Features Regional Regulations
MN sends out permit application information

June 14, 2010, St. Paul,
MN – Operators of nearly 1,200 large livestock farms with general operating
permits are being reminded about the August 1 application deadline for a new,
five-year general operating permit for 2011-2016.
June 14, 2010, St. Paul,
MN – Operators of nearly 1,200 large livestock farms with general operating
permits are being reminded about the August 1 application deadline for a new,
five-year general operating permit for 2011-2016.

Permit application packets
are available on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website at
www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/topics/feedlots/feedlots.html, or by calling the
designated regional office. Information about the application process is being
sent electronically where e-mail addresses are available, and by regular mail
for others.

The National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) permit prohibits
the discharge of pollutants from livestock production areas, and restricts the
amount of pollutants entering waters as a result of land application of manure.
It is intended to protect surface and ground water quality around feedlot
facilities and to minimize any potential impacts from pollution caused by
pathogens and nutrients, primarily from manure.

The 2011-2016 general
permit is a combination of the federal requirements for large Concentrated
Animal Feeding Operations and Minnesota rules and statutes. A significant
change moves the issuance date up to Feb. 1, 2011 instead of May 31, 2011 to
better align with the spring construction season. Applications are due 180 days
in advance, making Aug. 1, 2010 the application deadline.

Another major change
requires public notice of all permit applications. Each completed application
will be open for a 30-day public comment period. Permit notices will be posted
on the MPCA website’s Public Notices page. Applications include plans for odor
and manure management, emergencies, animal carcass disposal and operation and
maintenance. Incomplete applications will be delayed until all forms are
received.