Manure Storage

Permits are required prior to:

• Constructing a new manure storage facility or waste transfer system
• Modifying an existing manure storage facility
• Closing an existing manure storage facility (details below)

Tanks smaller than 1,000 gallons do not require a permit but are required to meet the standards detailed in the ordinance.

Application Steps:

1. Review (optional):

• Manure Storage Facility Permit Factsheet (PDF)
• NRCS Waste Storage Facility Standard (PDF)

2. Complete the following items:

• Application Materials
• Engineering and construction plans certified by a professional engineer or engineering practitioner (see Hiring Consultants and Contractors section below)
• Emergency Response Plan
• Operation and Maintenance Plan
• Nutrient Management Plan 

3. Submit all completed documents and the application fee following the instructions on the Submit a Permit or Plan webpage.

Next Steps:
After receiving your completed permit application and supporting documents, the department will review and issue a decision regarding the application within 30 days. Be aware that other permits may also be required such as local building permits, construction site erosion control permits, and stormwater management permits.

Engineering and construction plans must be certified by a professional engineer or engineering practitioner, including:

• a professional engineer registered with the State of Wisconsin
• an engineering practitioner certified by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or the United Stated Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

Engineering professionals and practitioners can assist with:

• Management and site assessment
• Plan development, including:
  • Construction and inspection plans
  • Certified final construction plan that meets NRCS standards and specifications
  • Operation and maintenance plan
• Safety design

Staff can also assist landowners with the bidding process to review proposed construction costs and hire contractors. A list of engineers, practitioners, and contractors who typically work in Dane County is available on our Service Provider Registries webpage.

The facility must be operated and maintained in accordance with the operation and maintenance plan through the permit term (20 years).

If modifications or repairs are needed during the permit term, a new application should be submitted for review and approval. In most cases, the modifications can be covered under the existing permit; however, there may be situations where modifications to the permit will be required.

At the end of the permit term (20 years):

• to continuing using the facility, the landowner must request a manure storage facility certificate of use. An evaluation may be required to determine if the facility is still meeting the design criteria.
• if the landowner no longer wishes to use the facility, a manure storage facility closure permit is required (see Manure Storage Facility Closure Permit section below).

Application Steps:

1. Review (optional):

• NRCS Waste Facility Closure Standard (PDF)

2. Complete the following items:

• Application Materials - All plans must be certified by a professional engineer or engineering practitioner (see Hiring Consultants and Contractors section above)

3. Submit all completed documents and the application fee following the instructions on the Submit a Permit or Plan webpage.

A certificate of use allows the landowner or operator to use the facility to store and utilize manure, process wastewater and other agricultural wastes in accordance with the following requirements:

• Operate your manure storage facility with a margin of safety level (i.e. freeboard) so it does not overtop.
• Maintain your manure storage facility free from visible and serious damage, erosion, or deformities.
• Maintain safety devices such as fences, grates and guards that exclude animals and humans from entering the manure storage facility.
• Submit to periodic inspections of the manure storage facility with advance notice from the department.
• Obtain, update, and follow a nutrient management plan. Updated nutrient management plans should be submitted annually by June 1st. 

Application Steps:

1. Review (optional):

• Manure Storage Facility Certificate of Use Factsheet (PDF)

2. Complete the following items:

• Application Materials

3. Submit all completed documents and the application fee following the instructions on the Submit a Permit or Plan webpage.

Next Steps:
Applications will be reviewed and a site visit may be scheduled to assess the condition of the facility(s). Based on the information collected, a certificate of use will be issued. If a certificate of use cannot be issued, the facility may need to be evaluated by a professional engineer registered with the State of Wisconsin to further determine if the facility meets the requirements of Chapter 49. The department will review the evaluation materials submitted and make a determination on whether or not to issue a certificate of use. In some instances, a manure storage facility will not meet the requirements for a certificate of use and will be required to be properly closed or upgraded.