The following links explain an agreement made in 2001 allowing open feedlots to come into compliance with existing environmental regulations by March 22, 2006. Most open feedlots need some type of solids settling and to apply manure in a way that will not pollute Iowa streams. Larger lots that have an animal unit capacity of more than 1,000 animal units also need an operating permit or national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit. Some intermediate size lots may need an NPDES permit if a stream runs through the lot or there is a man-made conveyance for discharging to a stream.

• New: Design Standards for Open Feedlot Structures
  
  
• What is the Iowa Plan for Open Feedlots? (*.pdf file)
  
  
• Explanation of DNR Policy for Registered Open Feedlots (*.pdf file)
  
  
• Registration Form for Open Feedlots (*.pdf file)
  
  
• Environmental Priority Assessment for Open Feedlots (*.pdf file)
  
  
• Environmental Regulations for Open Feedlots (*.pdf file)
  
  
• DNR Open Feedlot Compliance Flowchart (*.pdf file)
  
  
• Answering Your Questions about the Iowa Open Feedlot Plan
  - Questions and answers developed by the Education Subcommittee of the Iowa Open Feedlot Working group. (off-site)
  
  
• NPDES Fees: Information about the application and annual permit fees for Open Feedlots who are required to have an NPDES permit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Web site has additional information about federal requirements for concentrated animal feeding operations or CAFOs. Visit their site at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=7. (off-site)