Livestock Manure Management Policy and Regulations: Permits

Do I Need A Permit?

In Nebraska, an inspection by an NDEQ representative will provide the final determination of whether or not a livestock or poultry operation will need a permit Use the flow chart below to determine whether your animal operation could be classified as an AFO. If Yes, you should request an inspection.

Listed here are some general guidelines regarding permits. Not all AFOs will need a permit.

If an AFO is classified as a Concentrated AFO (CAFO), then an NPDES permit will be required.

Most large CAFOs (e.g. 1000 beef animals or more) will need a permit.

Proposed changes to the federal rules may allow some exceptions if:

1) animals and manure is always located under roof

and

2) no manure is applied on land owned or managed by the animal operation.

A Medium and Small AFO may be classified as a CAFO based upon the risk to surface water.

Content from the questionaire and flow chart in CAFO Fact Sheet #2 "Do I need an NPDES Permit?" contained in the LPES curriculum can help you identify the likelihood that a permit is needed. But recognize that the final decision on the need for a permit is made by NDEQ as a result of an on-site inspection.