Pennsylvania announced stronger regulations for large-scale farming operations and new manure management requirements for all agricultural operations to protect Pennsylvania waterways.

The sweeping changes go beyond federal requirements, expanding the number of farming operations considered Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) from 165 to 350, therefore requiring more operations to obtain permits. More than 5,000 farms soon will have full nutrient management plans as well as vegetative buffers or setbacks along the edge of streams to protect Pennsylvania waterways.

To enhance water resource protection and water quality, revisions were made that clarify and strengthen requirements related to agricultural operations, including provisions for manure storage facilities and land application of manure. Under the new regulations, CAFOs now are required to set up either a 100-foot setback or a 35-foot vegetated buffer from water bodies for manure application. Farms that import manure must meet the same setback and buffer requirements as the farm that produces the manure. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wqp/wqp_wm/cafo_home.htm