A proper waste management plan and waste application system are vital parts of a modern confined animal operation. If waste from animal operations is not properly  managed, it can have many negative impacts on the overall farming operation as well as the community. The negative consequences of a poorly managed waste application system can cost in terms of dollars, loss of land values, impaired environmental quality, and loss of good standing in the community.

The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation in 1995 and 1996 requiring certification of operators of animal waste management systems. The law requires a certified operator for animal waste management systems that serve over 250 swine, 100 confined cattle, 75 horses, 1000 sheep, or 30,000 poultry with a liquid animal waste management system. To become a certified operator, one must complete an approved training course on the operation of animal waste management systems, pass an appropriate examination, and pay the required fees. This training program is designed
to provide operators of animal waste management systems the basic understanding needed to operate and maintain these systems in an efficient and environmentally sound manner.

Many livestock and poultry production facilities in North Carolina are concentrated within localized geographical areas to optimize efficiency of land utilization, buildings, equipment, personnel, and technology.  This management practice has contributed to the efficient production of food products at affordable prices for the consumer.  However, the quantity of manure produced under these conditions is traditionally managed by lagoon treatment (liquid waste) and application to nearby pasture and cropland; poultry dry litter (mixture of wood chips and manure) is generally applied to nearby pasture and cropland without pretreatment. These practices, under certain environmental and management conditions, have resulted in environmental concerns related to: nutrient balance and the build-up of heavy metals on land areas where the manure is applied; excess ammonia volatilization from treatment lagoons; potential lagoon seepage in certain soil types as well as lagoon overflow/rupture during periods of chronic rainfall and nuisance odors impacting neighbors located close to concentrated livestock facilities.  Thus, new waste management technologies are needed to maintain the ability of farmers to utilize production efficiencies in a system which is also environmentally sound and suitable. The NCSU Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center has developed a program to evaluate and demonstrate new and innovative waste management technology for animal agriculture.  The primary objectives are to critically evaluate, on a pilot or commercial-scale, the technical and economic
feasibility of innovative waste management technologies available and/or proposed through university research and development as well as from the private sector.  Examples of waste management technologies currently under evaluation through this program include: solids separation (mechanical and chemical enhanced), biofiltration,
composting, chemical/microbial enhanced manure degradation, anaerobic
fermentation, aeration, nitrification/denitrification, and vermicomposting.

NC Agriculture Cost Share Program for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control (NCACSP)
This program has, since 1987, provided funding for both technical and financial assistance to farmers and landowners for installing BMPs through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. These BMPs are for water quality protection, not for production purposes. Funding for this program has grown, and had greater than $15 million available for the 1997-98 program year. The Neuse River basin counties had about $2.5 million for the 97-98 year, with $1.7 million dedicated for the retrofitting of existing animal operations. Animal operations built after May, 1992, are not eligible for NCACSP assistance.

Non-Discharge Regulations (.0200)
As of February, 1993, new and expanding animal operations (of a specific size or greater) are required to design, construct, operate and maintain facilities according to the engineering standards and specifications of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service or NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Existing operations have until December 31, 1998 to acquire certification that they are operating and maintaining their facilities to these same standards. These standards include treatment lagoons, waste
utilization plans for applying waste at agronomic rates to specific crops, and appropriate irrigation systems.

Senate Bill 1217
SB 1217 provided additional mechanisms for the oversight of animal operations:
1) created a system of permits; 2) required training and certification for on site waste applicators; 3) provided addition setback requirements from property lines and specific land uses; and 4) established an interagency group to provide guidance to technical specialists charged with certifying an operations compliance with regulations.

Neuse River Basin Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy
The Environmental Management Commission has proposed rules that will require a 30% reduction in nitrogen delivered to the Neuse River. Urban stormwater, point source
 discharges and agriculture are the main categories addressed in these rules, which require the implementation of BMPs for nutrient reduction. Agricultural practices include, but are not limited to, forested riparian zones, water control structure management and nutrient management for fertilizer application.