animal unit - A unit of measure developed to compare differences in the amount of manure produced by species. One animal unit is standardized as the amount of manure produced on a regular basis by a slaughter steer or heifer.
best management practice (BMP) - A cultural or engineering technique, or a management strategy, that has been determined and accepted to be an effective and practical means of preventing or reducing nonpoint source pollution in a local area.
controlled direct discharge - A man-made conveyance, such as a pipe, which carries wastewater. Usually the farmer has the ability to operate and control this system.
discharge - Not a controlled, directed flow. Could include wash water from a milk parlor, silo drainage, lagoon overflows or manure runoff from a feedlot.
installation permit - Also referred to as a permit-to-install or PTI, this design permit is issued by the director of Ohio EPA for the construction or renovation of livestock waste treatment, collection, storage or disposal facilities. This permit must be obtained before construction begins.
livestock waste management plan - Also referred to as a plan or plan approval, the livestock waste management plan includes information on waste collection, storage, treatment, and disposal systems; volume of waste produced; manure and soil analysis; and more. The plan usually is submitted for approval along with an installation permit application. The plan is approved by the director of Ohio EPA.
man-made conveyance - Although not defined by Ohio law, a man-made conveyance is interpreted as a means to intentionally pass pollutants or water in and/or out. Examples are tile, pipes, ditches and spillways. The term "manmade" means constructed by man for the purpose of transporting wastes or water.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit - This permit is required to discharge pollutants to waters of the state. Rarely used in Ohio for livestock waste, the permit is used primarily for processing facilities associated with animal feeding operations (for example, for egg wash water resulting from an egg processing facility). A general storm water permit is required if more than five acres of land will be disturbed during construction.
nonpoint source pollution - The term "nonpoint source" refers to water pollution that results from a variety of human land use practices. As a result, nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is controllable by implementing land management practices that protect water quality as well as economic, social and political interests. These practices often are referred to as best management practices (BMPs).
process generated wastewater - Water directly or indirectly used in the operation of a feedlot for any or all of the following: spillage or overflow from animal or poultry watering systems; washing, cleaning or flushing pens, barns, manure pits or other feedlot facilities; direct contact swimming, washing or spray cooling of animals; and dust control.
process wastewater - Any process generated wastewater and any precipitation (rain and snow) which comes into contact with any manure, litter or bedding, or any other raw material or intermediate or final material or product used in or resulting from the production of animals or poultry or direct products, such as milk and eggs.
verified complaint - A verified complaint is filed in a formal process by a person adversely affected by an alleged environmental violation. The complaint is stated in writing, verified by affidavit (certified by a notary public), and sent to the director of Ohio EPA. Upon receipt of a verified complaint, the director ensures that a prompt investigation is conducted to determine whether the alleged violation has occurred, is occurring or will occur. The director may either take enforcement action or dismiss the case. The procedures for filing a verified complaint are outlined in Ohio Revised Code section 3745.08.
waters of the state - All streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, watercourses, waterways, wells, springs, irrigation systems, drainage systems, and all other bodies of water above or below ground which are partially or wholly in Ohio, border on Ohio, or are within the jurisdiction of Ohio. Private waters which do not combine or have a junction with natural surface or underground waters are not included (for example, an isolated farm pond that does not infiltrate to ground water or connect to surface water).
25-year 24-hour storm event - Refers to the number of inches of rainfall in a 24hour period that has the probability of occurring once in every 25 years. Countyspecific data is available from the U.S. Weather Bureau.
An animal unit is a federal designation that varies by animal species. The number of animals is multiplied by the factor (in parentheses) to determine the total number of animal units when combining more than one species. If a single site or location has more than one type of animal, the respective animal units are added together. Two or more operations under single ownership are considered one, in terms of animal units, if they adjoin or share a common waste system.
1,000 animal units equals: