturated, wet, frozen, orsnow-covered soil conditions are not suitable for land application of manure.Some states may prohibit, by regulation, spreading manure on saturated,frozen or snow-covered soil. Therefore, a manure storage structure shouldbe sized to provide a storage period compatible with the required croppingoperations (tillage, planting, harvesting), and climatic conditions expected atthe production location.

While crop schedules and soil/climatic conditions are the most criticalfactors in manure storage, other considerations may also be important.

• Soil compaction. Large manure hauling and application equipmentmay cause excessive soil compaction under certain soil moistureconditions. If sufficient storage is available, application operations

Introduction

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The length ofstorage periodneeded [formanure] dependsprimarily oncropping schedules,soil and climaticconditions, andlabor/equipmentfactors... .

can be performed when soil moisture conditions minimize theeffects of compaction.

• Odors. Sufficient manure storage may allow spreading operationsto be scheduled when odor risks influenced by wind direction andtemperature/humidity conditions are minimized.

• Labor/equipment availability. While the same labor is requiredannually to spread manure, that labor and equipment may beavailable only during certain times of the year due to otherneeds (planting, harvesting). Therefore, a manure storageperiod is needed so labor and equipment can be utilized whenavailable.

Table 20-1 summarizes some conditions and characteristics associatedwith different lengths of storage period time for manure.

The actual size of manure storage structure needed depends upon the(1) volume of manure and wastewater produced and (2) storage periodneeded based on the considerations described above. Primarily, animalspecies and number determine manure volume. Wastewater volume dependsupon many sources such as rainfall, runoff from open lots, washwater used inthe buildings, and fresh water used for flushing or pit recharge. The length ofstorage period needed depends primarily on cropping schedules, soil andclimatic conditions, and labor/equipment factors noted above. Mostoperations utilizing a single, full-season annual row crop or small grain cropwill need at least six months manure storage to schedule land spreadingaround cropping operations. Experience has shown that even a full year’sstorage is beneficial when wet conditions may make fall application difficultand manure needs to be stored until spring. Land application operations in thecentral and upper Midwest using irrigation usually benefit from a full year’sstorage so that effluent can be applied during the typical irrigation season.Shorter storage periods may be acceptable in milder climates and whereforage crops are utilized for receiving manure.

Table 20-1. Conditions and characteristics associated withstorage period for manure.

Storage Period Conditions and Characteristics

Short-term Warm climate, no long periods with frozen or saturated soil.(3 months or less) Pasture, grass, and hay land available for spreading.

Equipment,time, and labor available as needed for frequentspreading.

Mid-term May accommodate short periods with frozen, snow-covered,(3 to 6 months) or saturated soil. May not be adequate for traditional annual

crop rotations. Some pasture, grass, or hay land will likelybe needed for spreading.

Long-term Provides greatest flexibility for spreading operations.(6 months to 1 year) Accommodates longer winter seasons. May best fit timing of

cropping operations. Provides storage from one irrigationseason to the next. Most flexibility for scheduling customspreading operations.

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Solid manure…in low rainfall…areas may…be[stored in openstacks but]…inhigher rainfall…areas [usuallyrequires roofedfacilities or runoffcontrols.]

Commonly Used Manure Storage FacilitiesConfinement, either in open lots or enclosed, roofed structures, is a

common characteristic of modern livestock production systems. Manurestorage facilities have evolved based primarily on the type andconsistency of manure to be handled in the system.

Typical solid manure storage facilitiesTypical solid manure associated with livestock production includes litter

from poultry (usually turkeys or broilers), separated or scraped solids fromswine or dairy operations, manure collected from beef feedlots, and otherproduction schemes involving high amounts of bedding such as hoopstructures for swine. Advantages in handling and storing manure as a solidmay include less volume (high solids content), less odor (bacterial actionproducing odorous compounds is reduced at lower moisture contents), lessrunoff potential, and relatively high nutrient retention. Disadvantages mayinclude more labor in manure collection and handling (mechanical vs.hydraulic handling), runoff management from storage areas, and labor/equipment requirements (number of loads to haul and spread) for landapplication.

Solid manure storage facilities in low-rainfall (arid) areas may simply bewell-drained areas where the material is stacked or stockpiled for subsequentspreading operations. Regulations may require that any contaminated runofffrom these facilities be collected and disposed of in an environmentally soundmanner.

