Notice of the Technical Guidance for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans

Federal RegisterDec 9, 1999

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Notice of the Technical Guidance for Developing Comprehensive

Nutrient Management Plans

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking

comments on the draft Technincal Guidance for Developing Comprehensive

Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs). USDA is asking for comments from

individuals, the livestock industry, private consultants, State,

Tribal, and local governments or subgroups thereof, universities,

colleges, environmental groups, and other organizations. These comments

will assist USDA in the development and implementation of the final

Technical Guidance for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management

Plans. This guidance document is intended for use for Natural Resources

Conservation Service (NRCS) and conservation partner State and local

field staffs, private consultants, landowners/operators, and others

that either will be developing or assisting in the development of

CNMPs.

DATES: Comments will be received for a 90-day comment period commencing

December 9, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Address all requests and comments to: Francine A. Gordon,

Management Assistant, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ATTN:

CNMP, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop Code 5473, Beltsville, Maryland

20705.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Obie Ashford, Natural Resources

Conservation Service, 301-504-2197; fax 301-504-2264, e-mail

[email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Technical Guidance for Developing

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans is a document intended for use

by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and conservation

partner State and local field staffs, private consultants, landowners/

operators, and others that either will be developing or assisting in

the development of CNMPs. The purpose of this document is to provide

technical guidance for local, tribal, State, or Federal programs, not

to establish regulatory requirements. This technical guidance is not

intended as a sole source or reference for developing

[[Page 68988]]

CNMPs. CNMP is a subset of a conservation plan that is unique to animal

feeding operations. A CNMP is a group of conservation practices and

management activities which, when combined into a system, will help to

ensure that both production and natural resource goals are achieved. It

incorporates practices to utilize animal manure and organic by-products

as a beneficial resource. A CNMP addresses natural resource concerns

dealing with nutrient and organic by-products and their adverse impacts

on water quality. The objective of a CNMP is to combine management

activities and conservation practices into a system that, when

implemented, will minimize the adverse impacts of animal feeding

operations on water quality.

USDA prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the

basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual

orientation, or disability. Additionally, discrimination on the basis

of political beliefs and marital or family status is also prohibited by

statutes enforced by USDA. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all

programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for

communication of program information (braille, large print, audio tape,

etc.) should contact the USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice

and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination to USDA, write Director,

Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (202)

720-5964 (voice and TDD). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and

employer.

Signed at Washington, D.C., on December 3, 1999.

Pearlie S. Reed,

Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Definition

3.0 Objective

4.0 Elements To Consider

4.1 Animal Outputs--Manure and Wastewater Collection, Handling,

Storage, Treatment, and Transfer

4.2 Evaluation and Treatment of Sites Proposed for Land

Application

4.3 Land Application

4.4 Record of CNMP Implementation

4.5 Inputs to Animals--Feed Management

4.6 Outer Utilization Activities

5.0 Appendices

A. The Natural Resources Conservation Service Planning Process

B. Technical References, Handbooks, and Policy Directives

C. Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Format and Content

D. Conservation Practice Standards

E. Field Office Technical Guide

F. State Offices

Technical Guidance for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management

Plans (CNMPs)

1.0 Introduction

Technical Guidance for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management

Plans (CNMPs) is a document intended for use by Natural Resources

Conservation Service (NRCS) and conservation partner State and local

field staffs, private consultants, landowners/operators, and others

that either will be developing or assisting in the development of

CNMPs. The purpose of this document is to provide technical guidance

for the development of CNMPs, not to establish regulatory requirements

for local, tribal, State, or Federal programs. This technical guidance

is not intended as a sole source of reference for developing CNMPs.

Rather, it is to be used as a tool in support of the planning process

(see Appendix A), as contained in the NRCS National Planning Procedures

Handbook (NPPH). (See Appendix B.) It provides a list of essential

elements that need to be considered in developing a CNMP. To

effectively use this technical guidance, the planner needs a solid

understanding of agricultural waste management systems, nutrient

management, the NRCS planning process, and the NRCS Field Office

Technical Guide.

2.0 Definition

A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is a subset of a

conservation plan that is unique to animal feeding operations. A CNMP

is a grouping of conservation practices and management activities

which, when combined into a system, will help to ensure that both

production and natural resource goals are achieved. It incorporates

practices to utilize animal manure and organic by-products as a

beneficial resource. A CNMP addresses natural resource concerns dealing

with nutrient and organic by-products and their adverse impacts on

water quality. A CNMP is developed to assist landowners/operators with

meeting all applicable local, tribal, State, and Federal regulations.

For certain unique, impacted watersheds or water bodies, special

management activities or conservation practices may be necessary to

help the landowner/operator meet specific local, tribal, State, or

Federal regulations.

The conservation practices and management activities in a CNMP for

which NRCS maintains technical standards are to meet these standards.

