Prevent Manure Runoff Events

An early snow melt washed manure into the Sugar River and 12 hours later it reached our farm. The river was brown. It smelled and I spent the morning counting dead fish.

-Steve Haak, Belleville farmer

Hear why Belleville farmer Steve Haak urges all farmers to develop a manure management plan.

Farmer advocates manure plan [AUDIO Length :23]

Watch Weather Forecasts

Watch weather forecasts daily and if they predict rain and snowmelt that could result in manure run off, avoid spreading manure during these times. Waiting until it's less risky to spread will keep this valuable fertilizer on your land, protect your well water, and keep lakes and rivers clean.

Type in your farm's location for current and future weather forecasts at the National Weather Service [exit DNR]

If your farm is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, or CAFO, that's required to have a wastewater discharge permit, you must follow restrictions on when and where you can spread manure.

CAFO Winter Spreading Restrictions [PDF 45KB]

What to Do If You Must Empty Your Manure Pit

If you can't hold off spreading until weather conditions are drier and less risky, there are options for handling your manure while decreasing the chance of runoff.

Contact Your County Land Conservation Agent

Call your county Land Conservation Department, certified agronomist or manure hauler to help identify alternatives to spreading, such as stacking the manure away from fields near lakes or rivers.

2008-2010 Land and Water Conservation Directory [exit DNR]

If You Must Spread, Identify High Risk Fields and Avoid Them

If you have no alternative to spreading, stay away from fields whose location, slope, and other factors increase the chance that manure will run off them or be carried into surface water or groundwater.

Avoid spreading on fields that are near drinking water wells or that have sinkholes or exposed bedrock.
Ask your county Land Conservation Department to help you identify high risk fields on your property and do not spread on them: 2008-2010 Land and Water Conservation Directory [exit DNR]
View online maps that show which of your fields are more risky to spread on and avoid them: Nutrient Application Restriction Maps [exit DNR]

DNR Spills Hotline
1-800-943-0003

Get Help Immediately if Runoff or a Spill Occurs

Farmers are required to immediately report manure runoff or a spill to the DNR.

Know Who to Call, Steps To Take If Runoff Occurs

Learn the state hotline you are required to call immediately if a manure spill or runoff occurs 1-800-943-003 and take the time to think about, and write down, the steps you will take if runoff occurs to contain the manure and minimize the damage. These emergency response plans from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection are good guides.

Check Your Well Water After Manure Runoff

If manure runoff occurs on your farm, testing your well water can help you assure your family is drinking safe water. Manure runoff can seep into the ground and reach the groundwater that supplies your well, particularly if your fields have sinkholes or exposed bedrock.

Test your wellwater

Get Your Plan in Place for Next Year

Start working with your local county conservation or Natural Resources Conservation Service agent to develop a nutrient management plan. You'll save money by better managing your manure to decrease your fertilizer costs and better protect your land and water and meet environmental laws.

Nutrient management planning [exit DNR]
NRCS Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning [exit DNR]
Watch this University Extension video to learn more about how to avoid and respond to manure spills [VIDEO Length 18:36]

More Resources

Contact Information: For more information about this page, please contact: Carol Holden 608-266-0140

Last Revised: Tuesday March 02 2010