CONTENTS

Section Page

F1 WASTE MANAGEMENT F1.i

Definitions F1.1

Animal Waste Production And Characteristics

Per 1000 Pound Animal Unit F1.3

Livestock Waste Volume F1.4

Safety Precautions F1.4

Managing Animal Enterprises for Odor Control F1.5

Anaerobic Lagoon Requirements F1.7

Aerobic Lagoon Requirements F1.7

Designing Anaerobic Lagoon (Example) F1.8

Flushing Gutters In Swine Houses F1.9

Flushing Alleys (Dairy) F1.10

Herringbone Milk Parlors F1.10

Settling Basins F1.11

Flushing Gutters With High Volume Pumps F1.12

Gravity Flow Capacities of Circular Sewer Drainpipe F1.12

Land Application of Livestock and Poultry Manure

(Handling and Application Losses) F1.13

Guidelines and Procedures (Regulations) F1.17

DEFINITIONS

activated sludge process ‑ A biological wastewater treatment process in which a mixture of wastewater and activated sludge is agitated and aerated. The activated sludge is subsequently separated from the treated wastewater (mixed liquor) by sedimentation and wasted or returned to the process as needed.

aerobic ‑ Requiring, or not destroyed by, the presence of free elemental oxygen.

ammonification ‑ Bacterial decomposition of organic nitrogen to ammonia.

anaerobic ‑ Requiring, or not destroyed by, the absence of air or free (elemental) oxygen.

"Animal Waste", "Manure" ‑ Livestock, poultry, and other animal excreta and associated feed losses, bedding, litter, and other associated materials.

"Animal Unit" ‑ One animal unit is equivalent to 1,000 pounds of live weight.

BOD ‑ (1) The quantity of oxygen used in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter in a specified time, at a specified temperature, and under specified conditions.

(2) A standard test used in assessing wastewater strength.

chemical oxygen demand (COD) ‑ A measure of oxygen‑consuming capacity of inorganic and organic matter present in water or wastewater. It is expressed as the amount of oxygen consumed from a chemical oxidant in a specific test. It does not differentiate between stable and unstable organic matter and thus does not necessarily correlate with biochemical oxygen demand. Also known as OC and DOC, oxygen consumed and dichromate oxygen consumed, respectively.

dissolved oxygen ‑ The oxygen dissolved in water, wastewater, or other liquid, usually expressed in milligrams per liter, parts per million, or percent of saturation. Abbreviated DO.

effluent ‑ (1) A liquid which flows out of a containing space.

(2) Wastewater or other liquid, partially or completely treated, or in its natural state, flowing out of a reservoir, basin, treatment plant, or industrial treatment plant, or part thereof.

(3) An outflowing branch of a main stream or lake.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) ‑ One of the species of bacteria in the coliform group. Its presence is considered indicative of fresh fecal contamination.

extended aeration ‑ A modification of the activated sludge process which provides for aerobic sludge digestion within the aeration system. The concept envisages the stabilization of organic matter under aerobic conditions and disposal of the end products into the air as gases and with the plant effluent as finely divided suspended matter and soluble matter.

facultative anaerobic bacteria ‑ Bacteria which can adapt themselves to growth in the presence, as well as in the absence, of oxygen. May be referred to as facultative bacteria.

influent ‑ Water, wastewater, or other liquid flowing into a reservoir, basin, or treatment plant, or any unit thereof.

lagoon ‑ A pond containing raw or partially treated wastewater in which aerobic or anaerobic stabilization occurs. Can be an aerobic or anaerobic lagoon.

nitrification ‑ (1) The conversion of nitrogenous matter into nitrates by bacteria.

