Ohio ag attorney sheds light on manure handling regulations

Although the Lake Erie algae problems that contaminated Toledos water supply in early August have subsided, the crisis raised questions about animal manure application on farmland in Ohio and how it may have contributed to the problem.

In response, Ohio State University Extensions agricultural and resource law field specialist has written a summary of Ohio laws relating to livestock and manure handling. OSU Extensions September 2014 Ag Law Bulletin Animal Manure Regulation in Ohio is online at go.osu.edu/manureregpdf.

OSU Extension is the outreach arm of Ohio State Universitys College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

I hope the bulletin will help people understand the existing regulatory scheme regarding manure production, handling and use in Ohio, said Peggy Hall, who is also an assistant professor for OSU Extension.

The bulletin covers state and federal regulations, including:

People who dont regularly deal with manure may be surprised to learn that large livestock operations often must obtain permits from both ODA and OEPA before operating a facility, and that land application regulations follow the manure if it leaves a permitted facility, Hall said. Plus, they may not realize that small to midsize farms deal with a different, third agency, and that large manure handlers have education requirements.

Even some farmers may be surprised to learn that soil and water conservation districts provide technical expertise and cost-sharing as preventive measures, Hall said.

Hall said she realizes that the three-page bulletin likely will not answer all questions about manure handling and application in Ohio. She plans to work with Glen Arnold, OSU Extension field specialist in manure management, and Greg LaBarge, OSU Extension field specialist in agronomic systems, to create a Frequently Asked Questions document as a follow-up. Anyone with questions may contact Hall at hall.672@osu.edu, Arnold at arnold.2@osu.edu or LaBarge at labarge.1@osu.edu.

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Ohio ag attorney sheds light on manure handling regulations