Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)

Black Angus cattle in field The Delaware National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) CAFO program is implemented and overseen jointly by DNREC and the Delaware Department of Agriculture under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Delaware Department of Agriculture is the primary and initial point of contact with the regulated community including conducting inspections, collecting necessary documents, and reviewing Nutrient and Animal Waste Management Plans. The final permit is issued by DNREC, with the assistance of the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

To determine if you meet the criteria under the CAFO regulations, refer to the CAFO Fact Sheet.

To start your permit application, contact the Nutrient Management Program.

State Technical Standards

“State Technical Standards” are the practices and conduct required of individuals or entities overseen by the Nutrient Management Commission that were developed by a group of environmental scientists, agronomists, engineers, planners, agricultural operators, and policy makers from the Nutrient Management Commission, Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the University of Delaware, USDA-NRCS and the private sector. The Commission hereby adopts the State Technical Standards in their entirety by reference.”

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)