(2) The treatment of a material with nitric acid.

oxidation ‑ The addition of oxygen to a compound. More generally, any reaction which involves the loss of electrons from an atom.

oxidation‑reduction potential ‑ The potential required to transfer electrons from the oxidant to the reductant and used as a qualitative measure of the state of oxidation in wastewater treatment systems.

parts per million ‑ The number of weight or volume units of a minor constituent present with each one million units of the major constituent of a solution or mixture. Formerly used to express the results of most water and wastewater analyses, but more recently replaced by the ratio milligrams per liter.

population equivalent ‑ A means of expressing the strength of organic material in wastewater. Domestic wastewater consumes, on an average, 0.17 pound of oxygen per capita per day, as measured by the standard BOD test. This figure has been used to measure the strength of organic industrial waste in terms of an equivalent number of persons. For example, if an industry discharges 1,000 pounds of BOD per day, its waste is equivalent to the domestic wastewater from 6,000 persons (1,000/0.17 = 6,000).

total solids ‑ The sum of dissolved and undissolved constituents in water or wastewater, usually stated in milligrams per liter.

water quality ‑ The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water with respect to its suitability for a particular purpose. The same water may be of good quality for one purpose or use, and bad for another, depending on its characteristics and the requirements for the particular use.

water standards ‑ Definitions of water quality established as a basis of control for various water‑use classifications.

Table F1.1: Animal Waste Production And Characteristics Per 1000 Pounds Animal Unit

Dairy Beef Swine Sheep Poultry

Parameter* cow feeder feeder feeder Layer Broiler Horse

Raw manure (RM) Wt/day 85 60 65 40 53 71 45

Total solids (TS) Wt/day 10.4 6.9 6.0 10.0 13.4 17.1 9.4

Volatile solids Wt/day 8.6 6.0 4.8 8.5 9.4 12.0 7.5

(VS) % TS 82.5 87 80 85 70 70 80

BOD₅ Wt/day 1.7 1.6 2.0 0.9 3.5 1.1 -

% TS 16.5 23 33 9.0 13.2 18 -

COD Wt/day 9.1 6.6 5.7 118 90 - -

Nitrogen Wt/day 0.41 0.43 0.45 0.45 0.72 1.16 0.27

(Total, as N) % TS 3.9 4.9 7.5 4.5 5.4 6.8 2.9

Phosphorus Wt/day 0.073 0.14 0.15 0.066 0.22 0.13 0.046

(as P) % TS 0.7 2.0 2.5 0.66 2.4 0.8 0.49

Potassium Wt/day 0.27 0.24 0.30 0.32 0.31 0.36 0.17

(as K) % TS 2.6 3.6 4.9 3.2 2.3 2.1 1.8

*Raw manure: Feces and urine with no bedding

Total solids: The sum of dissolved and undissolved constituents in water or wastewater.

Volatile solids: The quantity of solids in water, wastewater, or other liquids lost in ignition of the dry solids at 1380^oF; VS + ash = TS

BOD₅: The oxygen used in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter in 5 days at 68^oF. A standard test to assess wastewater strength.

COD: A measure of the oxygen consuming capacity of inorganic and organic matter in wastewater. An analytical measure not commonly used in engineering design.

Table F1.2: Livestock Waste Volume

Animals

Animal Cubic Water to Produce

Animal lb. Gallons Feet % l Ton/Day

Horse 1000 5.6 0.75 79.5 45

Beef 500 4.0 0.50 88.4 66

800 6.0 0.8 88.4 42

1000 7.5 1.0 88.4 33

1200 9.3 1.2 88.4 27

Dairy 800 7.9 1.10 87.3 30

1000 9.9 1.32 87.3 24

1200 11.9 1.60 87.3 20

1400 13.9 1.85 87.3 17

Hogs 50 0.4 0.55 90.8 616

100 1.75 0.11 90.8 308

150 1.13 0.16 90.8 231

200 1.50 0.22 90.8 154

250 1.90 0.28 90.8 123

Poultry 100 0.027 0.0035 74.8 9524.0

Sheep 100 0.46 0.06 75.0 500

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Do not enter covered holding tank as poisonous gases can render a person unconscious in a short time. Always force air into a tank prior to entering and while people are in the tank (like in upright silos).

2. Fence all open storage areas.

3. Lagoon storage should always have a sturdy fence surrounding the lagoon.

4. Dry stacks above 30 percent moisture can generate enough heat to burn wood or post.

Managing Animal Enterprises For Odor Control

Although neither a complete understanding of odor production nor fully adequate techniques for odor control are currently available, the following managerial procedures have proven helpful.

