BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AgriculturalAgricultural WasteWaste ManagementManagement

Agriculture and Forestry Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Table of Contents

SECTION A Introduction ...... 1 Farm Waste...... 3 Best Management Practices ...... 5

SECTION B Livestock and Poultry ...... 6 Manure Handling and Storage...... 8 Odour Management in Barns and Manure Storage Areas..... 14 Feedlot Management...... 17 Land Application ...... 19 Manure Treatment ...... 23 Fly Control ...... 25 Milkhouse Waste ...... 26 Livestock Pasturing ...... 33 Waste Forage...... 37 Seepage From Farm Silos ...... 38 Dead Stock Disposal ...... 39

SECTION C Potato/Vegetable Waste Management ...... 42

SECTION D Farm Plastics and Other Wastes ...... 45 Section A - Introduction

griculture is the • Describe management and largest contributor facility options for dealing of any resource sector, with waste. to the economy of Prince Edward • Compare the potential impact Island. It is also a large generator of various options. of waste materials. • List contacts and other sug- This booklet is a practical gested readings. guide to help the agricultural community continue to be more It will not answer every ques- environmentally responsible and tion on waste management but gain maximum return from their it can help make decisions on waste resources. Achieving farm planning and day-to-day environmental objectives in an operations. increasingly competitive busi- ness climate requires access to the best and most up-to-date Environmental Farm Plans information available. This booklet will: This booklet is designed to be • Provide practical information used as a supplemental resource to maximize the benefits and document to the Environmental minimize negative impacts of Farm Plan workbook developed handling waste. by the Atlantic Farmers Council. • Look at the environmental Farm plans are developed by risks associated with some individual farm families to help waste management practices. them identify areas of potential environmental risk on their farm. The planning process begins with an individual farm review under each of the following categories: • soil and site characteristics • farmstead and homestead • livestock and poultry • soil and crop management • sensitive ecological areas • hedgerows

Agricultural Waste Management 1 The next step is to develop an Introduction action plan to address identified areas of concern. Farmers need • outlines the environmental to analyze their situation and de- challenge presented by agricul- cide what can be done and when. tural waste management. Farm planning highlights • introduces how best manage- opportunities for pursuing both ment practices can be used on business and environmental ob- the farm to protect, conserve jectives at the same time. Plan- and reuse resources while ning will also help farm operators minimizing negative impacts decide what tradeoffs might be on the environment. effective when business and environmental objectives com- pete. Understanding the best Livestock and Poultry management practices is an Waste Management essential part of developing a sustainable farm plan. • discusses waste management in the livestock and poultry Technical advice is available sectors. from the Department of Agricul- • emphasis is placed on manure ture and Forestry and Depart- management, feedlot and pas- ment of Fisheries, Aquaculture ture management, milkhouse and Environment. wastes and dead stock disposal.

This booklet is presented in four sections: Horticultural Waste Management

• discusses potato, other vege- table and fruit wastes. • highlights the environmental concerns associated with handling wastes. • suggests acceptable options for disposal.

Farm Plastics

• discusses the best manage- ment practices for handling farm plastics in both the livestock and horticultural sectors.

2 Agricultural Waste Management Farm Waste

he first goal of any waste In addition to these, all farm management system is to operations generate plastic waste maximize the economic material ranging from silage wrap benefit from the waste to or drug containers. resource and maintain acceptable environmental standards. To be practical, the system must also be Management that puts into affordable and suitable to the practice the principles of the operation. If wastes are not four Rs of Reduce, Reuse, properly handled they can pollute Recycle and Recover is the surface and groundwater and best first option: contribute to air . • Reduce the amount of waste Most people think of manure product generated; first when they think of farm • Reuse the waste product on waste. While manure is an impor- the farm or provide it for tant component, farm waste in a others to use; and livestock operation can also • After reducing and reusing as include waste forage, dead stock, much of the waste product as silage effluent and milkhouse possible, recycle the product waste. In horticultural operations, either on-farm, such as with culls, diseased product, wash line land application of manure, sediment and processing plant or off-farm, such as with plastic wastes are common by-products. recycling programs. • Recover methane gas from manure waste.

Only after considering the four Rs should farm waste be disposed of.

Agricultural Waste Management 3 Farm Waste By-product and handling are substandard as a Resource these wastes can degrade the environment on and off the farm. Many farm by-products can be economically valuable resources when managed correctly. Ma- Relevant Guidelines and nure, for example, is a valuable Regulations resource because of its fertilizing and soil conditioning properties. Farmers should be aware of the Horticultural washwater can be environmental guidelines and economically recycled. Farm regulations which apply to farm plastics can be recycled or operations in Prince Edward reused. If systems for storage Island. These are:

Provincial National

PEI Pesticide Control Act Pest Products Control Act PEI Plant Health Act Fisheries Act PEI Planning Act Canadian Farm Building Code 1990

PEI Wildlife Conservation Act Canadian Code of Practice for Environmentally Sound Hog Production (Canadian Pork Council) PEI Environmental National Building Code Protection Act of Canada PEI Guidelines for Disposal of Cull Potatoes PEI Guidelines for Disposal of Dead Farm Livestock Guidelines for Manure Management for PEI

PEI Farm Practices Act These documents are available from Island Information Service and local, federal and provincial resource departments.

