MPCA hosts videoconferences March 26 on writing manure plans for large feedlots

Regional offices of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will be hosting a videoconference March 26 on writing manure management plans under the new 2011-2016 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general permit for large feedlots.

About 1,200 livestock facilities in Minnesota operate under a five-year federal/state general NPDES permit. The new permit covers the period between Feb. 1, 2011 and Jan. 31, 2016. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2010.

The interactive videoconference will be 10 a.m.-noon, Friday, March 26 at MPCA offices in Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Mankato, Marshall, Rochester, St. Paul, and Willmar (addresses below). To register, contact Courtney Ahlers, courtney.ahlers@state.mn.us, 651-757-2183, if possible by Monday, March 22.

Due to changes at the federal level, manure management plan requirements in the 2011-2016 NPDES general permit have changed. The new permit includes: submittal of manure land application records with annual report, public review and comment on MMPs, MMPs written for duration of permit, and restrictions on winter manure spreading. Substantial changes to MMP plans at any time during the five-year permit will require a 30-day public notice, and all MMPs and changes must be available for public review.

More information on the 2011-2016 NPDES general permit is available a: www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/feedlot-forms.html#newnpdes.