1. Locate a livestock operation at a reasonable distance from residential areas, places of employment, institutions, and other areas frequented by persons other than the operators of the animal enterprise. Wind direction and velocity, humidity, topography, temperature, and unique meteorological conditions (such as inversions) affect odor transport and detection. Regulations and ordinances may set minimum distances from residences, wells and streams.

2. Feeding areas and animal pens should be kept as dry as possible. Keeping manure‑covered and dry minimizes the primary source of odor from a livestock operation, that of anaerobic manure decomposition. Additional benefits of dry lots are control of water pollution caused by runoff, and improved control of flies and other insects.

3. Manure‑management systems should be designed and operated in a manner that prevents dirty, manure‑covered animals. The warm body of an animal, when covered with wet manure, promotes accelerated bacterial growth and odor production. Once produced, the odorous by‑products of manure decomposition are quickly vaporized by animal heat and emitted into the air.

4. Appropriate selection of manure storage and treatment procedures can be helpful. Aerobic systems will in general reduce odor production but are expensive. Oversizing anaerobic lagoons reduces odor

5. An orderly system for runoff collection and manure handling not only minimizes water pollution, but also promotes better drainage and reduces areas of odor production. It is important that accumulations of solids and polluted water in runoff control system be expediently removed and applied to land to limit eventual odor emission as well as to preserve the functions of the facility.

6. A clean, orderly appearance of the livestock production unit helps in suggesting a non‑offensive situation.

7. Dead animal disposal requires a definite plan to avoid odors, flies, and severe health risks. Removal from the site within 24 hours is required in most areas. Pits for burial or incineration can be used or composting in the case of dead poultry. State and county regulations should be adhered to.

8. Odor control chemicals have achieved limited use in animal enterprises. Because of their expense and the lack of an effective means to evaluate their performance, odor control chemical use has been limited generally to short‑term applications in particularly offensive areas, such as a manure‑storage pit immediately before hauling.

9. Land application continues to be the primary method of animal waste management and utilization and is an integral part of nearly every manure handling system. Odors can be reduced by using the following procedures:

A. Apply nutrients to balance crop needs.

B. Avoid spreading when the wind would blow odors toward populated areas.

C. Avoid spreading immediately before weekends and holidays when people are likely to be engaged in nearby outdoor and recreational activities.

D. Avoid spreading near heavily traveled highways.

E. Spread in morning when air is warming and rising rather than in the late afternoon.

F. Use available weather information to best advantage. Still winds and dry conditions are best.

G. If possible, incorporate manure into the soil during or immediately after application. This can be done by 1) soil injection, or 2) plowing or disking the soil after application. These practices not only minimize the spreading of odor but also preserve nutrients and reduce water pollution potential.

H. Apply manure uniformly and in a layer thin enough to insure drying in five days or less and to prevent fly propagation.

Table F1.3: Anaerobic Lagoon Requirements¹

Cubic Ft. Per Odor Control

Waste from lb. of Animal² Cu. ft./animal

Animals

Dairy Cattle* (1,200 lbs.) 1,380 1,885

Beef Cattle (800 lbs.) 920 1,200

Hogs (150 lbs.) 250 450

Chickens (4 lbs.) 15 20

Hogs

1 animal = 150 lb. feeder

1 sow = 300 lbs. - 2 feeders

1 sow and litter - 4 feeders

1 weaned pig - 0.25 feeder

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NOTE: Multiply appropriate values by the minimum number of chickens, cows, and/or hogs to ever be served at any one time and sum to determine the minimum total volume needed.

* Where a dairy operation consists of a wash down area and/or a flush system for cleaning the holding area, the storage area of the lagoon will need to be increased to accommodate this additional volume of water. The equipment washroom water must also be properly disposed of either in the lagoon or a separate system.

