Kevin Elder provided an overview of the role of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in monitoring farms with fewer than 1,000 animal units (AU).  Under the guidance of the Agricultural Pollution Abatement Rules and Standards, the ODNR regulates overflow discharge from animal manure storage and treatment facilities.  Areas of concern include seepage of wastes from holding facilities, rainwater runoff from feedlots and waste management facilities, waste waters such as milkhouse or silage drainage, and land application of manure.  Under the ODNR, the Division of Wildlife can enforce compliance and issue fines for stream litter and fish kills.  Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) personnel work with landowners on a voluntary basis but have enforcement powers if water quality is impacted.

John Kessler described the role of the Agricultural Group which operates under the Division of Surface Water of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (OEPA).  This group is responsible for approving the Permit-to-Install (PTI) and monitoring farms with more than 1,000 AU.   During the approval process for a PTI, the Agricultural Group reviews technical aspects of the application, visits the site and holds public information sessions and public hearings as needed.  The PTI covers installment of waste treatment or holding systems, storm water control, and special conditions such as spill reporting.  In addition to the PTI, the operator must have and comply with a manure management plan.  OEPA monitoring duties include compliance inspection, complaint response, enforcement and stream monitoring.  Currently, OEPA receives about 25 PTI applications each year.

Mike Monnin presented the role of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in manure management.  The NRCS develops technical standards and provides planning and construction assistance to livestock operators through individual consultations as well as education programs.  Under the Clean Water Initiative, the NRCS is developing technical guidance for Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) and expects to work with up to 1,400 farms per year to develop plans by 2009.  A CNMP addresses nutrient management, realistic crop yields, land management and conservation planning, alternative manure utilization, feed alterations and techniques for manure storage and treatment. The NRCS is also revising technical standards for waste utilization, waste storage, lagoons and other technologies.  Once the guidance and standards are completed, NRCS, SWCD and third party personnel will be trained to write CNMPs.