Reissuance or modification of CAFO WPDES permits
At least 180 days prior to the expiration of your current WPDES permit for a CAFO, you are required to submit a complete reissuance application to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Before submitting your reissuance application, please review the following reissuance instructions.
Reissuance and modification applications must be submitted online through the DNR’s Water ePermitting System. The ePermitting System includes all required forms.
Instructions to submit your application using the ePermitting System: CAFO ePermitting User Guide [DOC]
What happens if a permit expires?
Provided the permittee has submitted a timely reissuance application or notice of intent, the terms and conditions of their permit continue to apply until it has been reissued, revoked, or until an individual permit is issued for the discharge to which the general permit applied. See s. NR 227.51, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], for additional information. A summary of expired CAFO permits is available on the Wisconsin CAFO Permits Summary [XLS] page.
If you have submitted a timely application and your current permit expires before the department makes permitting decision, your operation is covered by the terms and conditions of the expired permit. See the Permit FAQ section for details.
On-site compliance inspection and post-inspection letter
Prior to the deadline for your reissuance application submittal, your DNR regional agricultural specialist will conduct an on-site compliance inspection with you. The inspection determines whether the operation is in substantial compliance with the terms of the existing permit.
Following the compliance inspection, your regional agricultural specialist will send you a letter summarizing the inspection. The letter will specify any compliance activities requiring completion before a renewal is issued. The letter will also indicate whether the facility will be covered under a general or an individual permit and whether an Environmental Analysis is needed.
WPDES permit reissuance application components and information
Your application should include the following as advised by your regional agricultural specialist. Submit all application materials online through the ePermitting System. Materials denoted with an asterisk (*) are available in the ePermitting System.
- Form 3400-025 Livestock/Poultry Operation WPDES Permit Application *
- Form 3400–025A Animal Unit Calculation Worksheet [PDF] *
- Arial maps showing the features and structures of each site which is part of the CAFO. Clearly delineate proposed features from existing structures. (To create your maps, you may use the DNR Surface Water Data Viewer.)
- Environmental Analysis Questionnaire [PDF] (if required)
- Form 3400-025B Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) Checklist *
- NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Plan Checklist [PDF]
- Five-year Nutrient Management Plan
- DNR interim guidance: shallow groundwater soils [PDF]
- 180-day manure storage calculations [XLS] and supporting documentation
- Reviewable facilities checklist form 3400-025C (if plans & specifications or evaluations are being submitted) *
- Plans & specifications for reviewable structures and systems (if proposed)
Guidance and helpful materials
- Instructions for Form 3400-025 Livestock/Poultry Operation WPDES Permit Application [PDF]
- Instructions for Form 3400-025A Animal Units Calculation Worksheet [PDF]
- Nutrient Management Plan Narrative Template [DOC]
- Interim guidance for shallow groundwater soils [PDF]
- Documentation and electronic file checklist [PDF]
- State and local permit checklist [PDF]
Reporting and compliance
- Daily spreading log for manure applicators form 3200–123A [XLS]
- Annual spreading report for CAFOs form 3200–123 [XLS]
- CAFO Compliance Calendar
Consultants and other permits
Besides the WPDES Permit, there are normally other permits and approvals required for new or expanding dairies and other animal feeding operations. You will need to ask your local, county and state officials directly to get information about these other permits and authorizations.
Submit your completed reissuance application
At least 180 days before your current WPDES permit expires, submit your complete application online through the ePermitting System.