Table F1.4: Aerobic Lagoon Requirements²

(Based on maximum of 45 lbs. of BOD₅/Acre/Day and a minimum of 30 days)

Volatile

Manure BOD₅ Solids Animal Per

Animal (lbs./day) (lbs./day) (lbs./day) Surface Acre

Dairy Cattle (1,200 lbs.) 100 1.7 8.5 26

Beef Cattle (800 lbs.) 78 1.2 8.3 54

Horses (1,000 lbs.) 50 1.4 8 32

Sheep (100 lbs.) 4 0.08 0.8 560

Swine (150 lbs.) 10.3 0.32 0.86 140

Poultry (4 lbs.) 0.2 0.015 0.042 3,000

¹ SCS requirements revised March 1986. Permit required before construction. Large animal units must have permit for land application.

² Minimum design requirements are given. Additional capacity should be provided for solids accumulation and where odors must be minimized. Aerobic lagoons are not normally cost effective for livestock and production.

OUTLET: An outlet pipe shall not be used as part of the structure except as described below. A pumping or water-spreading system will be required to keep the liquid level of the lagoon within operating requirements.

DESIGNING ANAEROBIC LAGOON'S (EXAMPLE)

Assume volume needed in 200,000 cubic feet and depth is 20 feet. Also, assume lagoon is square in shape.

Volume = Area at mid-depth * depth

200,000 cubic foot volume = Area at mid-depth * 20 foot depth.

Area at mid-depth = 200,000 divided by 20 = 10,000 square feet.

It's 10 feet from mid-depth to surface and sides have a 3 to 1 slope so we gain 30 feet horizontally when we rise 10 feet vertically.

Length along each side is the square root of 10,000 + (30' + 30') = 100' + 60'.

Lagoon length at surface is 160' each side.

Table F1.5: Flushing Gutters in Swine Houses*

Minimum Flush Volume

Channel Channel Flow Flow To Get 10-Second

Slope Width Depth Rate Discharge Duration

(%) (ft.) (in.) (gpm) (gals.)

0.5 2 3.5 783 130

3 3.2 1070 178

4 3.0 1367 228

5 3.0 1666 278

6 2.9 1967 328

7 2.9 2269 378

8 2.9 2571 428

9 2.8 2873 479

10 2.8 3175 529

1.0 2 1.9 416 69

3 1.8 594 99

4 1.7 773 129

5 1.7 953 159

6 1.7 1132 189

7 1.7 1312 219

8 1.7 1492 249

9 1.7 1673 279

10 1.7 1853 309

1.5 2 1.3 295 49

3 1.3 427 71

4 1.2 560 93

5 1.2 693 115

6 1.2 825 138

7 1.2 958 160

8 1.2 1091 182

9 1.2 1224 204

10 1.2 1357 226

2.0 2 1.0 233 39

3 1.0 340 57

4 1.0 447 74

5 1.0 554 92

6 1.0 661 110

7 1.0 768 128

8 1.0 875 146

9 1.0 982 164

10 1.0 1089 182

* From Bynam Driggers, N. C. State University. Assumes four times per day flushing.

Table F1.6: Flushing Alleys (Dairy)*

Length of Gutters in Feet

Alley Slope 100 200 300

2% 1200 1650 1950

3% 1000 1400 1700

4% 850 1250 1500

* Assumes once per day flushing using flush tanks. Volume given in gallons per 10 feet of gutter width. If gutter is 15 feet wide multiply above values by 1.5.

Table F1.7: Herringbone Milk Parlors**

Stalls Per Side Gallons Per Side

4 400

6 500

8 600

10 700

12 800

** Assumes twice per day flushing using flush tanks.

Settling Basins

Settling basins separate solids from a flowing liquid by slowing flow and allowing solids to settle. The settled solids are periodically removed and land applied. Manure solids and sand traditionally have caused solids buildup in lagoons. Once in the lagoon, these solids can be difficult to remove.

A properly designed and operated settling basin can remove 80-85 percent of the solids. They should be sized to contain the maximum flow for 30 minutes with a slow discharge such as through a porus fence.