In higher rainfall (more humid) areas, solid manure storage facilitiesusually have a concrete bottom and may have concrete walls to confine thesolids and provide a “push” wall for stacking and loading of the solids.Examples of such facilities are picket dam storage for dairies and solidssettling basins for swine or dairy manure. Contaminated runoff from suchmanure storage facilities must be managed in an environmentally soundmanner. Solid manure storage facilities may be roofed to eliminate theeffects of rainfall. Although a roof adds additional cost, the benefits of nothaving to collect and manage runoff, not adding moisture to the manure,and ease of solids handling during inclement weather may offset theadditional cost.

Composting may also be an integral part of a solid manure storagesystem. In arid regions, beef and dairy manure may be composted in openwindrows or piles. Poultry litter may be composted in stackhouses thatserve as both a composting and storage facility. Contact your localUniversity Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, ora qualified professional for design assistance in developing a solid manurestorage system.

Typical slurry manure storage facilitiesMany types of facilities are used to store manure in the slurry form. One

type is the under floor pit in which manure is deposited directly into the pitthrough slatted floors. Such pits are usually partially or completely belowgrade and must be constructed to withstand earthen and hydraulic pressurefrom the outside when the pit is empty. Access ports for pumping andagitating the pit contents must be provided in sufficient locations to ensurethat manure can be completely removed. Experience has shown that theeffects of agitation are limited to a range of about 40 ft. Hence, access ports

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Slurry manure isusually stored in(1) covered or opentanks or (2) earthenstructures or basins.

should be located at intervals of 40 ft or less, or individual storage pitcompartments should have plan view dimensions of less than 40 ft. Pit accesspoints should have appropriate safety barriers and signage to preventaccidental entry. Ventilation during pit agitation is important to ensure thatharmful or toxic gases do not accumulate.

Slurry manure storage facilities not located under the production buildingsmay be fabricated or earthen structures. Fabricated manure storage tanks areusually either concrete or coated metal (glass-lined steel). Such tanks may beabove ground, or partially or fully below ground. Manure is usually scrapedor flushed from the production buildings and may flow into these tanks bygravity or be pumped into the tank from a collection sump or reception pit.Adequate agitation is necessary to suspend solids and facilitate completeremoval of the contents of these manure tanks. If needed for odor control,fabricated tanks are usually the least costly to cover.

Slurry manure may also be stored in earthen structures or basins. Becausestorage volume can usually be obtained at less cost in an earthen basin, thesefacilities are often used when manure and wastewater volumes are relativelylarge due to washwater use or lot runoff. Earthen structures require a relativelyhigh degree of planning and preliminary investigation to ensure that propersoil materials are available to create a seal and that the seal is constructedproperly. Space requirements are greater with earthen structures due to therequired berms and front/back slopes that have structural integrity and can beproperly maintained. Maintenance requirements may be greater with earthenstructures due to the need for maintaining and mowing a vegetative cover onthe berm area and keeping it free of weeds, trees, and shrubs. Agitation isequally important in earthen structures, and access points for agitation andpumping should be part of the design plan. Some earthen storage units arepartially or completely lined with concrete and built with an access ramp sothat loading and hauling equipment can enter the basin. Earthen storagestructures are more difficult to cover if odor control is needed.

Advantages of storing manure in the slurry form may include lessvolume (higher solids content compared to a lagoon), adaptability to tankstorage either under floor or above ground, possibility of covering the manurestorage facility to reduce odors, higher nutrient retention, and the potential tocollect and transport hydraulically. Disadvantages may include higher odorpotential (unless storage unit is covered), increased danger of toxic orcombustible gas buildup in enclosed areas, number of loads or trips that mustbe made when the storage is emptied, and odor and runoff potential if theslurry is spread without injection or incorporation.

Typical liquid manure storage facilitiesLiquid manure storage facilities (lagoons) are generally used when some

treatment of the manure is desired to facilitate handling or reduce odors.Lagoons are designed with a permanent “treatment volume” facilitating thegrowth of bacteria that degrade and stabilize manure organic matter. They areearthen structures but are larger than those designed for slurry storage due tothe additional treatment volume. Since bacterial activity is an important factorin lagoon performance, lagoons are designed on the basis of temperature andclimatic conditions as well as manure and wastewater volume. Lagoonsgenerally perform better in warmer climates due to increased bacterialactivity at higher temperatures. Since they are earthen structures, siteinvestigations for proper soil material, rock, or bedrock characteristics and

Liquid manurestorage facilities(lagoons) aregenerally used whensome treatment ofthe manure isdesired... .

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water table elevation must be performed as part of the site evaluation. A sealon the lagoon bottom and sides must be constructed to meet permeabilitystandards required by regulation or good construction practice. A source ofdilution water (usually a pond or lake) may be needed to maintain the lagoontreatment volume. Adding dilution water reduces the effects of salts in thelagoon during periods of low rainfall when evaporation may reduce thetreatment volume below the design level.

