Material From Original Gov't Discussion Paper
[ Summary of Experiences and policy in North Carolina from original discussion papersource#1, Experiences elsewhere p. 1 ]In North Carolina, hog production tended to encroach on established urban residential areas, leading to land use conflicts. The industry has also raised environmental concerns, related in part to the state’s climate and topography.
Hog production is concentrated in the eastern part of the state. Many storage structures were built on hillsides to reduce construction costs. Consequently, when an overflow occurs, a breach forms from the top to the bottom of the structure and the storage is completely emptied. The manure then runs downhill, into the nearest surface watercourse. The area is also subject to hurricanes, which have caused failures of several manure storage facilities near the coast.
The state lacks the necessary land mass and feed grain production to use all manure as a crop fertilizer. Instead, liquid manure is usually stored in treatment lagoons, similar to a small-scale version of a municipal sewage treatment plant. In the area’s temperate climate, these manure treatment lagoons are able to function all year round, reducing nitrogen, organic matter and odours. Manitoba’s cold climate prevents the use of this type of treatment system.
Lessons learned:
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- The design of manure storage structures should incorporate sufficient freeboard capacity to withstand heavy rains.
- There must be appropriate distance between new manure storage structures and watercourses.
- A requirement for additional engineering should be considered for existing manure storage facilities that do not meet regulatory setback requirements.
- Sufficient cropland should be available to apply manure at rates in accordance with crop nutrient requirements.
Material From "Common Ground" Government Report
Other Material and References