Runoff from animal feeding operations of any size may cause surface and groundwater to be contaminated by harmful bacteria like e.coli and excess nutrients that include nitrates, nitrite, and phosphorus. Phosphorus can cause nuisance blue-green algae blooms (shown left), fish kills, and other problems with surface water quality that negatively affects the beneficial use of a lake, stream, or river. Excess nitrates can infiltrate groundwater leading to contaminated wells that are used for livestock and domestic water supplies.
The improper application of livestock waste (manure) to cropland can also result in surface and groundwater pollution. Livestock manure applied properly however, can improve soil fertility and tilth while keeping surface and ground waters safe from contamination.
Technical assistance is available to develop nutrient management plans to utilize manure for its beneficial use as an inexpensive source of fertilizer, thus protecting surface and ground water quality. Cost share is available to construct feed lot runoff control systems that include full containment systems with lagoons (lower left), and vegetative treatment systems. Up to seventy-five percent (75%) of a systems cost for design and construction can be paid by project grants.
For more information download the following fact sheets;