Components of a CNMP for which NRCS does not currently maintain

standards are to meet criteria established by Land Grant Universities,

industry, or appropriate others. Ultimately, it is the landowner's/

operator's responsibility as the decision-maker to select the system of

conservation practices and management activities that best meet his/her

production and environmental needs from the alternatives available.

3.0 Objective

The objective of a CNMP is to combine management activities and

conservation practices into a system that, when implemented, will

minimize the adverse impacts of animal feeding operations on water

quality. CNMPs are to be developed in accordance with procedures

contained in the NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH)

(Appendix B) and meet the technical requirements of the NRCS local

Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG). For guidance on CNMP plan format

and content see Appendix C. For a given enterprise to meet this

objective, a significant increase, over current levels, in the

intensity and comprehensiveness of technical assistance provided to

producers may be required.

Elements to consider:

1. Animal Outputs--Manure and Wastewater Collection, Handling,

Storage, Treatment, and Transfer

2. Evaluation and Treatment of Sites Proposed for Land

Application

3. Land Application

4. Records of CNMP Implementation

5. Inputs to Animals

6. Other Utilization Activities

4. Elements to Consider

4.1 Animal Outputs--Manure and Wastewater Collection, Handling,

Storage, and Treatment, and Transfer

A manure and wastewater management system for a given animal

feeding operation (AFO) should include all the components and

management activities necessary to minimize degradation of water

quality. A system may consist of a single component, such as a clean

water diversion, or as many components as necessary to meet the

production and environmental objectives of the landowner/operator while

minimizing the environmental impacts. An on-site visit(s) is required

to identify existing and potential nature resource concerns, problems,

and opportunities in the siting of manure

[[Page 68989]]

and wastewater management system components, including the

identification and documentation of infrastructure physical features

such as buildings, roads, houses, fences, power lines, and other

utilities Sufficient data and information need to be gathered to

analyze and understand the treatment needs in and around the production

site.

A complete manure and wastewater management system may include, but

is not limited to, activities that address:

adequate collection, storage, and/or treatment that allows

application during favorable weather conditions and at times compatible

with crop management

identification of needed water control devices around the

production facility

disposal of dead animals

disposal of animal medical wastes

spills and catastrophic events

spoiled feed and other contaminants

milk house cleanup water

testing of manure and organic sources

insect control

silage leachates

visual improvement

off-site conditions

identification of operation and maintenance (O&M)

practices/activities

Note: The planned manure and wastewater management system needs

to be in conformance with the NRCS Waste Management System Standard

(Code 312). (See Appendix D). Components of the planned system need

to be in conformance with the applicable practice standards.

4.2 Evaluation and Treatment of Sites Proposed for Land Application

An on-site visit is required to identify existing and potential

natural resource concerns, problems, and opportunities for the

conservation management unit (CMU) \1\. This process will be used to

identify and assess operations and activities needed to address

existing and potential natural resource problems. the CMU assessment

will include, but is not limited to:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ Conservation management unit (CMU)--a field, group of

fields, or other land units of the same land use and having similar

treatment needs and planned management. A CMU has definite

boundaries, such as fence, drainage, vegetation, topography, or soil

lines.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

identification of the potential for nitrogen or phosphorus

transport off-site

aerial site photographs or maps

soil features and limitations

identification of sensitive areas such as sinkholes,

streams, springs, lakes, ponds, wells, gullies, and drinking water

sources with setbacks, as necessary

identification of conservation practices and management

activities needed for erosion control and water management

soil test analysis for pH, nutrients, sodic condition, and

organic contents

identification of pathogens and odors

other site information features such as property

boundaries and location of streams and water bodies

identification of operation and maintenance (O&M)

practices/activities

Notes: 1. A documented record will be kept of the site

assessment for each CMU. As part of the CNMP, this record will need

to address problems or concerns identified during the on-site

assessment of the land application unit.

2. The operation and maintenance plan will need to address all

structural and operational components in the CNMP.

3. This planning and assessment process integrates economic,

social, and environmental considerations into a system that meets

the needs of the natural resources and assists the landowner/

operator in meeting Federal, State, tribal and local requirements.

4. Technical requirements will be in accordance with the NRCS

National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) and the FOTG. (See

Appendix E).

4.3 Land Application

The potential short- and long-term impacts of planned land

application of all nutrients and organic by-products (e.g., animal

manure, wastewater, commercial fertilizers, crop residues, legume

credits, irrigation water, etc.) must be evaluated and documented for

each CMU.

This should include:

developing a nutrient budget for nitrogen, phosphorus, and

potassium that includes all potential sources of nutrients

planned crop sequence

current soil test results

manure and organic by-product source testing results

realistic yield goals

crop nutrient use

form, source, amount, timing and method of application of

nutrients

calibration of application equipment

Note: Site specific technical requirements will be based on the

NRCS Nutrient Management Standard (Code 590). (See Appendix D).

