Douglas County FAQs

I'll just pay the fine; isn't that cheaper?

In the most severe cases in the state, a few producers have been fined for their lack of efforts to become compliant in a timely manner. In all of those cases, the producer has been mandated to make the fix, plus pay a fine on top of that. Opting to pay a fine instead of making steps towards compliance just doesn't make sense.

Category: Agriculture

What is an interim permit?

Once a pollution hazard has been identified by the feedlot owner and/or feedlot coordinator and the planning phase has been initiated for fixes, an interim permit is applied for. This permit allows the feedlot owner to continue in operation while known hazards are being addressed for up to 2 years.

Category: Agriculture

Who must maintain manure application records?

Any producer with over 100 or more animal units must maintain records.  Ask for a manure record keeping form(s) from your county feedlot coordinator.

Category: Agriculture

I have an unused pit on my property; what’s the rule on that?

A pit is unpermitted after three years of non-use. If you want to return the pit to operating conditions, a soils investigation or water balance test needs to be performed to ensure that the liner, berms, and other non-mechanical aspects are in good condition.A pit must be permitted before and during use.

There is often times funding available to help producers close their pit.  The NRCS office, 320-763-3191, ext. 3, can be called for more information. Contact your feedlot officer for specific rules pertaining to pit closure (The rules are simple) and to find out if the certain watershed district in which you live may also have funding available for you.

Category: Agriculture

Who do I contact for a hazmat spill?

Call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798. The spill must be cleaned up. Be sure to plug or cover all tile inlets and/or culverts to prevent discharge.

Category: Agriculture

How many animals are allowed on a particular site or parcel of land?

That is determined by zoning. Very broadly speaking, a parcel of land zoned “agricultural” can maintain a varied number of animal units based on their pre-existing registration numbers (Expansions beyond 200 AU require permitting); land zoned “rural residential” can generally maintain one animal unit per every two acres unless pre-existing registration numbers allow for more; “residential” sites can sometimes maintain a smaller number of animal units but require a conditional use permit, again unless pre-existing registration numbers allow for more. However, there are many other factors that come into consideration depending on the topography, soil type, available vegetation, proximity to surface waters and pre-existing status to name just a few.

Category: Agriculture

Are cattle allowed in my lake...or any water of the state, for that matter?

It is a state and county expectation that all producers attempt to keep their livestock animals out of waters protected by the state. Because of the amount and type of surface waters that dot the landscape of Minnesota, this is an expectation not always possible for a producer to realistically meet. For example, if pastureland for a producer’s animals require the animals to cross a stream, it is unreasonable to expect this producer to prevent his animals from entering waters of the state at all times. If you have a concern about livestock entering a body of water, please call the feedlot coordinator. She can look into this matter for you and possibly speak with the producer about making changes. It is important to remember that nature does have a way of cleansing itself, and tests and procedures can be performed to determine if livestock in certain situations are creating a human health or environmental risk. In cases of environmental or human health risk, the state regulations can ensure your safety by requiring the farmer to prohibit his animals from entering the water of concern.

Category: Agriculture

Can I have livestock animals if my property is zoned “shoreland”?

The answer to this question is site dependent. For example, if a producer whose land is zoned “shoreland” has been operating his/her site beginning in the time period before the year 2000 and has stayed in operation throughout the duration, the answer is, “Yes”. However, if that producer wants to expand his/her current operation, there is a procedure that must be followed. First, the farm site must be found in compliance with all MPCA Chapter 7020 Rules and Douglas County Ordinance. Second, the producer must provide good reason and cause for expansion and will need to request a variance (an exception to the rules) from the County, itself. Currently, Douglas County Ordinance states, “New feedlots located within shoreland are prohibited.” All persons have a right to request a variance. If granted, the producer will usually have to operate under a Conditional Use Permit issued by the County.

If you are an individual or family wanting a goat, some chickens, or a horse, for example, it is important you take the following into consideration: How will you confine your animal? Do you have the space and housing available that these animals require?   How will you ensure that the manure from these animals will not pollute the surface waters you live on? How will you dispose of/ utilize the manure? Is this method in compliance with environmental rules and regulations?  How will your neighbors feel about your livestock animal?  Is there any potential for this animal to become a nuisance, i.e. smells, vocalizations, habits, fly/pest control, dangerous behaviors (biting)? Does this animal have the potential to destroy vegetation, natural habitat, or landscaping?  These are all questions your feedlot coordinator and Land and Resource officials take into consideration when a request is made. As stated above, you have the right to request a variance.

Category: Agriculture

What is an “animal unit” (AU)?

This is a pre-determined value associated with the size of a particular species of animal and potential environmental impact (volume of manure produced). The largest value given to any species of animal is 1.4 animal units (dairy cow). Ask your feedlot coordinator to help you determine the number of animals on your site.

Category: Agriculture

Does my farm contain a feedlot?

If you have livestock animals on your property, most likely you own a "feedlot" as defined by the MPCA Chapter 7020 Rules. "Livestock animals" includes horses, elk, llamas, rabbits, fowl, etc.

Category: Agriculture