Infosheet #8  On-Farm Storage of Livestock Manure and Other Prescribed Materials

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Location of Storage
  • 8-1 Distance from manure/prescribed material storage to nearest surface water
  • 8-2 Distance from manure/prescribed material storage to well
  • 8-3 Distance from manure/prescribed material stroage to floodplain
  • 8-4 Distance from manure/prescribed material storage to subsurface perforated or clay drainage tile
• Storage Structures
  • Liquid and Semi-solid Manure/Prescribed Materials
  • 8-5 Concrete or steel tanks
  • 8-6 Earthen storage
  • Solid Manure/Solid Prescribed Materials
  • 8-7 Control of runoff from solid manure/solid prescribed material storage on a paved base (e.g. concrete)
  • 8-8 Control of runoff from solid manure/solid prescribed material storage stacked on a soil base
  • 8-9 Stacked in the field on soil base (temporary field storage)
  • 8-10 Composting facility
• Management
  • 8-11 Transfer system (when liquid manure pumped from barn to storage)
  • 8-12 Preventing roof water or upslope clean water from entering liquid or solid storage
  • 8-13 Reducing volume of wastewater and manure entering storage
  • 8-14 Manure storage capacity
  • 8-15 Manure storage safety
  • 8-16 Contingency Plans

Introduction

This infosheet provides background to Worksheet #8 of the Environmental Farm Plan Workbook. It outlines options you could adopt to address problem areas in your operation. In most cases you'll need more information before implementation. Please refer to the resource materials listed in the infosheet, and consult OMAFRA Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Technical Advisors.

All options are classed as Actions, Compensating Factors or Monitoring. Actions address the areas of concern identified, and will change the rating to (3) or Best (4). Compensating Factors are alternatives that will adequately address the concerns, but will not change the rating in the EFP worksheets. Monitoring is an alternative only in special circumstances and is explained in the infosheet when and how it can be used.

At the request of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, consisting of Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, AGCare, and the Ontario Farm Animal Council, the following people contributed to the development of Infosheet #8:

Don Hilborn, OMAFRA (Chair)
Jack Rodenburg, OMAFRA
Murray Blackie, MOEE
Peter Doris, OFAC
Tracy Ryan, Grand River Conservation Authority

The following people contributed to the revision (2004) of Infosheet #8:

Don Hilborn, OMAFRA (Co-Chair)
Kevin McKague, OMAFRA (Co-Chair)
Steve Miller (Stonecrest Engineering)
Scott Abernethy, MOE
Anne Loeffler, Grand River Conservation Authority
Margaret May, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association

Technical Editing Committee:
H. J. Smith, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA

OMAFRA = Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
MOE = Ontario Ministry of the Environment

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Location of Storage

Issue: 8-1 Distance from manure/prescribed material storage to nearest surface water

The shorter the separation distance the greater the risk of contaminating surface water supplies. Steeply sloping topography and heavy soil will further increase the chance for surface runoff to reach surface water. (See Section 63.(3) of O. Reg 267/ 03, as amended)

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Build storage an adequate distance from surface water:

• locate downslope from surface water where possible
• new storage location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better.

Option #2 - Action

Move surface water away from storage:

• a small watercourse could be redirected and moved farther away from the storage or moved underground through a non-perforated pipe system - make sure necessary approvals from relevant agencies (e.g. MOE, MNR, DFO, Municipality, and local CA) are received before making this change. Note, that many have found this option to be cost prohibitive Approvals may also be difficult to obtain
• new surface water location should change final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better.

Option #3 - Action

Increase the flow path distance between surface water and materials storage:

• earthen diversions can be built that will redirect manure spillage to run alongside the watercourse or cause it to meander in an upslope area for a distance instead of running directly to the surface water. This increases the distance runoff has to travel before entering surface water. It allows for more time to block any spillage from entering surface water. Ensure any berming will not cause or increase erosion on either your property or neighbouring lands. Professional assistance to site and design berms is recommended when such work is being considered, particularly along larger watercourses. A permit from the local Conservation Authority will be necessary if work is done in floodplain areas
• length of flow path must be the minimum distance specified in the (3) category.

Option #4 - Monitoring

For storages that have, or will have within two years, complete storage of manure/prescribed materials and/or runoff with adequate capacity and are in good working condition, monitor storage regularly, visually checking for leaks, cracks, holes, seepage or overtopping of storage:

• consider constructing secondary containment to catch possible spills.  

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, O. Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards.
• NMAN/MSTOR - Ontario's nutrient management planning and manure storage sizing software
  Local Conservation Authority (CA) - for floodplain related questions.

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Issue: 8-2Distance from manure/prescribed material storage to well

The greater the separation distance, the less chance there is of spilled prescribed materials collecting in the vicinity of the well head and causing direct contamination. As well, if the storage leaks to ground water, contamination reaching the well is less likely if the well is located further away from the storage. The soil type, depth to water table and bedrock will also influence the contamination potential.
(See Section 63.(1) of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended)

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Rebuild storage an adequate distance away from well:

• when new storage is constructed, it should be sized to match the livestock housing capacity of the barn or facility it services
• locate new storage downslope of well if possible
• new storage location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• where the minimum legal separation distance cannot be attained due to site restrictions, seek guidance from MOE
• test well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year, and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate) until the new storage is built.

Option #2 - Action

Relocate water well away from storage:

• make sure old well is properly plugged (abandoned according to Ontario Regulation 903)
• new water well location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• where minimum separation distances cannot be attained due to site restrictions, seek guidance from MOE
• test well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year, and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate) until the new water well is installed.

Option #3 - Monitoring Well Water (Private Well)

For concrete or steel storages that have, or will have within two years, adequate capacity and are in good working condition (no leaks or cracks), test the well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate):

• monitoring of well water is NOT A SOLUTION - in case a test reveals contamination of the well water, have a plan of action in place to immediately identify and address the source of contamination
• for earthen storages, monitoring well water is an alternative only when the storage is to be upgraded with an hydraulically secure man-made or soil-based liner. It is recommended these liners meet or exceed the minimum requirements specified in the Nutrient Management Act for the design and siting of nutrient storage facilities
• if you have an EFP rating of (1), contact MOE for further guidance.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• NMAN/MSTOR - Ontario's nutrient management planning and manure storage sizing software.
• Best Management Practices Book: Information Kit - Keeping Your Well Water Safe to Drink, Order No. BMP 12K (Available from MOE or OMAFRA)

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Issue: 8-3Distance from manure/prescribed material storage to floodplain

(See Section 63.(4) of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended)

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Build storage outside of known or suspected floodplain:

• if it is suspected that a site could be in a floodplain contact your local municipality or the local Conservation Authority to determine if floodplain mapping is available. In many cases floodplain mapping in rural areas is not available. Priority areas for floodplain mapping are those where there is a high risk to human life or economic loss. If flooding of the chosen building site is thought to be a good possibility, municipal officials may request the Conservation Authority investigate to assess risk.

Option #2 - Action

Floodproofing measures approved by local Conservation Authority:

• floodproofing a storage could involve ensuring the storage top elevation exceeds the flood lines and that the structure is designed to withstand a potential flood situation. Ensure both the engineer and contractor retained to design and construct/modify the storage are aware of the flood-proofing measures required by the local Conservation Authority.

Option #3 - Action

Have storage location approved by the local Conservation Authority:

• in some cases, Conservation Authorities may conclude that other environmental benefits arising from building the storage at a site are greater than the flooding risk. Their staff could assist in determining this.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards.
• Local Conservation Authority (CA) - for floodplain related questions.

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Issue: 8-4Distance from manure/prescribed material storage to subsurface perforated or clay drainage tile

Surface water is at less risk if there are no subsurface perforated tile drainage systems in close proximity to the storage (See Section 63.(5) of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended).

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Remove all perforated drainage tile located beneath and within 75 ft. of the storage.  