4.4 Record of CNMP Implementation

If the landowner/operator is to safely manage and assess CNMP, it

is critical that his/her maintain a record of activities and the

functionality of the system be maintained. A record-keeping plan should

be implemented that addresses key elements of the CNMP to aid in proper

application and provide for assessment documentation.

This record may include:

recommended nutrient application rates by CMU

quanities, analysis and source of nutrients and organic

by-products applied

dates on which nutrients were applied, by CMU

weather conditions during nutrient application

methods by which nutrients were applied, by CMU

crops planted and planting and harvesting dates, by CMU

dates of review, including person performing the review

and recommendations that resulted from the review

results of any plant tissue sampling and testing, when

used, by CMU

nutrient application equipment calibration

off-site use of manure

Notes: Specific record-keeping guidance may be obtained from

Land Grant Universities, Industry, or appropriate others. In

situations where the CNMP is part of a permitting or other

regulating program, it is the responsibility of the producer to

maintain any required documentation, including plans and

implementation records, and make them available to the regulatory

organization if required.

4.5 Inputs to Animals--Feed Management

Feed management activities may be used to reduce the nutrient

content of manure, making it easier to manage in a land application

scenario. Feed management is a planning consideration not a technical

standard. These activities may include phase feeding, amino acid

supplemented low crude protein diets, and the use of low phytin

phosphorus grain and enzymes, such as phytase or other additives.

Information and recommendations regarding feed management may be

obtained from Land Grant Universities, industry, USDA--Agricultural

Research Service, or other appropriate sources.

4.6 Other Utilization Activities

Using manure and organic by-products to provide for

environmentally-safe alternatives should be an integral part of the

overall CNMP. This is especially true where past land application of

manure and organic by-products is a problem because of residual soil

nutrient content and where future land application will make conditions

worse. Also, it should be recognized that most other utilization

strategies, such as biogas generation or

[[Page 68990]]

composing may result in the inadvertent loss of nitrogen, but not

phosphorus or other plant nutrients. It is the producers

responsibility, as the decision maker, to select the utilization

options to be used.

Alternatives include, but are not limited to;

transport and safe use off-site

power generation (e.g., methane generation for fuel,

combustion of litter, for energy, etc.)

converting to high-value product (e.g., composting,

fertilizer, etc.)

soil conditioning

Note: All manure and organic by-product utilization activities

are to comply with Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws. Specific

technical requirements will be based on NRCS Waste Utilization

Standard (Code 633) and Nutrient Management Standard (Code 590).

(See Appendix D.)

Appendix A--The Natural Resources Conservation Service Planning

Process

NRCS uses a three-phase, nine-step planning process. The three

phases and nine steps from a linear perspective are:

Phase I--Collection and Analysis (Understanding the Problems and

Opportunities)

1. Identify Problems

2. Determine Objectives

3. Inventory Resources

4. Analyze Resource Data

Phase II--Decision Support (Understanding the Solutions)

5. Formulate Alternatives

6. Evaluate Alternatives

7. Make Decisions

Phase III--Application and Evaluation (Understanding the Results)

8. Implement the Plan

9. Evaluate the Plan

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09DE99.001

BILLING CODE 3410-16-C

The planning process is straight forward, but not necessarily

linear (See Figure 1). It is a cycling process--iterative--there is

a need to cycle back. All three phases and all nine steps are vital

for successful conservation planning.

The planning process may start with any of the first

three planning steps or planning step nine.

There may be a need to cycle back to step three

(inventory resources), while working on step four (analyze resource

data), if more inventory information is needed.

Step one (identify problems) and step two (determine

objectives) will not be finalized until step four (analyze resource

data) is completed. The analysis in step four will, at the very

least, require a brief review of problem identification and

objective determination to make sure they are suitable.

There also may be a need for the landowner/operator to

revise his objectives as alternatives are formulated and evaluated.

Once the plan is developed, there may be a need to go

back through the entire planning process and revise the plan, or

that may become necessary while the plan is being implemented and

evaluated. A revision may be necessary because of a change in

objectives, size of the unit, livestock numbers, economics, weather

conditions, etc.

Based on the results of implementation, there also may

be a need to look at additional alternatives if the results of plan

implementation are not solving the identified problems or meeting

the landowner's/operator's objectives.

Appendix B--Technical References, Handbooks, and Policy Directives

Technical References and Handbooks

The Natural Resource Conservation Service has numerous technical

references and handbooks it uses to assist in the development of

conservation plans and their various components. Listed below are

those technical references and handbooks generally associated with

the development of comprehensive nutrient management plans.

[[Page 68991]]

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources

Conservation Service (NRCS), National Engineering Handbook, Part

651, Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook. This handbook is

available on the NRCS web site at http://www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/

tech__ref.html and from the National Technical Information Service

at the address shown at the end of this Appendix.