Figure F2.1. Settling Basins

Flushing Gutters With High Volume Pumps

High volume pumps can be used to flush livestock gutters. They are commonly used in laying houses or dairy feed alleys and in free stall alleys. Length of pump time can be varied to get gutters clean. Gutters should be level from left to right and have a uniform slope of 1/2 to 2 percent.

Gutters up to 600 feet long can be cleaned with 80-100 gallons per minute per foot of gutter width with slope of at least 1/2 percent.

Table F1.8: Gravity Flow Capacities of Circular Sewer Drainpipe

Nominal Slope of Pipe %

Drainpipe

Diameter (in.) 0.1 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.00

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gpm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 4 9 13 16 19

3 12 28 40 48 56

4 27 60 85 105 121

6 80 179 253 309 357

8 172 385 544 666 769

10 312 697 986 1210 1390

12 507 1130 1600 1960 2270

14 765 1710 2420 2960 3420

15 919 2060 2910 3560 4110

16 1092 2440 3450 4230 4880

18 1490 3340 4730 5790 6690

20 1980 4420 6260 7660 8850

22 2550 5700 8070 9880 11400

24 3220 7200 10200 12500 14400

From Bynam Driggers, N. C. State University.

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES (Regulations)

In order to facilitate a coordinated review of wastewater disposal systems for concentrated animal feedlot operations, EPD has prepared a list of recommended design guidelines and permitting procedures. These guidelines and procedures are to be used by representatives of SCS and by representatives of EPD during the review of new or expanded feedlot operations. The differentiation between small and large feedlots is based upon 40 CFR Part 412 - Feedlots Point Source Category. Feedlots with capacities equal to or larger than those presented in Attachment No. 1 are to be considered large feedlots and reviewed according to the large feedlot criteria. Owners of existing feedlots should contact SCS prior to proceeding with any planned expansions to ensure that the expanded operations are properly designed. In the event that a small feedlot operation is proposing an expansion that will push it into the large feedlot category, the owner must comply with the requirements for large feedlot operations. EPD will continue to handle the compliance and enforcement activities for feedlots which have Land Application System (LAS) permits, as well as those without LAS permits that result in citizen complaints or unpermitted discharges. SCS will continue to provide feedlot owners with technical assistance regarding the operation and management of their wastewater disposal system. GSWCC will provide assistance to EPD and SCS by identifying new or existing feedlots which appear to be in need of either a LAS permit or technical assistance.

Small Feedlot Operations

1. There shall be no discharge of pollutants from the feedlot operation into surface waters of the State of Georgia (i.e., creeks, streams, lakes with outlet structures).

2. The design of the wastewater disposal system shall be handled entirely by SCS. The system shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate practice standards and specifications contained in Section IV of the SCS Field Office Technical Guide.

3. EPD is not involved in the review, approval or permitting of small feedlot operations, and has no requirements with regard to buffer zones or groundwater monitoring for these systems.

4. The system must be designed to handle the runoff from a 24-hour, 25-year storm event without an overflow from the treatment/storage lagoon(s).

5. The treatment/storage lagoon(s) must be constructed to ensure that seepage is limited to a maximum of 1/8 inch per day (3.67 x 10^-6 cm/sec). For new feedlot lagoon(s) located within significant groundwater recharge areas which fall within the categories defined in the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Rules for Environmental Planning Criteria, Chapter 391-3-15-.02, Paragraph (3)(e), the waste impoundment(s) must be provided with either a compacted clay or a synthetic liner such that the vertical hydraulic conductivity does not exceed 5 x 10^-7 cm/sec or other criteria established by SCS.

6. It is recommended that a minimum of 2 feet of freeboard be maintained in the lagoon(s) at all times.

7. The wastewater disposal system shall not be located within a flood plain unless it is protected from inundation or damage from a 25-year, 24-hour storm event.

8. The irrigation of feedlot wastewater on crops, which are intended for direct human consumption, is not recommended.

Large Feedlot Operations

1. There shall be no discharge of pollutants from the feedlot operation into surface waters of the State of Georgia (i.e. creeks, streams, lakes with outlet structures).

