IA DNR: Nutrient Management Plans, For the Public

A nutrient management plan (NMP) is a tool that producers use to manage their feedlot's manure and process waste water, matching up the nutrient value of the manure with the fertilization needs of crops. Properly developed and used, a nutrient management plan prevents over-application of manure. It also provides producers with a valuable fertilizer, saving money and improving organic content of the soil. Producers who have 1,000 beef cattle, 700 dairy cattle or 2,500 finishing hogs kept in an unroofed pen are required to have NMPs in Iowa.

Reviewing the NMP:
The public may review the NMP at the appropriate DNR field office and make comments on the NMP to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Submitting Public Comments:
When reviewing the NMP, the DNR will consider written comments that are received within 10 days of the publication date of the public notice. Emailed comments must be received before midnight.

Submit comments in writing to Gene Tinker, DNR, AFO Coordinator, Wallace State Office Building, 902 East Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034, or email comments to gene.tinker@dnr.iowa.gov. Please use the language "Comments on (facility name)" in the email subject line. An online comment submit form is provided for your convenience. Please include information about the facility name, the newspaper and the date of the public notice.

Requesting a Public Hearing:
The public may also request a public hearing on the NMP. The DNR will schedule a public hearing within 30 days of the publication date of the public notice if the following conditions are met:

if the request is received within 10 days of the publication date of the public notice.
if the request clearly states the issues and topics to be addressed at the hearing.
if the person requesting the public hearing provides the DNR with an address, phone number or email address so that the DNR can respond with the time and place of the hearing.

Request a hearing by writing to Gene Tinker, DNR, AFO Coordinator, Wallace State Office Building, 902 East Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034, or email a request for a hearing to gene.tinker@dnr.iowa.gov. Written requests must be received within 10 days of the publication date of the public notice. Emailed requests must be received before midnight. Please use the language "Request for a hearing on (facility name)" in the email subject line. An online request for hearing form is provided for your convenience. Please include information about the facility name, the newspaper and the date of the public notice.

The DNR will notify the person requesting the public hearing and the producer of the time and place of the public hearing. Hearings for more than one NMP may be held in the same place on the same date.