Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

CHANGES TO THE STATE OF TENNESSEE'S CAFO PROGRAM ARE CURRENTLY BEING IMPLEMENTED DUE TO RECENT LEGISLATION PASSED ON JULY 1, 2018. ON JULY 15, 2019, THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION - DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES HELD A PUBLIC HEARING IN ORDER TO RECEIVE COMMENTS REGARDING THE NEW RULES AND AMENDMENTS. INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE PUBLIC HEARING CAN BE FOUND AT: https://www.tn.gov/environment/ppo-public-participation/ppo-public-participation/ppo-water.html

PLEASE CONTACT MR. JOHN NEWBERRY AT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION, DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES, AT 615-532-7743 OR JOHN.NEWBERRY@TN.GOV FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR NEW PERMITS/RENEWING PERMITS. 

An Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) is a facility that stables, confines and feeds or maintains animals (other than aquatic animals) for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period and does not sustain crops, vegetation, forage growth, or post-harvest residues in the normal growing season. An AFO becomes a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) when it meets either the large (Class I) or Medium (Class II) size threshold, or has been designated as a CAFO by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). If your operation meets these criteria, you will need to obtain a permit from TDEC. Through a Memorandum of Agreement, TDA reviews CAFO permit applications on behalf of TDEC. Once approved, TDEC issues the permit.

Obtaining a CAFO Permit

• For details about application review, and avoiding common mistakes? See the permit application review process.
• Additional information about CAFO permits can be found on TDEC's website.

CAFO Forms

• EPA Form 1
  
• EPA Form 2b
• Notice of Intent
• Declarations to Nutrient Management Plan
• Brochure: Guidance on DO/NOV for CAFO Owners