Advantages of lagoon storage of manure may include cost per animalunit, ability to store large amounts of manure and/or runoff, treatment ofmanure to reduce odors, and potential to handle manure with conventionalpumping and irrigating equipment. Disadvantages of lagoons may includelack of appropriate soil materials for construction, the need for solidsseparation or sludge removal equipment if bedding or other nonbiodegradablematerials are present, aesthetic appearance and/or public perception, andrelatively high nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions.

Another common liquid storage facility is the runoff holding pond.Runoff holding ponds are different from lagoons because they are usuallysized to accommodate runoff from a specific storm event rather than along-term series of events. They are most applicable in arid regions wheresingle storm events (such as the 25-yr, 24-hr storm) may be more critical thana series of widely-spaced lesser rainfall events. Some type of solids removalor separation prior to the liquid storage is usually incorporated in the designof runoff holding ponds, and they are not usually intended to providebiological treatment of the liquid. Proper management of runoff holdingponds includes pumping after significant rainfall events so that storage spaceis available for the next storm event. Runoff holding ponds are covered indetail in Lesson 22, Open Lot Runoff Management Options.

Assessment of My Manure Storage FacilitiesManure storage facilities should be critically evaluated in the planning,

design, construction, and operation and maintenance phases. Assessmentchecklists help ensure that a facility is receiving the necessary evaluationduring each phase. Appendixes A through D provide checklists that enableproducers to assess existing or proposed manure storage facilities and theirpotential environmental risks. The following environmental stewardshipassessment tools are included to assist in this review process:

Manure and runofffrom open lots isusually stored inlagoons or runoffholding ponds.

Assessmentchecklists helpensure that afacility is receivingthe necessaryevaluation... .

Considerations in Planning and ManagingManure Storage Facilities

Many considerations influence the decisions regarding manure storagefacilities. These considerations may begin with the type of livestock orspecies in the enterprise and include factors such as manure collection,

Environmental Stewardship Associated

Appendix Assessment Tools Lesson

A Sizing Considerations 21

B Siting Considerations 23

C Design and Construction 23

D Operation and Management 24

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transport, treatment, nutrient retention, and finally, land application andnutrient utilization. Thus, manure storage facility decisions should be made inconcert with many other decisions and considerations that reflect the entiremanure management system. Regulatory considerations are also important inplanning manure storage facilities. Since regulations vary from state to state,it is not possible to delineate a set of regulations applicable in all cases.Check with your state regulatory agency for specific requirements in yourstate. Many states address the following issues with regulations.

• Classification of operation according to animal units or animal numbers• Public notice requirements prior to construction of a manure storage

facility• Permit for construction and/or operation of a manure storage facility• Manure storage facility design, size, or required storage period• Buffer distances from a manure storage facility to non-owned

dwellings, public use areas, or other areas as required• Separation distances to wells or to groundwater connections, such as

sinkholes or surface water supplies• Geological investigation or evaluation of a manure storage site• Soils evaluation, required soil materials for liner construction, liner

thickness• Location of manure storage facility relative to floodplain and/or water

table• Recording of manure storage facility inspections and water or manure

levels• Preparation of design plans and specifications by a qualified

professional

Appendix E is a checklist that may help producers evaluate the impact ofregulations in planning manure storage facilities.

What type of manure storage facility should I select?Manure storage facilities are one component of an overall manure

management system. The design of the overall system considers theproduction unit, the relationship between manure production and available crop/land resources, and the producer’s goals and objectives. The type of manurestorage selected for a particular operation depends upon many factors andconsiderations. Some of the primary factors and considerations are listed below.

1. Manure form or consistency. Manure is usually handled and stored asa solid (> 15% dry matter), slurry (5%-10% dry matter), or liquid(< 5% dry matter). The form or consistency of the manure handled willinfluence the type of manure storage facility selected. Figure 20-1shows the relative consistency (solids content) of various types ofmanure excreted by the common animal species.

2. Land application handling method and equipment. If manure is hauled,a solid or slurry is more ideal than a liquid, because more solids andnutrients are contained in each load. If manure is irrigated, a lowersolids content may be more ideal for the pumping and nozzleequipment used. Labor and equipment requirements are significantlydifferent for solid vs. liquid or slurry manure land application systems.A different type of manure storage might be used in either case.

3. Nutrient conservation. Solid and slurry systems generally conservemore nutrients than a liquid system. Bacteria can thrive in a liquid

...manure storagefacility decisionsshould be made inconcert with... .[the] regulatoryconsiderations...[inyour state.]

Manure form orconsistency, landapplication handlingmethod andequipment, andnutrient conservationare the mainconsiderations inselecting a particulartype of manurestorage facility.

