IA DNR: Nutrient Management Plans, For the Producer

Who Needs an NMP?
Open feedlots with 1,000 or more animal units (1,000 beef steers or 700 mature dairy cattle or 2,500 finishing hogs) must have a nutrient management plan (NMP) implemented and submitted to the DNR by July 31, 2007. Other livestock and poultry producers who must have a national pollutant discharge elimination system or NPDES permit must also develop, implement and submit an NMP to the DNR. Producers may not land-apply manure, process waste water or effluent after July 31, 2007, without an NMP approved by the DNR. Producers who are planning to construct a new facility, or expand or modify an existing facility with 1,000 animal units or more should submit their NMP with the construction permit application.

What About Forms?
For an NMP form, look for DNR form 542-2021. Producers must submit a copy of the NMP to the appropriate DNR field office. Allow 60 days for the DNR to review and approve or disapprove the plan. This includes time for the public to comment on the plan or request a public hearing. Include time to develop the plan, including:

figuring out how much cropland is needed to land apply,
obtaining soil samples,
calculating the P index and soil loss (RUSLE2) for each field where manure or effluent will be land applied, and
obtaining written agreements if spreading on land not owned or rented by the producer.

Publishing Public Notice:
Producers must publish a public notice (DNR form 542-1553) on the NMP, including where the NMP can be reviewed, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties

where the feedlot is or will be located, and
where manure, process waste water or open feedlot effluent will be land-applied.

Producers must submit a clipping(s) or copy of the actual notice(s), including the publication date and newspaper name to the appropriate DNR field office.

This information should be submitted to the DNR as soon as possible, but no later than 5 days after the publication date..

The DNR will consider public comments when reviewing the NMP. The DNR will also consider requests for a public hearing and notify the producer if a hearing is scheduled.