The public perceives animal waste to be a major contaminant of water supplies.  While this is not the current reality, as an expanding population increases the demand for livestock, the use and disposal of livestock manure will have a greater environmental impact and will lead to greater regulation.   The Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP) was developed by the Ohio Livestock Coalition to help producers be better environmental stewards.  Participation in LEAP provides livestock producers with a method of assessing the potential impacts of their manure management practices and a means of developing practices to minimize those impacts.  By demonstrating their willingness to protect the environment, LEAP participants enjoy other benefits, including increased public awareness and confidence, increased profits, and decreased liability.