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system, which results in stabilization and treatment of the manure,but with more nitrogen loss due to volatilization than with a solid orslurry. If nutrient conservation is a high priority (sufficient landavailability, high-value crops), then a manure management system thatretains a higher portion of the nutrients might be selected. Conversely,if land availability is limited or manure will be spread on low-valuecrops, nutrient conservation may be a lesser priority than time/labor/equipment requirements for spreading. Table 20-3 shows typical valuesof nitrogen retention and loss when manure is handled and stored indifferent types of systems.

4. Need for treatment. If treatment is needed for odor control or solidsdegradation, a lagoon may be considered for both treatment andstorage.

5. Space limitations. Limited space at a manure storage site may favor amanure tank rather than an earthen impoundment since less area isrequired for a tank.

In addition to the primary features noted above, other determiningconsiderations may be associated with different types of manure storage facilities.

Figure 20-1. Relative consistency of various types of manure.Adapted from the NRCS Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook 1996.

Table 20-3. Nitrogen lost and retained in various types of manure handlingand storage systems.

System Nitrogen Lost, % Nitrogen Retained, %

Daily scrape and haul 20-35 65-80Manure pack 20-40 60-80Open lot 40-55 45-60Deep pit (poultry) 25-50 50-75Litter 25-50 50-75Under floor pit 15-30 70-85Aboveground tank 10-30 70-90Holding pond 20-40 60-80Anaerobic lagoon 70-85 15-30

Adapted from MWPS-18, Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook 1993.

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Cost and economics of manure storage facilitiesThe cost of different types of manure storage facilities should be

considered in selecting a type of storage structure. However, costconsiderations should be integrated into an economic analysis of the entiremanure management system. A complete analysis may not support the lowestcost manure storage facility as the best economic choice. Hence, the cost of amanure storage facility should be only part of a group of inputs to a completeeconomic analysis of the manure management system.

Manure storage facility costs are related to factors such as materialsrequired (concrete, steel), earthmoving and excavation required, labor costs,size of the facility, appurtenances required (pumps, agitators), and a numberof additional factors. Costs associated with these factors can be highlyvariable from one location to another and will change over time. Withoutspecific data on local costs of the inputs noted above, an actual cost for agiven type of manure storage facility cannot be accurately estimated. Table20-4 shows the costs of different types of manure storage facilities on a “perunit” and comparative basis. Actual facility costs at a given location may varyconsiderably from the costs given in the table. However, the relative cost ofthe different types of facilities may be more consistent and accurate from oneregion to another and over time.

Table 20-4. Comparison of costs of different types of manure storage

facilities.

Approximate Cost Relative

Storage Type $/1,000 gal Cost

Naturally lined earthen basin 36 1.0

Clay-lined earthen basin using clay onsite 70 1.9

Clay-lined earthen basin using clayfrom off-farm borrow site(varies with hauling distance) 88 2.4

Earthen basin with plastic liner 76 2.1

Earthen basin lined with concrete 88 2.4

Aboveground precast concrete tank 141 3.9

Circular aboveground concrete tankpoured in place 163 4.5

Aboveground glass-lined steel tank 198 5.5

Cost estimates based on 500,000-gallon storage capacity. Cost per 1,000 gallons will usually be less for largerstorages and more for smaller storages. Data from a Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service survey ofmanure storage facility costs in 1993.

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APPENDIX AEnvironmental Stewardship Assessment: Sizing Considerations

High to Moderate to

High Risk Moderate Risk Low Risk Low Risk

Issue Risk 4 Risk 3 Risk 2 Risk 1

Existing storage

Is sufficient storage volume Manure is often Manure is occasionally Sufficient volume existsavailable until suitable land, spread at an spread at an to allow spreading ofclimatic conditions, or undesirable time of yr undesirable time of yr manure based on a planlabor/ equipment availability (frozen or snow- (frozen or snow- for nutrient utilizationallows application? covered soil conditions) covered soil conditions) that minimizes nutrient

or at undesirable rates or at undesirable rates runoff.on any available land on any available landdue to a full storage. due to a full storage.

