Transcript Module 8: Open Feedlot Construction and Management for Water and Air Quality Protection By Jeff Lorimor Logo Certified Nutrient Management Planning 8-1

Module 8: Open Feedlot
Construction and Management
for Water and Air Quality
Protection
By Jeff Lorimor
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8-1
Introduction
Open feedlots are defined as
confined areas that are devoid of
vegetation or crop residue where
animals are held
for 45 days per year.
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CAFO Definition
Federal regulations define a Concentrated Animal
Feeding Operation (CAFO) as a feedlot with
capacity equal or exceeding:

1,000 beef animals.

700 dairy cows.

2,500 swine over 55 pounds.

Other species of EPA-defined sizes.
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NPDES Permit
CAFOS must obtain National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The
permits:
 Require capturing feedlot runoff.
 Require pumping captured liquids onto crops.
 Prohibit releasing runoff except in very large
storms (25-yr, 24-hr storm).
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Other CAFO Requirements

Weekly inspection of storm water control
devices

Must have depth markers in containments

Record-keeping requirements
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Nearby Water

Feedlots should not have streams running
through them.

Feedlots should not drain directly into streams,
ditches, tile intakes, or other waterways leading
directly to waters of the state.
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Runoff Control and Management


Complete containment

Contain all runoff in a basin below the lot.

To prevent overflow, land apply (irrigate) the
liquids.
Discharge systems

Useful for lots smaller than CAFOs

Release after settling solids in a manner that
prevents water pollution.
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Diversions

Runoff control should start by diverting clean
water away from the lot surface.
Downspouts
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Settling Solids

All feedlots should have
solids settling basins (debris
basins) to capture solids
from the feedlot runoff.
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Settling Solids (continued)



Solids settling basins do not store liquids
permanently.
 Liquid velocity is slowed, but the liquid is
released.
 State regulations may determine basin
design.
Porous outlets should be unplugged frequently
to enhance liquid release.
Solids should be removed frequently.
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Nutrients are in Solids

Most of the nutrients (>
90%) from open feedlots
are found
in the solids, not in runoff
liquids.
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Containment Structures


Must have capacity to store runoff from the 25-yr, 24-hr
storm
 If inadequate capacity exists, pump out the
containment.
Maintain the structure in good condition.
 Control erosion.
 Eliminate rodents.
 Keep mowed.
 Maintain depth indicator gauge.
 Keep accurate records.
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Air Quality


In Western states, dust and odor are bigger
concerns than water quality. They are affected
by the moisture content of the feedlot surface.

Too dry…dust results

Too wet…odor results
In more humid regions, surface runoff is the
primary concern.
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Dust/Odor Potential
Between 25%–40% Moisture is
Optimum in a Feedlot
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Dust Potential
Odor Potential
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 100
Moisture Content, %w.b.
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Corral Construction

If possible, build on 3%-5% slopes.

Avoid pen-to-pen drainage.

Build mounds up and down the slope, not across
the slope.

Build mounds so cattle have access to them
without going through a pothole.

Provide convenient access for manure removal.
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Properly Constructed Mounds
Stay Dry
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Open Lot Maintenance

Proper maintenance
is the most important
factor in avoiding air
and water quality
problems with open
lots.

Pull blades are better
than push blades for
maintenance.
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Make Mounds of Good Soil–Not
Manure
Mounds should run
up and down, rather
than across, the
slope.
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Open Lot Dust is a Function of



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Loose manure depth on the corral
surface.
The moisture content of the loose
manure.
Hoof action arising from cattle activity.
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Corral Maintenance
Keep the surface as hard, smooth, and dry as
possible.
 Minimize hoof prints
that can hold water.
 Scrape manure to
maintain a 1"-2” base
of manure above the
soil surface.
 Frequently inspect and
fill holes and
depressions.
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Dust Emissions
Loose manure depth is a function of…

Stocking density (animals per unit area).

Animal bodyweight.

Number of days on feed.


Corral surface condition (e.g., wallows, “dust
pots”).
Manure harvesting frequency.
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Loose Manure Depth
Deep and soft
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Thin and well
compacted
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Manure not yet harvested > 2” deep
Manure harvested within previous 3
days < 1” deep
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Manure Moisture Content
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Moisture from Heat Control

Sprinkling lots during hot weather can create wet
conditions in humid areas.

Sprinkle only intermittently.

Locate sprinklers in areas that will not create
potholes.

Sprinklers should provide 0.25”/day or more.

Patterns should overlap 50% of the diameter.

Do not sprinkle the feed apron.
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Stocking Density

Increased stocking density adds more moisture
to the lot surface from cattle urination.


Texas research showed reduced Pm-10
emission at 75 sq ft/head vs. 150 sq ft/head.
Other factors such as cattle performance are
important in determining maximum density.
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Manure Moisture Content
Feed apron
Water
Trough
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1
2
High activity; High
moisture
3
4
Low activity;
Low moisture
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Dust Control

Applying water to the feedyard surface,
passively or actively, helps but is not a cure-all.

Frequent manure harvesting (> 1 per turn)
decreases water requirements and increases
water effectiveness.

Use the off-season to get ready.

Prioritize within the yard and the corral.
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Mortality Management for Odor
Control
 Limit exposure to the elements; use rapid
rendering service pickup.
 Compost.

Perforate or cleave thoracic cavity and cover
carcass with 1'-2' of dry, organic material.
 Burial is no longer acceptable in many states.
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Summary

Preventing water and air pollution from open
feedlots starts with good lot design.

Management and maintenance are the keys to
ongoing pollution prevention.

Maintain smooth dry lots.

Adjust moisture and scrape carefully to
minimize particulate and gas emissions.
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