• refer to tile drain maps or records to locate all known subsurface tiles. May require some trenching in the vicinity (within 75 ft.) of the storage to find all suspected subsurface drains.

Option #2 - Action

Replace all perforated drainage tile located beneath and near the storage with non-perforated pipe and all subsurface joints properly sealed.

• may conduct clean water around a storage (e.g. eavestrough water, upslope diversion water).

Option #3 - Action

Collect and store all tile water:

• this is an option when perforated drainage tile are located beneath and near the storage.

Option #4 - Action

Collect and treat all tile water:

• this is an option when perforated drainage tile are located beneath and near the storage.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols.
• OMAFRA Agricultural Engineer or Nutrient Management Specialist.
• Engineer and contractor you have retained to design and construct the storage.

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Storage Structures

Liquid and Semi-solid Manure/Prescribed Materials

Issue: 8-5 Concrete or steel tanks

Concrete or steel storage tanks must be structurally sound. A major failure of a tank is very serious, potentially causing extensive environmental damages and presenting risk to human or animal safety. A minor failure (e.g. a leak) could cause continuous ground or surface water contamination.

Failures causing off-farm environmental contamination could be addressed by the Drainage Act, Environmental Protection Act, Water Resources Act, or the Fisheries Act.

Through the Ontario Building Code Act, municipalities and townships will require building permits that have acceptable design plans.

For farms that are provincially-regulated through the Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards identifies minimum standards that concrete or steel storages must meet. (See Part VIII of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS - 04)

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Evaluate the existing storage using OMAFRA's Checklist for Evaluating Existing Liquid Nutrient and Runoff Storage Structures:

• obtain a copy of the checklist (use one for each concrete or steel storage to be evaluated)
• if assessment reveals a concern, hire a qualified third party to make an independent assessment and if necessary do the repairs. Document the repairs that were made.

Option #2 - Action

Replace storage tank:

• when new storage is constructed, it should be sized to match the livestock housing capacity of the barn or facility it services
• it must be properly designed and meet all building code requirements and,
• it is recommended that all storages built today in Ontario meet or exceed the NSTS standards associated with the Nutrient Management Act
• unused storages must be properly decommissioned.

Option #3 - Action

Reinforce or rebuild components of the tank to eliminate known leakage and failure concerns:

• repairs must be properly designed, meeting all building code requirements
• it is recommended that all storages repaired today in Ontario meet or exceed the NSTS standards associated with the Nutrient Management Act.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• OMAFRA Agricultural Engineer or Nutrient Management Specialist
• The engineer and contractor you have retained to design and construct the storage.
• Constructing Hydraulically Secure Liquid Nutrient Storage Facilities - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 04-067
• Constructing a Concrete or Steel, Liquid Nutrient or Runoff Collection Storage Facility - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 06-001

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Issue: 8-6Earthen storage

Earthen storages must be properly designed, built and maintained to avoid failure. A major failure of an earthen storage can be very serious, causing environmental damage and hazards for humans and animals. A minor failure could cause continuous ground or surface water contamination.
(See Part VIII of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS)

Failures of earthen storages causing off-farm environmental contamination could be addressed by the Drainage Act, Environmental Protection Act, Water Resources Act, or the Fisheries Act.

Earthen storages are not considered "structures" under the Ontario Building Code Act. However, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards identify the minimum standards for earthen storages built today in Ontario.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Evaluate the existing storage using OMAFRA's Checklist for Evaluating Existing Liquid Nutrient and Runoff Storage Structures:

• obtain a copy of the checklist (use one for each earthen storage to be evaluated)
• if assessment reveals a concern, hire a qualified third party to make an independent assessment and if necessary do the repairs. Document the repairs that were made.

Option #2 - Action

Replace earthen storage with a new earthen, concrete, or steel storage:

• when new storage is constructed, it should be sized to match the livestock housing capacity of the barn or facility it services
• it is recommended that all storages built today in Ontario meet or exceed the NSTS standards associated with the Nutrient Management Act
• existing unused earthen storage must be properly decommissioned.

