The Ohio State University and Ohio State University Extension (OSU Extension) provide a wide range of research-based educational programs. Information used in many of the education programs and publications come from Ohio State University, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and affiliated agencies and organizations. Information from these resources is available through professional Extension educators in each county and through state specialists.
Efforts of OSU Extension in livestock waste management involve assembling facts and research from various sources. This information provides farmers, industry, organizations, government agencies, and concerned citizens with a wealth of information that can be supported with sound science and research. The primary objective of OSU Extension is to provide Ohio’s citizens with objective research-based information (visit http://www.extension.osu.edu for more information). Access to OSU Extension fact sheets and bulletins can be found at ohioline.osu.edu.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation coordinates the activities of local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation encourages livestock owners and operators to follow the required levels of operation and management for pollution abatement.
Chapter 1511 of the Ohio Revised Code gives the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation regulatory authority and responsibility for controlling water pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations. ODNR-DSWC may be contacted at 4383 Fountain Square Drive, Bldg. B-3, Columbus, OH 43324 or at the web site: www.dnr.state.oh.us/soilandwater.
ODNR-DSWC also implements several pollution abatement cost-share programs available to Ohio’s animal operations. A listing of cost-share programs available to Ohio’s agricultural producers can be obtained through local Ohio State University Extension offices or Soil and Water Conservation and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices. OSU Extension fact sheet AE-1-97, Incentive Programs for Improving Environmental Quality, is available at http://ohioline.osu.edu/ae-fact/0001.html.
Each Soil and Water Conservation District, through its agreements with Ohio State University Extension, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the ODNR-DSWC, and other pertinent agencies, provides information, technical assistance, and cost-share assistance to owners and or operators of animal-feeding operations regarding animal waste pollution abatement. SWCD offices are located in each county.
It is recommended that animal producers consult with their local SWCD office regarding environmental management issues. These would include such areas as soil and water conservation, animal manure management, wildlife and woodland management. Additional information can be found at the ODNR-SWCD web page: www.dnr.state.oh.us/soilandwater.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides technical assistance to land users for planning, design, and construction of various environmental management systems. The agency also provides cost-share assistance through USDA Farm Bill programs.
The systems are designed to contain solid and liquid manure and wastewater and manage storm-water runoff from areas with heavy concentrations of animals. Storage and disposition of the manure is managed so as not to degrade resources such as air, soil, and water.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service also assists landowners by providing plans and other data needed to obtain approval for such projects and systems.
Information regarding agricultural waste-management systems and technical assistance is available from local Soil and Water Conservation District offices upon request. Additional information can be found at Ohio’s NRCS web page at: www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture, under legislation passed in December of 2000 (ORC 903) and rules promulgated in June of 2002 (OAC 901:10), assumed authority for issuing permits to install and permits to operate for livestock facilities of greater than 1,000 animal units. ODA’s Livestock Environmental Permitting Program may be contacted at 8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. Additional information is available on the web site at www.ohioagriculture.gov/lepp.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and local Soil and Water Conservation District offices provide conservation planning and technical assistance to agricultural producers and others who make natural resource management decisions. Private consultants are qualified individuals who also offer this type of assistance. Producers are not required to use private consultants, but they have this option for help with their conservation plans.
Conservation assistance includes both planning and technical assistance. Planning involves combining a variety of natural resource issues into a conservation plan. Technical assistance helps agricultural producers address natural resource problems and concerns on their land. Examples of technical assistance include design, layout, design modification, installation, inspection, and maintenance of conservation practices and systems dealing with natural resource management. Planning must be completed before technical assistance is provided.
For more information, contact your local USDA-NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation District, or Ohio State University Extension office.
Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP)
Available online at www.ohleap.org or by phone at 614-246-8288.
Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC)
Available online at www.ohiolivestock.org or by phone at 614-246-8288.
MidWest Plan Service (MWPS) publications
Available online at www.mwpshq.org or by phone at 800-562-3618.
Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Services (NRAES) publications
Available online at www.nraes.org or by phone at 607-255-7654.