New storage

Sizing procedure includes…

a. Sufficient volume for < 3 months 3-6 months 6-11 months At least 1 yr

b. Allowance for permanent Designed below ASAE, Designed according to Designed at doublepool (anaerobic lagoon only)? NRCS, or state ASAE, NRCS, or state ASAE or NRCS

standards for standards for standards foranaerobic lagoon anaerobic lagoon anaerobic lagoonpermanent pool permanent pool permanent poolvolume. volume. volume, reducing odor.

c. Allowance for depth? None < 1 ft 1 ft At least 1 ftabove maximum levelfor start pumping(spillway included)?

d. Allowance for depth None 1 ft (uncovered storage) At least 1 ft + rainfallabove maximum level from 25-yr, 24-hr stormfor start pumping (no (uncovered storage)spillway)? OR

At least 1 ft (coveredstorage)

e. Allowance for sludge No Yes(anaerobic lagoon) orsolids accumulationbelow barn pits andstorage basin)?

f. Allowance for storage None Allowance for runoff Allowance for runoff No contributingof runoff from open lots, < a 25-yr, 24-hr storm from a 25-yr, 24-hr drainage arearoof water, or other storm ORcontributing drainage area? OR Allowance for runoff

Extended chronic wet from a 25-yr, 24-hrperiod (wettest yr in storm10 yrs) AND

Chronic wet period(wettest yr in 10 yrs)

Manure storage level indicator

Manure level is indicated by

a. Start pumping marker? No Yes but not clearly Yes, marker is clearlyvisible visible

b. Stop pumping marker No Yes but not clearly Yes, marker is clearly(for permanent pool in visible visiblelagoon and wet sealmaintenance in earthenbasin)?

c. Depth or “% of No Yes but not clearly Yes, marker is clearlyFull” marker? visible visible

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High to Moderate to



Location of storage relative to

Nearest surface water source? < 100 ft 100-199 ft 200-500 ft > 500 ft

Drinking water well? Within 100 ft 100-250 ft > 250 ft > 100 ftAND AND ANDdownslope or at grade downslope or at grade upslope

Flood plains? in flood plain outside of flood plainStorage located… or above high

groundwater table

Homes, public use areas,or businesses?

Distance: < 300 au < 1/4 mile, 1/4-1/2 mile, 1/2-1 mile, > 1 mile > 300 au < 1/2 mile 1/2-1 mile 1-2 miles > 2 miles

Direction: Neighbors are … located downwind of located downwind of not located downwindprevailing spring, prevailing winter for prevailing winds atsummer, or fall winds. winds only. any time of year.

Elevation: Neighbors are lower elevation than lower elevation than similar elevation as higher elevation thanlocated at… storage and in valley. storage but in open storage and in open storage

area. area. ORSizeable hill, shelterbelt,or other change intypography lies betweenneighbor and storagefacility.

Visibility? Storage facility highly Storage facility Only neighbors are Topography, vegetation,visible due to location recessed from aware of storage or use of under-barnclose to road. neighbors and road facility due to visually screens storage

but visible. partial screening. facility.

Farmstead facilities? No room exists for Room exists for futurefuture expansion of expansion of storagestorage facilities. facilities.

Drainage around manure Poor drainage and Excellent drainage andstorage? access roads make access roads make

manure removal removal possible in apossible only under variety of weatherdry conditions. conditions.

Cropland base in vicinity of Insufficient cropland is Sufficient cropland is Sufficient cropland isstorage (see Lesson 31, available to which available for managing available for managingManure Utilization Plans)? manure can be manure N to which manure P to which

transported. manure can be manure can betransported. transported.

For each issue listed in the left column, read across to the right and circle the statement that best describesconditions on your farm. If any categories do not apply, leave them blank.

APPENDIX BEnvironmental Stewardship Assessment: Siting Considerations

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APPENDIX CEnvironmental Stewardship Assessment: Design and Construction

High to Moderate to



Soil and geology considerations for slurry or liquid manure storage

Information available No soil survey, well log, USDA county soil survey Soil borings detailing Soil borings detailingabout geology below site? or soil boring information information used to soil characteristics to at soil characteristics to at

available. evaluate site. least 4 ft below the least 4 ft below thestorage available from storage available fromnearby site of similar site on whichgeology. storage is located.

Characteristics of soils used Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4in construction of earthen Passing #200 sieve: Passing #200 sieve: Passing #200 sieve: Passing #200 sieve:liner (see Lesson 23, Table < 20% > 20% and > 20% > 20%23-2 for explanation of soil Plasticity Index: < 5 Plasticity Index: < 15 Plasticity Index: 16-30 Plasticity Index: > 30groupings)? OR

Passing #200 sieve:< 20% andPlasticity Index: > 5

Characteristics of soil, Clean gravel (GP), Fine sand, silty sand, Silt, clay, and sand- Clay (CL or CH) orsediment, or bedrock clean sands (GW, SW, and gravel mixes (SP, silt-clay mixes, organic unfractured bedrock.below storage site? SP, SM), cavernous or SM,GM, GW-GM, GP- mixes, organic silts, and

karst limestone or GM, SW-SM, SP-SM) organic clays (GM, GC,similar topography, or limestone, dolomites, SM, SC, MH, ML, ML-permeable basalts. clean sandstone, and CL, OL, OH, GW-GC,

fractured igneous and GC-GM, SW-SC, SP-SC,metamorphic rocks. SC-SM) or interbedded

and shales.

