ISSUE 1: What is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) ?
RESPONSE: An Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) is defined by EPA as a lot or facility (other than an aquatic animal production facility) where the following conditions are met : 1) Animals (other than aquatic animals) have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period, and 2) Crops, vegetation forage growth, or post-harvest residues are not sustained in the normal growing season over any portion of the lot or facility. An animal feeding operation (AFO) is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) subject to the NPDES regulatory program if any of the following criteria are met : 1) More than 1000 animal units are confined, 2) More than 300 animal units are confined and either one of the following conditions are met: a) pollutants are discharged into navigable waters through a man-made ditch, flushing system, or other similar man-made device, or b) pollutants are discharged directly into waters of the United States