2. The wastewater disposal system shall either be designed by SCS, or reviewed and approved by SCS. The system shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate practice standards and specifications contained in Section IV of the SCS Field Office Technical Guide. Adherence to EPD's Criteria for Slow Rate Land Treatment is neither required nor recommended.

3. A Land Application System (LAS) Permit must be obtained from EPD prior to commencing operation of a new feedlot.

4. An application for a LAS Permit must be submitted to EPD by the feedlot owner. A letter from SCS concurring with the design of the wastewater disposal system and a copy of the approved plans and specifications should be included with the LAS Permit application.

5. Prior to issuing the LAS Permit application.

6. The system must be designed to handle the runoff from a 24-hour, 25-year storm event without an overflow from the treatment/storage lagoon(s).

7. The treatment/storage lagoon(s) must be constructed to ensure that seepage is limited to a maximum of 1/8 inch per day (3.67 x 10^-6 cm/sec). For new feedlot lagoon(s) located within significant groundwater recharge areas which fall within the categories defined in the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Rules for Environmental Planning Criteria, Chapter 391-3-15-.02, Paragraph (3)(e), the waste impoundment(s) must be provided with either a compacted clay or a synthetic liner such that the vertical hydraulic conductivity does not exceed 5 x 10^-7 cm/sec or other criteria established by SCS.

8. It is recommended that a minimum of 2 feet of freeboard be maintained in the lagoon(s) at all times.

9. The wastewater disposal system shall not be located within a flood plain unless it is protected from inundation or damage from a 25-year, 24-hour storm event.

10. The irrigation of feedlot wastewater on crops, which are intended for direct human consumption, is not recommended.

11. The wastewater disposal system shall be designed and operated such that nitrates in the groundwater at the feedlot owner's property line do not exceed 10 mg/l. EPD will require feedlot operations to implement corrective actions if the nitrates exceed 10 mg/l.

12. The wastewater disposal system shall be designed and operated such that nearby private and public water supply wells are protected from adverse effects.

13. EPD requires a minimum buffer zone of 150 feet between the treatment/storage lagoon(s) and property lines, between the spray irrigation field(s) and property lines, and between the spray irrigation field(s) and public roads. A minimum buffer zone of 300 feet between the edge of the wetted field and any habitable structure (outside of the feedlot owner's property lines) is also required. EPD may allow for reduced buffer zones under certain conditions. Such conditions include the presence of a healthy stand of trees in a multi-storied canopy throughout the buffer zone area, along with the written requirements. Requests for such reductions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

14. EPD requires that at least one up-gradient and at least two down-gradient groundwater monitoring wells be installed for each drainage basin intersected by the spray irrigation field(S). The number, location, design and construction specifications of the monitoring wells shall be reviewed and approved by EPD.

15. The LAS Permit will contain specific requirements for monitoring the poind effluent and the groundwater monitoring wells. This will usually consist of quarterly monitoring of the poind effluent for BOD₅, TSS, TKN, NH₃, NO₃ and pH, as well as quarterly monitoring of the wells for Specific Conductivity, NO₃, pH and Depth to Groundwater.

16. The LAS Permit may require periodic monitoring of any wet weather ditches or perennial streams which are in close proximity to the spray irrigation field(s).

It is agreed that SCS will provide annually to EPD and to GSWCC, not later than three months after the end of each calendar year, a list by county of those waste treatment systems installed with SCS technical assistance and in accordance with SCS standards and specifications during the past calendar year. This list is to include the names and addresses of the owner, the general nature of the operation served, i.e., dairy, beef cattle feedlot, hog parlor, egg layer house, etch., the number of animals the system was designed to handle, and the type of system installed.

It is understood that SCS will not in any way be assumed to be responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of any waste treatment facility by the feedlot owner, nor will SCS act as a regulatory agency with regard to any existing or future animal waste treatment facilities.

Harold F. Reheis

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Dr. Hershel R. Read

State Conservationist

U. S. Department of Agriculture

Soil Conservation Service

F. Graham Liles, Jr.

Executive Director

Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission