Confinements

A manure management plan (MMP) is a tool for producers to use when they plan their nutrient placement to optimize crop production. Filling out an MMP helps producers identify the amount of manure being produced, the nutrient concentration in the manure, the number of acres that are required for land application and the amount that will be applied to each available acre. Mid-size and large producers are required by state law to fill out and submit an MMP to the DNR. MMPs are based on the nitrogen uptake needs of the crop. All plans must consider the phosphorus index (P-Index) as they are developed.

Iowa law requires that a manure management plan (MMP) be submitted to the DNR for confinement feeding operations (totally roofed) meeting any of the following criteria:

• The operation has an animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units and the operation was constructed or expanded after May 31, 1985;
  
• The operation proposes to construct a manure storage structure and will have an animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units; or,
  
• A person applies manure from a confinement feeding operation located outside of Iowa on land in Iowa (does not apply if the operation's capacity is 500 animal units or less).

Manure management plans are not required for open feedlots, except when specifically required as part of a permit or an agreement with the DNR. Owners of a combination open feedlot and confinement operation must file an MMP for the confinement operation if the confinement facilities have capacity for more than 500 animal units. The combined operation may also need a nutrient management plan (NMP).

An original or “complete” or “long form” MMP is required for facilities under the following circumstances:

• New sites with an animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units,
• Existing sites (including poultry) that after expansion or modification now have an animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units, or
• Existing sites with an animal unit capacity of more than 500 animal units that change ownership. A new owner of a confinement feeding operation may apply manure under the most recent owner’s MMP until the new owner develops and submits an original MMP. The new owner’s original MMP must be submitted within 60 days after acquiring the operation.

All original MMPs must be on DNR forms (see below) which include the phosphorus index (P-Index) based on updated soil tests. Send original MMPs to the appropriate DNR field office, and submit them to the county board(s) of supervisors where the operation is located, and where manure from the operation is land-applied.

• MMP Forms for Confinement Animal Feeding Operations - DNR form 542-4000
• MMP Forms for Confinement Animal Feeding Operations - DNR form 542-4000
• Additional information and reference tables can be found in Appendix A.

A $250 filing fee is required for confinement feeding operations who need to submit an original MMP. State law also requires producers to pay a manure storage indemnity fee, if the facility was constructed or expanded after May 31, 1995. Fees can be paid and submitted with DNR form 542-4021 (for new construction, expansion or modification) or DNR form 542-4026 (for a change in ownership).

Since 2002, annual updates of the manure management plan (MMP) have been required. The annual update is often referred to as the “short form.” Livestock and poultry producers are required to submit annual updates to inform DNR and counties of any changes to an existing plan.

The simplest way to submit your annual update or short form is through eMMP, an online application that allows users to update their plan and pay associated fees without leaving the comfort of home. Copies are automatically provided to the appropriate county boards of supervisors.

If filing by paper, all annual submittals must be on (MMP Short Form for Annual Updates 542-8162). Send annual MMP updates to the appropriate DNR field office, and submit them to the county board(s) of supervisors where the operation is located, and where manure from the operation is land-applied.

The plans are due on the first of the month on a staggered deadline throughout the year. Producers keep the same due date every year, and can check the MMP Due Date Finder to see when their plan is due.

An annual compliance fee of $0.15 per animal unit is required whenever the MMP short form is submitted. Fees can be paid and submitted with the Annual Compliance Fee Form 542-8064.

Every fourth year, producers are required to submit a complete manure management plan, often referred to as an “original” or “long form.”

All original MMPs must be on DNR forms (see below) which include the phosphorus index (P-Index) based on updated soil tests. Send original MMPs to the appropriate DNR field office, and submit them to the county board(s) of supervisors where the operation is located, and where manure from the operation is land-applied.

• MMP Forms for Confinement Animal Feeding Operations. Use with Appendix A
  
• MMP Forms for Confinement Animal Feeding Operations. Use with Appendix A
• Additional information and reference tables can be found in Appendix A.

Producers can check the MMP Due Date Finder to see when their MMP long form is due.

An annual compliance fee of $0.15 per animal unit is required whenever the MMP long form is submitted for existing sites. Fees can be paid and submitted with the Annual Compliance Fee Form 542-8064.

The producer or the applicant is required to send an original (first time submittal or every fourth year) manure management plan and all annual updates to the county board(s) of supervisors where the operation is located, and where manure from the operation is land-applied. The board (or a designated representative of the board) must verify that the MMP has been received. Producers must have the county sign verification DNR form 542-8046 and return it to the DNR. For those using the eMMP application, copies of the annual submittal are automatically sent to the county.

A current copy of the plan must be maintained within a 30-mile radius of the operation and made available for DNR’s review upon request. To be acceptable, MMPs must meet specific criteria outlined in Iowa law and DNR rules, including basing maximum applications on the nitrogen and phosphorus needs of the crops being grown, identifying the specific land areas on which manure will be applied, and specifying planned application methods and timing.

Confinement feeding operations that have MMPs must use a certified manure applicator to apply manure. Records of manure application are to be kept for five years and made available for DNR’s review upon request. The DNR provides a recordkeeping form which applicators can use, form 542-8002.

Confinement feeding operations that sell manure under 21 IAC 49(200A), licensed under the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, must submit an abbreviated MMP (form 542-8069) to the DNR along with a current copy of the IDALS license. Fees can be paid and submitted with DNR form 542-4021. The MMP form and IDALS license must also be submitted to the county board(s) of supervisors where the operation is located, and where manure from the operation is land-applied.