Livestock Waste Regulations in Nebraska are administered by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. NDEQ administers both state and federal (EPA) environmental regulations. The governing regulations are called Title 130, Livestock Waste Control Regulations. This entire regulations document is contained on the NDEQ Web site.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations, derived from the Federal Clean Water Act, are referred to as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and are incorporated into Title 130.

Most non-pasture based operations where animals are housed and raised, those that meet the definition of an Animal feeding operation (AFO), are required to have an inspection by Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and possibly required to maintain a permit that will define the minimum environmental standards for their operation.

Use the questions below to find what you need to know about compliance with Nebraska regulations:

If I have a pasture-based operation, could I be regulated?

• Do I Need A Permit?
• What issues are addressed in a permit?
• Am I current with record and inspection requirements?
• What are the minimum standards of Nutrient Management Plans?
  (EPA Producer's Compliance Guide for CAFOs, pdf)
• Where can I find Nebraska's livestock waste regulations? (NDEQ Resources)
• What are the land application training requirements and responsibilities for my permit?
• Where can I find the regulations and compliance resources from EPA?

Environmental Protection Agency

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on Nebraska CNMP for Nationwide

Nebraska NRCS on Manure Storage and Utilization:

• Engineering
• Agronomy (look under Nutrient Management)

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ)
Provides fact sheets & guidance documents.

Request an inspection for cow-calf backgrounders and/or ranch operations
An inspection may be required for your operation (LB 916 - loss of 90 day exemption). Fees are $100 for small AFO's (less than 299 head), $200 for medium AFO's 300-999 head) and $500 for large AFO's 1,000 head and larger. Include fee with application.

Information presented within the livestock manure management section of this Water Web site has been authored and/or reviewed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Manure Management Team members Leslie Johnson, Rick Koelsch, Charles Shapiro and Charles Wortmann.