This booklet was developed by the Ohio Agricultural Service Team to assist farmers in planning for the future. The pages that follow will help you determine whether some type of animal waste permit or plan is needed for your farm operation.
Clean water is important to every citizen of Ohio. Since ground water and the water in nearby streams can be affected by soil quality, livestock and cultural practices play an important role in keeping our water clean. It is up to all of us to do our part.
Our team of agencies wants to help you. For information beyond what is covered in this booklet, please contact any Ohio State University Extension office or Soil and Water Conservation District office, or call the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at (614) 265-6610 or Ohio EPA at (614) 644-2782. We will bring together the necessary experts to answer any questions you may have.
Ohio farmers have made great strides in protecting our water resources through improved agricultural practices. Ohio has been successful in addressing nonpoint source pollution through a voluntary approach. Voluntary programs provide farmers the opportunity to select best management practices that are both environmentally sound and cost-effective for their farm.
Ohio has several successful voluntary programs in which Ohio EPA and other government agencies have formed partnerships with the agricultural community to help solve the environmental concerns associated with agriculture.
Many bodies of water in Ohio are polluted by nonpoint sources, which include construction sites, city streets, mines and farms. Nonpoint source pollution does not come out of a pipe, so it is more difficult to control.
Until recently, nonpoint source pollution problems were masked by the historically more severe point source impairments, such as wastewater treatment plant discharges. As point source problems are abated, underlying problems are becoming increasingly evident.
There are other indications that impacts from nonpoint source runoff, habitat degradation and watershed disturbances may be worsening. Siltation of substrates (dirt filling underwater areas where fish live) and habitat degradation (such as removal of logs, pools, plants and other physical structures) are now the second and third leading causes of aquatic life impairment in Ohio streams and rivers. These impairments are principally the result of agricultural land use, intensive urbanization and suburban development. These emerging problems could slow further improvements in Ohio's water quality.
The main sources of livestock wastecontaminated water are inadequately managed feedlots or barnyards, unprotected manure stacks, improperly constructed manure handling and storage facilities, and improper manure spreading. The most visible consequence of livestock waste discharge is the destruction of aquatic life (fish kills). In some cases, entire fish populations can be destroyed.
Livestock manure contains several pollutants that can harm the aquatic environment, cause water quality problems in streams and ponds, and contaminate drinking water supplies. One of the most damaging of these pollutants is ammonia, which is toxic to aquatic life at extremely low concentrations. Nutrients found in livestock waste, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, can cause excessive algae growth in streams and ponds. When algae and other aquatic plants decompose, oxygen levels may fall too low, causing fish and other aquatic species to suffocate. Livestock manure also contains bacteria, which may cause health problems for humans or animals. The presence of bacteria in a water resource may make it unsuitable for drinking or recreation.