Distance to high-risk High-risk geology < High-risk geology > Impermeable layer ofgeology (if high-risk geology 4 ft below storage 4 ft below storage clay or unfractured bed-noted in previous question)? bottom or depth bottom or depth rock between storage

unknown. unknown. and high-risk geology.

Evidence of seepage into Evidence observed. No evidence observed.test holes or duringconstruction?

Soil and geology considerations for dry manure storage

Manure stacked in field For more than 30 days < 30 days, medium- < 30 days, medium- Never stacked on field(temporary storage on OR or fine-textured soils.1 or fine-textured soils.1 or bare soil.soil base)? On coarse-textured Water table deeper Water table deeper

soils.1 Fractured bed- than 20 ft than 20 ftrock or water table AND ANDshallower than 20 ft Upslope surface Upslope surface waterOR water diverted diverted around pileUpslope surface water around pile. ANDnot diverted. New location for

pile each yr.

Stacked in outdoor feed- Earthen surface with Earthen surface with Earthen surface with Well-maintainedlot or permanent site for coarse-textured soils.1 medium- or fine- medium- or fine- concrete surface.dry manure storage? Fractured bedrock or textured soils.1 textured soils.1

water table shallower Water table deeper Water table deeperthan 20 ft. than 20 ft. than 20 ft.

1 Coarse-textured soils: Sand or sandy loam soilsMedium or fine-textured soils: Loam, silt loam, clay loam, or clay soils

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High to Moderate to



Soil and geology considerations for dry manure storage (continued)

Stored in roofed animal Earthen floor of coarse- Concrete floor or Concrete floor or Building has concretehousing on . . . textured soils1 and compacted earthen compacted earthen floor floor protected from

subject to surface water floor of medium- or of medium- or fine- surface water runoff.runoff. Water table or fine-textured soils1 textured soils1 andfractured bedrock and subject to surface protected from surfaceshallower than 20 ft. water runoff. Water table water runoff. Water tableor fractured bedrock. shallower than 20 ft. or fractured bedrock

deeper than 20 ft.

Storage liner (soil, membrane, or concrete) considerations

Liner designed by . . . No one involved in Construction contractor. Professional engineer,liner design. engineer with NRCS or

other appropriateAND agency, or other state-

registered designer.Installed by contractor . . . Inexperienced in Experienced in

liner construction. liner construction.

During first filling of storage, Protection for more All but one statement All statements are true.soil liner is protected from than one cause of is true.erosion resulting from erosion was not(1) manure inlets, (2) waves, considered.(3) agitation equipment, and(4) rainfall.

Liner testing to substantiate No testing of liner Postconstruction Construction monitoring Postconstruction seepageliner’s compliance with seepage was seepage testing or of liner moisture and testing of representativedesign standards completed. construction monitoring density was completed storage bottom and included . . . testing was completed for both liner sidewalls sidewall by a commercial

for storage bottom only. and bottom. lab or engineering service.ORDesign engineerregularly inspectedliner construction toensure acceptability.

Permeability rate or No evaluation of Permeability between Permeability < 10-7 cm/secseepage rate used to design permeability rate or 10-6 cm/sec and 10-7 (seepage rate < 0.02liner (earthen-lined storage seepage rate was made cm/sec (seepage rate inches/day for 10 ft deepstructures only)? during liner design between 0.2 and 0.02 storage with 2 ft

OR inches/day for 10 ft thick liner)Permeability > 10-6 deep storage with 2 ft ANDcm/sec (seepage thick liner) Permeability < staterate > 0.2 inches/day AND standard.for 10 ft deep storage Permeability < statewith 2 ft thick liner). standard.

Liner designed with No evaluation of Permeability tested with Permeability tested withbentonite or soil-dispersant permeability rate or soil amendment is soil amendment < 10-7 cm/additives? seepage rate made between 10-6 cm/sec AND

during liner design and 10-7 cm/sec. Permeability < stateOR AND standard.Permeability tested with Permeability < statesoil amendment standard.> 10-6 cm/sec.

