Wastewater Discharge Permit - From Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and Maryland Animal Feeding Operations (MAFOs) Details

Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) means a feedlot or facility where: (a) Non-aquatic animals are confined, fed, and maintained for at least 45 days in any 12-month period; and (b) Crops, vegetation, forge growth, or post-harvest residues are not sustained in the normal growing season over any portion of the lot or facility. AFOs have the potential to discharge pollutants, including but not limited to manure, poultry litter, or process wastewater from production areas. These discharges contain nutrients, which can enter the waters of the State causing algae blooms that deplete dissolved oxygen thereby reducing the beneficial uses of the water body. AFOs may be required to apply for the General Discharge (GD) Permit for AFO. The classification as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) or Maryland Feeding Operation (MAFO) is determined by a combination of factors, including the number and type of animals, and whether the operation will discharge to waters of the State of Maryland. Any chicken (other than laying hens) AFO with dry manure handling and between 75,000 and 99,999 square feet total house capacity is considered a MAFO unless the owner/operator submits to MDE a Certificate of Conformance. (See COMAR 26.08.01.01B(11-1)