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NCDENR Report: A comparison of PAN and P2O5 produced from poultry, swine and cattle operations in NC
Story Date: 3/12/2017
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Source: NCDENR, March, 2017
Introduction: The basinwide planning program within Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DEQ DWR) is charged with identifying and providing recommendations for improving water quality based on the cumulative impacts of all activities across a river basin (G.S. 143-215.8B). Point and nonpoint sources of pollution are to equitably share responsibility in reducing pollution. However, little information has been synthesized regarding the amount and fate of nutrients produced by different animal operations. Nutrients produced by animals, if not effectively utilized by vegetation, can enter our surface water systems by atmospheric deposition, groundwater or direct runoff to surface waters. Depending on the surface water system, excessive nutrients can lead to drinking water or aquatic life impairments.
In 1992, the Environmental Management Commission adopted a rule modification (15A NCAC 2H.0217), establishing procedures for managing and reusing animal wastes from intensive livestock operations (updated 2T.1300 Section effective September 1, 2006). The rule applies to new, expanding or existing feedlots with animal waste management systems designed to serve animal populations of at least the following sizes: 100 head of cattle, 75 horses, 250 swine, 1,000 sheep or 30,000 birds (chickens and turkeys) with a liquid waste system. Currently, DEQ has regulatory authority over waste management of swine and cattle feedlots that use dry or liquid manure systems and poultry feedlots using liquid waste management systems. These permitted facilities are inspected on an annual basis by DWR or the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (NCDA&CS) Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Most poultry operations, however, produce a dry litter waste that typically falls under the deemed permitted category (NCAC 2T.1303). Poultry operations in this category are only inspected as result of complaints.
The location of swine and cattle animal feeding operations (AFOs) are known because a state or NPDES permit is required. However, the locations of dry litter poultry operations and the disposal of their waste are not known to environmental regulators, making it difficult to form a complete picture of possible non-point source contributions within a specific watershed. Knowing what nutrient sources exist in the watershed can help water quality managers better understand available water quality data and to formulate appropriate decisions and regulatory recommendations.
To read the full report, click here.
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