NPDES Permits
Livestock producers who house animals both indoors and outdoors may need a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit by Dec. 31, 2008. Answering three questions should help producers decide if they need the permit:

1. How many animals of the same type do I have (adding together animals of the same type kept indoors and outdoors)?
2. Does my operation discharge runoff containing manure components or process wastewater?
3. How close are the components of my operation?

The following fact sheets can help producers answer the three questions and determine if an NPDES permit is needed:

• Dairies - Act Now! Permits Needed for Combined Cow Yard - Confinement Operations
• NPDES Permits - Determining if a Combination Open Feedlot and Animal Confinement Must Apply for an NPDES Permit in 2008
• Frequently Asked Questions about NPDES Permits for Combined Animal Feeding Operations 11/08

The DNR has updated several forms for livestock producers who need a permit for a combined operation. They include:

• NPDES Operation Permit Application, Revised 9/08, form 542-4001
• The Construction Permit Application, Revised 9/08, form 542-1427
• The Compliance Schedule for a Combined CAFO, New 10/08, form 542-0190
• Nutrient Management Plan, (NMP) Form, Revised 10/08, form 542-2021

Helpful Links:

• Field Office Information
• For a list of engineers and nutrient planners, see the Iowa Manure Management Action Group's website
• For more information about discharges and the federal rules: See the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's website or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website.
• Find more information about federal regulations in Chapter 3 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Producer Compliance Guide for CAFOs.
• Recent state law requirements can be found in House File 2700, Division 8, Animal Feeding, Section 143 to 148; or on p. 19, line 6, etc., of the Senate Amendment 5464.
• Existing rules and definitions can be found in Chapter 65 of the Iowa Administrative Code