The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources has reissued the General Water Pollution Control Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. It includes requirements for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of manure management systems to protect surface and ground water quality, plus a nutrient management plan. DENR Feedlot Permit Program Administrator Kent Woodmansey says this covers specifications for both a federal CAFO permit or a state permit.

He says South Dakota’s CAFO operators can choose which one of the permits they wish to apply for.

Woodmansey says under the new reissued permit CAFO operators, with over 1000 animal units, have one to four years to apply for and obtain coverage. He says each permit has different requirements.

DENR will send letters to all permitted operations with information about the process and deadlines for applying.