Manure Management

Pennsylvania’s Chapter 91: Manure Management Regulations

Recently revised Pennsylvania environmental regulations require all animal operations, large and small, to have either a Manure Management Plan or a Nutrient Management Plan.

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Nutrient Management Plan vs. Manure Management Plan

  • Everyone keeping livestock on their property or uses manure in Pennsylvania is required to have a plan to manage farm nutrients.
  • The animal density of the farm will decide which plan is required.
  • Farms that have over 8 Animal Equivalent Units (AEUs) (1 AEU = 1000lb animal weight) and exceed an animal density of 2 AEUs/acre are required to have a certified Nutrient Management Plan.  Farms under this threshold are required to have a written Manure Management Plan.

Who Can Write A Manure Management Plan?

  • Manure Management Plans do not need to be written by a specialist, and can be written by the farmer.
  • Manure Management Plans do not need to be approved and hold no liability protection.
  • Manure management plans must be kept on the farmstead and be available upon request.
  • Plans should follow the standard Manure Management Plan Workbook format

What do Manure Management Plans include?

  • Section 1 – General operation contact information and details
  • Section 2 – Manure application details (where, when, how much, environmentally sensitive areas, winter application information)
  • Section 3 – Farm maps
  • Section 4 – Record keeping
  • Section 5 – Manure storage/stockpile details
  • Section 6 – Pasture Management
  • Section 7 – Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs) identification and treatment details

Useful Links:

DEP Manure Management Plan Workbook

PA Manure Management Program

Penn State Manure Management Information

Estimating Manure Application Rates

Mission Statement
To protect and improve the quality of life of the residents of Montgomery County and surrounding communities by providing, in cooperation with others, timely and efficient service, education, and technical guidance, for the wise use of our soil, water, and related resources.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday
8:15AM – 4:15PM