Option #3 - Action

Reinforce or rebuild components of the storage to eliminate known leakage and failure concerns (e.g. install an hydraulically secure man-made or soil-based liner):

• it is recommended that all earthen storages repaired today in Ontario meet or exceed the NSTS standards associated with the Nutrient Management Act.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• OMAFRA Agricultural Engineer or Nutrient Management Specialist
• The engineer and contractor you have retained to design and construct the storage.
• Constructing an Earthen Liquid Nutrient or Run-off Storage Facility - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 06-005

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Solid Manure/Solid Prescribed Materials

Issue: 8-7 Control of runoff from solid manure/solid prescribed material storage on a paved base (e.g. concrete)

Runoff from solid storages should be contained and properly handled or eliminated. If runoff is not controlled, the solid manure/prescribed material storage may have a serious impact on surface and ground water quality.

Runoff causing off-farm environmental contamination could be addressed by the Drainage Act, Environmental Protection Act, Water Resources Act, or the Fisheries Act.

Through the Ontario Building Code Act, municipalities and townships will require building permits that have acceptable design plans.

(See Part VIII ofO. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS-05)

Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards identify the minimum standards that lined solid storages built today in Ontario should meet.

What can I do?

Option #1 - Action

Install a roof over solid manure/solid prescribed material storage to eliminate direct precipitation:

• ensure clean water does not enter solid manure storage (see 8-12 for more info)
• add more bedding to manure to soak up all liquids and increase manure dry matter content
• reduce the amount of water entering the manure in the barn
• typically not as useful an option if facility also produces washwaters (e.g. milking centre) that needs containment.

Option #2 - Action

Install a system to properly contain all runoff from pad:

• install a properly sized and designed runoff storage
• clean, upslope water should be diverted away from pad and storage
• adjust size to accommodate any washwater to be added to storage (e.g. milking centre).

Option #3 - Action

Tarp storage to eliminate entry of direct rainfall:

• divert upslope water away from storage location
• securely tie down the cover
• a more feasible option for operations whose barns are cleaned out on an infrequent basis (e.g., broiler barns, manure pack transferred to outside storage, etc.).

Option #4 - Action

Construct a vegetative filter strip to manage runoff:

• will require an engineered design to account for peak flows
• will require approval from MOE for system operation and maintenance.

Option #5 - Action

Establish a physical barrier consisting of a flow path to manage runoff from solid storage:

• earthen diversions can be built that will redirect manure spillage to run alongside the watercourse or cause it to meander in an upslope area for a distance instead of running directly to surface water. This increases the distance runoff has to travel before reaching surface water. Ensure any berming will not cause or increase erosion on either your property or neighbouring lands. Professional assistance to site and design berms is recommended when such work is being considered, particularly along larger watercourses. A permit from the local Conservation Authority will be necessary if work is done in floodplain areas
• length of flow path must be at least 300 m and dry matter (DM) content of stored manure must be greater than 30%
• upslope water must be diverted.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• Constructing a Solid Nutrient Storage Facility - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 06-003
• Building a Permanent Storage for Solid Manure or Prescribed Materials over 18% Dry Matter - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 05-039

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Issue: 8-8Control of runoff from solid manure/solid prescribed material storage stacked on a soil base

As with all other types of manure storages, runoff from solid storages with an earthen base should be contained and properly handled or eliminated. A manure storage with a soil base can have the added risk of contaminated water percolating into the ground beneath the pile and reaching groundwater or tile drainage systems. If runoff is not controlled, the solid manure storage may have a serious impact on surface and ground water quality. Failures causing off-farm environmental contamination could be addressed by the Drainage Act, Environmental Protection Act, Water Resources Act, and/or the Fisheries Act. (See Part VIII of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS-05)

What can you do?

Option #1- Action

Cover or tarp storage and verify the suitability of the existing earthen base and if necessary upgrade or replace:

• field investigation of soils beneath the manure storage can be completed to assess soil clay content and thickness. A layer of soil at least 1m thick that has 15% or greater clay content in combination with a storage cover is typically considered adequate protection if the site cannot meet these criteria, a new site for an earthen-based manure storage should be chosen. Alternatively, a soil base meeting or exceeding these minimum criteria could be established at the site. A paved surface is also an option (see 8-7)
• an engineer or geoscientist could assist with the design of the storage's soil base. For farm operations phased in under the Nutrient Management Act building a new storage having a soil base, a third party (geoscientist or engineer) needs to assess the soil material forming the storage base
• divert upslope water away from storage location
• prevents clean rain water or snowmelt from percolating through or running off the pile reducing the amount of leachate that needs to be collected or managed
• securely tie down the tarp covers
• this option is more feasible for operations whose barns are cleaned out on an infrequent basis. (eg. broiler barns, manure pack, etc.).

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards.

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Issue: 8-9Stacked in the field on soil base (temporary field storage)

Runoff from stored manure can cause significant environmental damage to surface and ground water. Off-farm environmental contamination caused by runoff from temporary solid storages could be addressed by the Drainage Act, Environmental Protection Act, Water Resources Act, and/or the Fisheries Act.

There is no "Best" category because field storage will not fully contain runoff. In general, it is not a best practice to stack solid prescribed materials on the ground for long-term storage. Ontario's Nutrient Management Act Regulations, however, leave the option for temporary field storage if the site chosen and material stored combine to result in a low-risk situation. The OMAFRA Factsheet entitled "Temporary Storage of Solid Manure or Prescribed Materials" outlines temporary field storage and siting criteria.(See Sections 83 to 86 of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and NSTS -08)

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Stack in field for period of 60 days or less on a site that meets all temporary field storage siting and management criteria:

• temporary storage locations must meet all of the minimum siting criteria outlined in Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, to achieve a (3) rating. These siting criteria include the following: not established on highly permeable soils (e.g. hydrologic soil group AA; minimum depth to bedrock under site and within 10 ft. of the side of the site, must be 1 ft.); 165 feet or more to nearest surface water or tile inlet; 150 ft. or more to nearest drilled well; 300 ft. or more to nearest bored/dug well; 330ft. or more to nearest municipal well. Minimum depth to water table under the site and within 10 ft. of the side of the site is 3 ft. or more; 410 ft. or more to nearest single residence; 820 ft. or more to nearest residential area. Upslope surface water diverted. Land slope at sites never greater than 3%
• manure to be stored must be greater than 30% dry matter content. The main animal types whose manure can typically meet or exceed this dry matter content include chicken, horse, sheep and goat, and beef cattle (well-bedded)
• move temporary storage to different sites each year to reduce the chance of nutrient build-up in the soil
• cover the temporary storage with a tarp or geotextile to minimize potential for runoff.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards.
• Temporary Field Storage of Solid Manure or Prescribed Materials - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No.05-009

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Issue: 8-10 Composting facility

Runoff from a composting site needs to be managed. If not, a composting site may have a serious impact on surface and ground water quality.

Off-farm environmental contamination caused by runoff from composting sites could be addressed by the Drainage Act, Environmental Protection Act, Water Resources Act, and/or the Fisheries Act. The Ontario Building Code Act requires building permits for any required new structures (e.g. concrete pad).

For farms that are provincially-regulated through the Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards identify the minimum standards that in-field composting sites must meet.(See Sections 83 to 86 of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and NSTS -08)

What can I do?

Option #1 - Action

Install a system with a concrete or synthetic liner or otherwise hydraulically secure earthen floor and collect and contain runoff from the composting facility:

• install a properly sized and designed runoff tank or earthen storage
• capture and re-apply contaminated liquids to the compost pile or land apply as a liquid manure in accordance with a nutrient management plan.

