Manure Management for Small-Scale Operations

Operations with fewer than 1,000 animal units are not generally required to have a discharge permit. However, small-scale operations can experience the same type of water quality problems as larger operations. Because all operations share responsibility for preventing adverse water quality impacts, regardless of size, it is important to understand the process for addressing water quality impacts from these operations.

All operations in Wisconsin are required to follow the agricultural performance standards and the four Manure Management Prohibitions . These common-sense practices are intended to keep manure from entering nearby waterways. If manure from a small-scale operation is causing significant ground or surface water pollution, a Notice of Discharge (NOD) may be issued to the operator. The Notice of Discharge requires the operator to take corrective action to stop discharge of animal waste to affected waters of the state.

How are discharges from small-scale operations reported?

What happens once a complaint is received?

What type of assistance is available for small-scale operators?

How are discharges from small-scale operations reported?

The most common means by which problems are identified are complaints that are accepted from citizens as well as agency staff. Any individual who suspects manure from an operation is the source of water pollution can express a complaint to the DNR. The more detailed information the individual can provide such as location, type of problem, size of the operation and date that the problem was observed, the more useful the information will be in evaluating the situation. It is important to report any problems at the time the contamination is observed so a site investigation can be done promptly. Citizens who call in complaints may request anonymity. If you suspect a water quality problem from a small-scale operation, notify your Regional DNR Ag. Runoff Management Specialist.

What happens once a complaint is received?

All complaints are reviewed and if sufficient evidence exists, an on-site inspection will be performed. A representative of the county Land Conservation Department or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will normally accompany the DNR investigator on these inspections. The landowner or operator is always invited to participate.

If the investigation determines there is no significant discharge of manure to state waters, a follow-up letter is sent to the operator and a copy is sent to the individual who filed the complaint. The letter may contain suggestions for improvements that the operator can make to alleviate any future problems.

If a minor problem is identified which can easily or quickly be remedied by changing a management practice, a warning letter may be sent to the operator. This letter would require a change in the management practice in a specified time frame that is usually agreed upon with the operator. A Notice of Discharge is issued for more serious problems. Generally, fewer than one-third of the inspections result in issuance of a Notice of Discharge. Over 400 Notices of Discharge have been issued since 1984. Per WI. Admin. Code NR 243 (exit DNR) , an operator will have 60 days to 2 years to correct the water quality problem identified by the DNR. The time given to the operator depends on the severity of the problem. However, if the manure violation leads to a fish kill or is the result of serious negligence, other penalties may be pursued.

For those operators who do not correct identified water pollution problems in the allotted time, the operator may be required to obtain a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit from the DNR. Operators with discharge permits are disqualified from receiving cost-share assistance. If corrective actions are still not taken, the case may be referred to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for possible prosecution.

What type of assistance is available for small-scale operators?

Wisconsin County Land and Water Conservation Departments, the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) can provide technical assistance to correct discharge problems. Cost-share assistance also may be available to operators who have received a Notice of Discharge. However, operators that have been required to receive a WPDES permit are disqualified from receiving cost-share assistance. For further information about technical and financial assistance, contact your local DNR Ag. Runoff Management Program Staff Representative and/or the following agencies:

• Wisconsin County Land and Water Conservation Departments [exit DNR]
• USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) [exit DNR]

Contact Information

For more information about this page, please contact: Thomas Bauman 608-266-9993