1 Coarse-textured soils: Sand or sandy loam soilsMedium or fine-textured soils: Loam, silt loam, clay loam, or clay soils

APPENDIX CEnvironmental Stewardship Assessment: Design and Construction (continued)

17


APPENDIX CEnvironmental Stewardship Assessment: Design and Construction (continued)

High to Moderate to



Storage structure features

Sufficient access for complete Existing facility: Solids Only limited access for Existing facility: Solidsremoval of liquid and settled are accumulating with agitation equipment is are not accumulatingsolids (formed manure time. provided. with time.storage and earthen storage OR ORbasins only)? New facility: Agitation New facility: Access for

equipment is not agitation equipment isreadily available or provided at least everyaccess locations are 50ft of storagenot provided for perimeter.agitation.

Manure inlets are located . . . Above the liquid level. Generally below the Below the lowest liquidliquid level. level.

Outlet pipes pass through Have 1 shutoff valve Have 2 shutoff valves Have 2 shutoff valves No outlet pipes exitthe wall or berm and . . . with no ability to lock but no ability to lock with ability to lock through berm or wall

valve closed. 1 valve closed. 1 valve closed. below storage’smaximum liquid level.

Pit ventilation fans (below No pit ventilation Pit ventilation fan Pit ventilation fan WITHbarn storages)? fans installed. WITHOUT appropri- appropriately designed

ately designed inlet plenum.inlet plenum.

Management of liquids No control of runoff Runoff is directed Runoff is directed Dry manure storage isfrom dry manure storage? from solid manure toward crop land. to designed grass roofed.

storage located near filter strip or ORwell, stream, major constructed wetlands Runoff is directed todrainage, or other from which holding pond, constructedsurface waters. some runoff might wetland, or grass filter

escape. strip from which runoffis unlikely.

Fencing and appropriate No Warning signs only Yessignage for limitingstorage access (outdoorstorages)?

An egress ladder for an No Yes, 1 ladder Yes, 1 ladder on all fourindividual falling into sides.storage?

Warning signs of dangers No Yesof confined space entry(below barn storage)?

18



High to Moderate to



1. Is a written management plan maintained for…

Storage operation and No Yes but not accessible Yes and accessible tomaintenance? to all key employees all key employees

Storage inspection? No Yes but not accessible Yes and accessible toto all key employees all key employees

Emergency response plan? No Yes but not accessible Yes and accessible toto all key employees all key employees

2. Are records maintained for…

Timing of storage pumping No Yes, partial records are All pumping events andand storage liquid levels? available. monthly liquid levels

are recorded.

Facility and equipment No Yes, partial records are Yes, all maintenance ismaintenance? available. recorded.

Regular facility inspections? No Yes, partial records are Yesavailable.

3. Frequency of storage facility inspection?

Manure transfer (barn to No Less frequently Weekly Dailystorage) and recycle ORsystems? Sensor installed to shut

pump down in case ofpipe blockage.

Liquid levels? No Less frequently Monthly Weekly

Cracks and resulting No Less frequently Quarterly Monthlyseepage through concrete(concrete storage)?

Storage liner erosion or No Less frequently Quarterly Monthlydamage (earthen storage)?

Berm sod cover and erosion No Less frequently Quarterly Monthly(earthen storage)?

Tree and large weed growth No Less frequently Quarterly Monthly(earthen storage)?

Burrowing animal damage No Less frequently Quarterly Monthly(earthen storage)?

Odor intensity? No Less frequently Quarterly Monthly

Seepage near outside toe No Less frequently Quarterly Monthlyof berms and around pipesthrough the berm (earthenstructures)?

Electrical conductivity No measurement Infrequent measurements Quarterly Quarterly(anaerobic lagoons)? OR OR AND AND

Readings > Readings between 10 and Readings between 8 Readings < 8 mmho/cm12 mmho/cm 12 mmho/cm 10 mmho/cm

Surface water drainage away No Less frequently Quarterlyfrom storage structure?

APPENDIX DEnvironmental Stewardship Assessment: Operation and Management

19


High to Moderate to



4. An inspection today of the storage facility would reveal the following critical issues. Complete the Manure Storage Checklist

in Appendix A of Lesson 24, Operation and Maintenance of Manure Storage Facilities, to identify specific current concerns.

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

APPENDIX DEnvironmental Stewardship Assessment: Operation and Management (continued)

20


APPENDIX ERegulatory Compliance Assessment: Permit Requirements

Is my livestock/

Is this issue addressed by regulations? poultry operation

Regulatory issue If “Yes,” summarize those regulations. in compliance?

Permit requirement issues

What agencies are involved ___ U.S. EPA ___ State ___ Local List Name, Address, Phone No.:in administrating regulationsrelated to manure storage?