Option #2 - Action

Follow all the site management and setback requirements for in-field composting (temporary manure storage) as outlined in Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended:

• a well-managed composting process requires full attention be paid to the moisture content, dry matter content, C:N ratio and temperature of the material being composted. Keep complete records of your composting management activities including where pile is located, dates when pile turned, compost pile monitoring results, compost analysis results and dates piles were established and removed.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• Interim Guidelines for the Production and Use of Aerobic Compost in Ontario, MOE Publication 1749
• Manure Composting as a Pathogen Reduction Strategy - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 05-021

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Management

Issue: 8-11 Transfer system (when liquid manure pumped from barn to storage)

If a transfer system fails, a liquid tank could empty causing significant environmental damage or create a human and animal health hazard.

Many livestock farms have long-term liquid storage tanks located at an elevation higher than the barn floor or gutter. If these farms do not have transfer pipes with an air break, they must have a transfer system that relies on a valve to prevent backflow. If your farm is in this category, you should review the equipment available and the operating procedures used to prevent backflow. (See Sections 87 and 88 of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and NSTS-09)

What can you do?

Option - Action

Make modifications to transfer system to eliminate chance of backflow by installing one or more of the following:

• install an "air gap" in line if long-term storage is located higher than gutter or transfer storage
• install a second valve in transfer line and install an alarm system to give warning if tank is about to overflow. (Note that for liquid manure transfer systems regulated by the Nutrient Management Act a second check valve is required to be compliant with the Nutrient Management Act).

For More Information:

• Automatic and Remote Controlled Shut-off Systems for Direct Flow Liquid Manure System - OMAFRA Factsheet, Order 04-091

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Issue: 8-12Preventing roof water or upslope clean water from entering liquid or solid storage

Premature filling of a tank is commonly caused by excessive uncontrolled entry of clean water. Proper control of clean water entry is one of the lowest cost components to any manure management system.

Reducing the amount of water entering the storage will reduce the amount of contaminated water that must be handled, and/or operating costs associated with handling runoff.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Prevent any roof water or upslope water from entering storage:

• install properly sized eavestroughing and outlet pipes to conduct water away from storage
• re-route any surface water flows away from storage
• install diversion bumps at all entrances to storage
• use a vegetated flowpath between the barn and storage to capture roof water and conduct away from storage
• slope roofs away from storage.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards.
• OMAFRA's NMAN/MSTOR nutrient management and manure storage sizing software.

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Issue: 8-13Reducing volume of wastewater and manure entering storage

Reducing the volume of wastewater and manure entering storage reduces environmental risk and operating costs associated with manure handling.

What can you do?

Option - Action

At least three of the following alternatives are required for this to be considered acceptable:

1. Reduce use of washwater in barn:
   • consider installation of higher pressure and/or hot washing systems that use less washwater
   • consider recycling of cleaning fluids
   • use recaptured washwater for flushing instead of clean water.
     
     
2. Reduce or eliminate leakage from drinkers:
   • consider installation of wet/dry feeders in swine finishing barn
   • avoid plugging of drinkers (install filters, new style drinkers etc.)
   • maintain drinkers on a regular basis.
     
     
3. Prevent clean water from entering the barn's gutter system.
   
   
4. Increase efficiency of feed usage:
   • use a proper nutritional balance of feed components
   • test feed for nutritional content
   • avoid spoilage and wasting of feed products.

For More Information:

• OMAFRA's NMAN/MSTOR nutrient management and manure storage sizing software.
• Best Management Practices Books: Nutrient Management Planning, Order No. BMP 14; Manure Management, Order No. BMP 16

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Issue: 8-14Manure storage capacity

Adequate storage/prescribed material provides the opportunity to spread manure in an environmentally acceptable manner. Municipalities may have by-laws setting minimum requirements for period of storage. The Nutrient Management Act's Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, also sets minimum storage requirements for provincially-regulated facilities.

(See Sections 69 and 69.1 of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols). 

(See Sections 47 and 48 of O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, and Part 9.4 of the Nutrient Management Protocol).

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Increase storage capacity to at least 240 days:

• install an additional manure storage
• increase size of existing storage (this may be difficult especially for reinforced concrete storages)
• if cropping cycles, soil conditions or your management choices as outlined in your nutrient management plan limit manure application frequencies to only the spring or summer months, manure storage capacity may need to be between 240 and 365 days.

