While Ohio recognizes the importance of a voluntary approach to control nonpoint sources of pollution, there are certain animal operations which are required by law to obtain a permit(s) from Ohio EPA.
Animal waste regulations in Ohio are jointly administered by Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). For most animal operations in Ohio, the storage, handling and application of manure is regulated by ODNR. However, farms with more than 1,000 animal units are regulated by Ohio EPA (see page 14).
In addition to the regulatory activities associated with animal waste (issuing permits, inspecting permit holders for compliance, enforcing permits, and investigating citizen complaints), Ohio EPA, ODNR and local SWCDs offer programs and/or projects that provide watershed planning, technical and financial assistance, and water quality monitoring.
There are three types of Ohio EPA approvals that may apply to an animal operation in Ohio: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit; installation permit (formerly a permit-to-install); and a livestock waste management plan.
An animal operation may need to have more than one permit or management plan. Applications for all three may be obtained by contacting the Ohio EPA district office nearest you. Each permit has an application fee of $100.
If you have more than 1,000 animal units, you will need:
If you have more than 1,000 animal units, you may need:
Regardless of the number of animal units, if you have a controlled direct discharge into waters of the state, you will need:
Regardless of the number of animal units, if you are clearing, grading or excavating more than five acres, you will need:
Regardless of the number of animal units, if you construct restrooms separate from a private residence (for example, a farm shop), you will need:
If you have fewer than 1,000 animal units, no controlled direct discharge, a construction site of fewer than five acres, and no restroom separate from a residence, you do not need to contact Ohio EPA for a permit. However, a voluntary livestock waste management plan developed with your local SWCD or Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraged. Such a plan will emphasize best management practices to reduce the risk of animal waste polluting Ohio water.
Under certain circumstances, operations of 300-1,000 animal units may need an NPDES permit. In this case, the operation would be notified by Ohio EPA.