Is a permit required to ___ Yes ___ N0 ___ If Yes, summarize: ___ Yes ___ Noconstruct a manure ___ Not applicablestorage facility? ___ Don’t Know

Is a permit required to ___ Yes ___ No ___ If Yes, summarize: ___ Yes ___ Nooperate a manure ___ Not applicablestorage facility? ___ Don’t Know

Do rules change with animal ___ Yes ___ No ___ If Yes, summarize: ___ Yes ___ Nonumbers or animal units? ___ Not applicable

___ Don’t Know

Is a public notice/comment period ___ Yes ___ No ___ If Yes, summarize: ___ Yes ___ Norequired before construction? ___ Not applicable

___ Don’t Know

Other issues

Are there requirements pertaining ___ Yes ___ No ___ If Yes, summarize: ___ Yes ___ Noto closure of a manure storage ___ Not applicablefacility? ___ Don’t Know

Are there financial assurance ___ Yes ___ No ___ If Yes, summarize: ___ Yes ___ Norequirements relative to the ___ Not applicableoperation or closure of a manure ___ Don’t Knowstorage facility?

Other: ___ Yes ___ No ___ If Yes, summarize: ___ Yes ___ No___ Not applicable___ Don’t Know

The goal of this assessment tool is to help you identify the regulations that apply to your operation. For each issuelisted in the left column, identify if this issue is regulated by federal, state, or local authorities (middle column) anddetermine if your operation complies with these rules (right column).

21


About the AuthorsThis lesson was prepared by Charles Fulhage, Extension Agricultural Engineer, and John Hoehne, Extension

Agricultural Engineer–Commercial Agriculture Program, both at the University of Missouri, Columbia, when thelesson was developed. The first author can be reached at the following e-mail address:

Charles Fulhage [email protected]

References

Nielson, Robert D., M. Dewayne Mays, Don W. Goss, and Frank Geter. 1996. NRCS Agricultural Waste ManagementField Handbook.

MWPS-18, Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook. 1993. MidWest Plan Service (MWPS): Ames, Iowa.

Glossary

Berm. Earthen fill material used to construct the sides of an earthen manure storage facility.

Freeboard. The distance between the crest of the emergency spillway of an earthen impoundment and the top of thesettled dam or embankment. Designed to prevent waves or spray from overtopping the embankment or fromreaching that portion of the fill that may have been weakened by frost action.

Holding pond. A wastewater storage impoundment, usually earthen, where lot runoff and other dilute wastes arestored before final disposal. It is not designed for treatment.

Setback. Required distance from manure storage facilities or land application areas to sensitive areas such as surfacewater, wells, sinkholes, property lines, public use areas, and non-owned dwellings.

F U N D I N GThis material is based upon work supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department ofAgriculture; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Agriculture Assistance Center; and the University of Nebraska CooperativeExtension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, under Cooperative Agreement Number 97-EXCA-3-0642.

Index

AAgitation, 7, 8

BBerms, 8, 21

EEnvironmental stewardship

assessment tools, 9

HHolding pond, 5, 9

LLagoon, 5, 8Liquid manure, 8

MManure storage facility, 5, 7-12

OOdor, 6-8, 11

RRunoff, 5, 6, 7, 9Runoff holding pond see also

Holding pond

SSlurry manure, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11Soil compaction, 5Solid manure, 7, 10

(Page numbers highlighted in green are linked to corresponding text.)

Click on road map toreturn to Contents.

22


23


ReviewersMany colleagues reviewed drafts of the Livestock and Poultry EnvironmentalStewardship curriculum and offered input over a two-year period. Thus, it isimpossible to list all reviewers; however, certain reviewers provided in-depthreviews, which greatly improved the curriculum’s overall quality, and pilottested the curriculum within their state. These reviewers, also members of theReview and Pilot Team, are listed below.

Ted FunkExtension SpecialistAgricultural EngineeringUniversity of Illinois

Carol GallowayUSEPA Ag CenterKansas City, KS

Mohammed IbrahimExtension SpecialistNorth Carolina A&T State University

Gary JacksonProfessor, Soil Science, and Director,National Farm*A*Syst ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison

Barry KintzerNational Environmental EngineerUSDA-NRCSWashington, D.C.

Rick KoelschLivestock Environmental EngineerUniversity of Nebraska

Deanne MeyerLivestock Waste Management SpecialistUniversity of California-Davis

Mark RisseExtension Engineer, Agricultural Pollution PreventionUniversity of Georgia

Peter WrightSenior Extension Associate, PRO-DAIRYCornell University

Finally, recognition must also be given to three individuals, members of theAccess Team, who helped determine the final appearance of the curriculumlessons: Don Jones, Purdue University; Jack Moore, MidWest Plan Service;and Ginah Mortensen, EPA Ag Center.

24


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Planning and Evaluation of Manure Storage

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