Option #2 - Action

Prepare a nutrient management plan:

• an NMS/NMP will determine minimum days of storage required.

Option #3 - Action

Reduce input to existing storage:

• roof the storage - eliminating direct rainfall allows for more available capacity for the storage of manure
• reduce volumes of clean water or manure entry to storage (see options in #8-12 and #8-13 of this infosheet)
• only house the number of animals for which there is adequate manure storage capacity
• build a separate system for milking centre washwater (e.g. sediment tank and treatment trench).

Option #4 - Action

Arrange for a licensed manure broker to store and transport your manure off-farm:

• written agreements with a broker should be obtained and are required if your farm requires a nutrient management strategy/plan under either the Nutrient Management Act or under a township bylaw
• check to ensure that the manure broker has sufficient storage available (240 days) to handle the volume of manure you are wanting to transfer off-farm.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• OMAFRA's NMAN/MSTOR nutrient management and manure storage sizing software.

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Issue: 8-15 Manure storage safety

Storages must meet or exceed current safety standards. Liquid storages create a potential safety hazard on the farm. Entry into a storage can cause injury or death due to inhaling of gases or drowning. Proper safety measures are required to address these hazards.

Through the Ontario Building Code Act, municipalities and townships will require building permits that have acceptable design plans.

Even if the farm no longer functions as a livestock enterprise, there can be existing storages filled or partially filled with liquids. These storages have the same safety concerns.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Install all safety requirements:

• proper fence or barrier
• signs at all access points
• remove ladder from storage
• install safety railing on all manure hopper openings greater than 100 mm (4 in.)
• install valve or gas trap between tank and barn.

Option #2 - Action

Remove unused storage:

• make sure unused storage is properly decommissioned. Contact OMAFRA for most recent information on requirements for decommissioning a manure storage.

For More Information:

• Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• The National Farm Building Code of Canada
• Safety Features Around Liquid Manure Storage, OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 02-007
• Hazardous Gases, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 99-001

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Issue: 8-16Contingency Plans

All farmers should have a written contingency plan. A contingency plan includes the following:

• an "emergency plan" which outlines steps to be taken in the event of a manure or fertilizer spill.
• steps to be taken in the event manure storages are filling up faster than expected or weather conditions or equipment failures delay spreading.

For Ontario farms regulated by the Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, requires that a contingency plan be part of the farm's nutrient management plan.

(See Part 11 of O. Reg 267/03, as amended, the associated protocol)

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Prepare a contingency plan covering the critical risk points on your operation (e.g. agricultural materials storage facilities, manure transfer systems, spreading near surface water, etc.)

The "emergency plan" component of a contingency plan should include a list of emergency telephone numbers including the MOE Spills Action Centre, the local municipality, local emergency response or contracting companies with the type of equipment needed to address a manure spill. It should also include contact numbers for downstream water users who may be affected and neighbours who could provide assistance in an emergency situation.

The Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, requires that contingency plans, prepared for provincially regulated farms, also demonstrate that thought has been given to handling the following situations:

• the actual amount of prescribed material ends up exceeding the design capacity of the storage facilities available
• weather conditions delay application plans and manure storage is at risk of exceeding capacity
• equipment unexpectedly becomes unavailable or breaks down and manure capacity is at risk of being exceeded
• any other situation that could result in the emergency handling of prescribed materials.

Example contingency plans are available from OMAFRA to guide in their preparation. Contingency plans, however, need to be tailored to the operation to which they apply (i.e. address situations thought to be of highest risk.  

For More Information:

• The Nutrient Management Act, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, and associated protocols and NSTS standards
• Manure Spill Contingency Plan Factsheet, 1999 (Livestock Manure Pollution Prevention Project)
• Best Management Practices Book: Nutrient Management Planning, Order No. BMP 14
• Best Management Practices Book: Manure Management, Order No. BMP 16

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