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Dickey/LaMoure

319 Watershed Program

As defined by the North Dakota Department of Health, an animal feeding operation (AFO) is defined as:

1. Animals are or will be confined for 45 days or more during any 12-month period; and

2. Livestock are concentrated such that the normal vegetation (grass or crops) are not sustained (winter or summer). Weeds are NOT considered normal vegetation.

What's all the talk about permit for feeding operations? Should I be concerned?

Within the last few years, increased pressure has been put on states from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement regulations to protect surface water from pollutants originating from animal feeding operations. The North Dakota rules are in the finalization process. After that point, certain operations will be required to obtain a permit to operate their facility. Please reference the following site from the North Dakota Department of Health. It provides basic information to answer the question, "Do I Need a Permit?". If, after referencing that document, you still have questions, please feel free to contact our office. http://www.health.state.nd.us/wq/AnimalFeedingOperations/Final Rules/CAFO_LstockFlyer .pdf