Workshops offered on permits needed for increasing livestock operations
MADISON -- People interested in increasing the size of their livestock operations in Wisconsin can attend workshops and Web conferences that will be held around the state in June and July on how to secure permits to operate Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).
Participants will hear from a featured livestock producer experienced in the permitting process, and will have one-on-one access to state agency representatives who can provide applications and materials for necessary water quality permits. The Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the University of Wisconsin – Extension and the Dairy Business Association will also provide information.
In Wisconsin, any livestock operation planning to grow beyond 700 dairy cows, 1,000 beef cattle or 2,500 hogs must apply for a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit.
Large-scale livestock operators, consultants, engineers and other related parties will get an in-depth look at the latest regulations and permit requirements and learn how to avoid costly mistakes and inefficiencies in the permit process. The workshops and Web conferences will target current WPDES permit holders as well as livestock operators planning to apply for a state water quality permit.
“We want to work with producers and get them the information they need to have successful operations and to head off potential problems,” says Gordon Stevenson, director of the DNR Runoff Management Section.
The agenda for the current permit holders will cover nutrient management planning, plans and specifications submittal for manure storage and runoff control and monitoring and reporting requirements. DNR staff will also provide information on revisions to WPDES requirements effective as of July 2007.
The sessions for growing operations will cover calculating the number of animals onsite to determine whether a permit is needed, what information must be submitted as part of a permit application and presentations on the DNR permitting process and requirements.
Face-to-face workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and they will be held at the following dates and locations: Green Bay, June 23; Johnson Creek, June 24; Eau Claire, July 8; Richland Center, July 9.
The Web conferences are three-hour sessions to be held at several locations around the state on the following dates and will cover these topics: Livestock Siting, July 18; Applying for a WPDES Permit, July 25; Submittal of Plans and Specs, July 30; CAFO Nutrient Management Plans, July 31.
The cost to attend the workshops is $30, which includes access to the Web conferences. For more information or to register, visit conservationtraining.uwex.edu (exit DNR) and click on “CAFO.” Or contact Kevin Erb at (920) 391-4652 or kevin.erb@ces.uwex.edu.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gordon Stevenson, DNR - (608) 267-2759
