A:   From an environmental perspective, open lot systems must prevent run-off from the animal production and feed storage areas from reaching surface waters. This run-off can contain significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter and pathogens, all of which present an environmental risk to surface water. All facilities over 1,000 head capacity and some under 1,000 head (depending on connection of open lot with surface water) will need to have an National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The permit will most likely require diversion of clean water around the feedlot and feed storage areas, collection of run-off in a holding pond, and distribution of run-off to cropland at rates not to exceed the nutrient requirements of the crop (fertilizer, manure, and run-off combined). Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality administers the NPDES permit program in Nebraska.

Open lots under 1,000 head may not need a permit if they can eliminate any direct connection between their lot and nearby surface water. A number of Nebraska producers have used vegetative treatment systems (VTS) as an alternative to holding ponds and irrigation systems for managing run-off and eliminating this connection. A VTS generally consists of a settling basin for temporarily storing run-off and settling solids and a permanently vegetated area (hay or grass field) to which this run-off is distributed by flood or sprinkler irrigation equipment.

All open lot systems greater than 300 head of beef cattle are required to request an inspection and determine the need for an NPDES permit. These regulations have been in place since the mid-1970s. Existing operations that have not been through the inspection process should make an immediate request and may experience a fine for not meeting past deadlines. New or expanding operations should request an inspection prior to construction.

For additional information on these topics, check out the following web sites:

1) Nebraska regulations (see chapter 2, 7, and 8 in Title 130) - http://www.deq.state.ne.us/RuleAndR.nsf/pages/130-TOC ;

2) LPES Lesson 22: Open Lot Run-off Management Options - http://www.lpes.org/Lessons/Lesson22/22_Lot_Runoff.html ;

3) Fact Sheet #12: CAFO Requirements for the Beef Production Area - http://www.lpes.org/CAFO_PDF_Prod.html ;

4) Vegetative Treatment Systems - http://afo.unl.edu/