Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations - Water Protection - Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Background

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In just the past 20 years, there has been dramatic change in animal agricultural production in Missouri and the United States. These changes have included a significant increase in the overall size of individual operations, an increase in the number of animals raised per operation and a shift towards raising poultry and certain livestock within production barns. Concentrated animal feeding operations, frequently referred to as CAFOs, are large animal agricultural facilities that raise a specific number of animals in production barns or confinement pens.

The development and implementation of technology along with specialized production systems over the years has led to remarkable production efficiencies in raising animals, and has given farmers the capability of achieving precise control and management of animal manure and other farm- based nutrients as a fertilizer source on farm land.

Modern agricultural systems, including CAFOs, can help reduce the overall environmental impact of livestock and poultry production facilities. New technologies and modern waste-management systems help ensure animal waste is properly managed, providing a safe, reliable fertilizer source for farming operations. Proper waste management protects the environment and ultimately makes a farm more productive.

CAFO Permitting

Missouri's CAFO laws and regulations are designed to minimize these risks and are important for the long term protection of the environment. Laws and regulations are also important to preserve and maintain a strong and profitable agricultural industry for generations to come. Protecting the environment and the agricultural industry is a shared responsibility and doing so may have a positive impact on the environment, our food supply and local and state economies.

At the state level, water quality is protected through the department’s permit application and approval process. Water pollution construction and operating permits are a requirement for all size and types of CAFOs. These permits typically have a list of very specific and stringent requirements to follow and operations are expected to keep detailed records of farm related activities and submit them to the state agency for review each year. In addition, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has developed stringent state technical standards that CAFOs must follow and relate to the handling and land application of animal manure.

Maps, Publications, Fact Sheets and other information

General CAFO Permits

2018 State General Permit (MOGS10000)
2018 NPDES General Permit (MOG010000)

Permitting Resources

Form W - Application for Operating Permit, Form 780-2112
Form F - Application for Construction Permit, Form 780-0725
Form H - Termination of a General Permit, Form 780-1409
CAFO Annual Report Form, Form 780-1953
CAFO Record Keeping Forms Checklist Form 780-2153
2009 Nutrient Management Technical Standards
Wet Weather Emergency Management Practices for CAFOs
Draft Operating Permitting Process
The Missouri Phosphorous Index (P-Index) is a tool used in the development of the CAFO Nutrient Management Plan to help identify fields that have a high probability of phosphorus loss in surface water runoff. This index was developed by the University of Missouri Extension. The latest version of the P-Index may be downloaded here. In addition, the University also developed a guide for using the P-Index, which may be downloaded here.