Regardless of their size, every farm in Pennsylvania that applies manure or agricultural process wastewater — whether generated on the farm or received from an importer — is required to have and implement a written manure management plan.

This includes wastewater applications by various pieces of equipment and/or direct application of manure by animals on pastures and in Animal Concentration Areas. In other words, farms that do not mechanically apply manure but which do have pastures or ACAs still need a manure management plan.

In addition to developing a written plan, the farmer also must complete and maintain records to demonstrate compliance. DEP has developed a workbook for farmers that contains useful forms.

The staff of the DEP or county conservation district may request to see a copy of this plan when they visit a farm.

Plans can be completed by the farmer although he or she might benefit from obtaining assistance from people who are experienced in developing them, including certified nutrient management specialists, certified manure brokers and haulers, Conservation District staff, Natural Resource Conservation Service staff, Penn State University staff and other farm organizations.

Farms defined as concentrated animal feeding operations and concentrated animal operations are required to develop written plans as well. The nutrient management plans for these operations are required to follow a different, more detailed process and must be developed by a certified nutrition management specialist.

For more information, contact Ryan Harr at the Butler County Conservation District, 724-284-5270.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.