Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Formulae
2006: Ordering Information

Farm-generated odour is a frequent source of conflict between farmers and non-farming neighbours. One means of reducing the incidence of these complaints is providing adequate distances between livestock facilities and incompatible uses.

Recent changes to the Planning Act require land use planning decisions to be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. The Provincial Policy Statement requires new land uses and new or expanding livestock facilities to comply with the Minimum Distance Separation Formulae (MDS).

The MDS Implementation Guidelines contain the revised MDS I and II formulae that are used to determine the recommended separation distance between a livestock facility or permanent manure storage and other land uses. The actual separation distance varies depending on the size, type and degree of expansion of the livestock operation, the type of manure storage system, or the proposed new land use.

To assist municipalities, farmers, consultants and the general public, as a public service, OMAFRA has developed a software program for distribution and use with the MDS Formulae. Version 1.0.0 distributed by OMAFRA will be considered to be the official version for purposes of calculating MDS and is to be used with the Implementation Guidelines, Publication 707.

The MDS book and CD (Publication 707) can be ordered by:

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