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.
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