4 Agricultural Waste Management Best Management Practices

he best management not acceptable to be competitive practices (BMPs) re- in the global marketplace at the ferred to in this booklet expense of the environment. are practical guidelines drawn from research and on-farm experience. They also reflect Water Best Management Practices relevant regulatory requirements All water for human consump- integrate principles of and approved guidelines. tion and most water for other production, business purposes on Prince Edward Island comes from groundwater. goals, sustainability and The Challenge Because the upper layer of soil is environmental quality generally thin and the underlying Our society is increasingly bedrock aquifer is extensively in farm resource concerned with the environmen- fractured, all areas on the Island management systems. tal consequences of all activities. are susceptible to groundwater Farming operations are no contamination. exception. Fish and wildlife are dependant Our dependence on ground- on clean surface water resources water, the delicate balance of our and their abundance contributes coastal estuaries and the eco- to the Island economy through nomic importance of tourism tourism, sportfishing, hunting, each provide ample reason to trapping and wildlife observation. use the best management prac- Coastal estuaries of Prince tices to handle wastes. Edward Island have some of the most productive shellfish grounds in North America. Green Consumerism Accepting the environmental challenge and projecting a Climate public image of good environ- Agricultural activities both mental stewardship can provide absorb and produce “green- producers with a competitive house” gases. Gases such as advantage. While governments carbon dioxide, methane and and international bodies propose nitrous oxide block the escape formal solutions, consumers are of heat energy and produce a encouraging changes in the warming trend in the earth’s marketplace. “Green consumer- atmosphere. Crop growth ism” is a growing trend that is be- requires carbon dioxide while coming an increasingly important animal production and vehicle factor at home and in many of the operation emit carbon dioxide. countries that are markets for Improved treatment, handling Canadian agricultural products. and utilization of manure offers Powerful consumer actions have the greatest potential for the the potential to affect the price reduction of these gases from and marketability of products. In agricultural sources. a broader economic context, it is

Agricultural Waste Management 5 Section B - Livestock and Poultry Waste Management

Manure Management odours and the potential for . With good he increasing size of manure management practices, farm operations in proper storage facilities, and Prince Edward Island adequate separation distances and the expanding between non-compatible land residential land use in rural areas uses, most environmental prob- has greatly increased environ- lems can be avoided. mental concerns over nuisance Manure management encom- passes manure collection, storage, and land application. The goal of manure management must be to maximize the soil amending value of manure and minimize the potential for envi- ronmental degradation.

Nature of the Resource

Manure and contaminated runoff water are valuable sources of fertilizer and organic matter for soil. Manure is a dynamic organic material, continually undergoing biological and chemical changes. The value of manure as a fertilizer depends on the quantity and form of nutrients present when it is applied to land. Each phase of management may result in losses of, or changes to, the beneficial nutrients in the manure. Manure includes the faecal and urinary wastes of livestock and poultry, plus materials such as bedding and added water. The combined moisture level of faeces and urine ranges from 75% in poultry manure to 85% for swine manure. Depending Before and after - installation of proper manure storage system. on the amount of water or bedding added, manure can be solid, semi-solid or liquid.

6 Agricultural Waste Management Manure contains about 75% Manure has potential to pol- of the nutrients fed to livestock lute surface water and ground- including nitrogen, phosphorus water through: and potassium. Animals use only • direct animal access to water- about 25% of nutrients and ways excrete the rest. About 50% of • runoff from manure stockpiles, nitrogen and 75% of potassium barn yards and feedlots in manure is found in the liquid • seepage from manure storage portion. Therefore, it is impor- areas tant to contain the liquids for • overflow from storage areas land application. Almost all the • runoff from fields where phosphorus is in the solids. manure has been applied When manure is diluted by • runoff from pastures water, nutrient concentrations are reduced. Surface water problems which may result include: Environmental Issues • harmful effects on fish from oxygen depletion in streams, Manure management practices ponds, and estuaries have the potential to degrade • nutrient enrichment of water the surrounding air and water. systems due to increased levels Odours are an unavoidable of nitrates and phosphates consequence of animal produc- which can cause tion and are the most apparent (algae blooms) of surface problem associated with manure. waters Minimizing problems associated • human and animal health with odours requires respect for hazards including high concen- individuals, in addition to good trations of bacteria in shellfish management practices. Manure and associated waste- water can be farm liabilities if they are not handled properly. Potential liabilities include: • Bacterial and nitrogen con- tamination of water supplies. • Potential disease in humans and livestock due to patho- genic bacteria. • Dangerous gases produced in manure storage in the absence of oxygen. These gases include ammonia; methane, which is odourless; and hydrogen sul- phide, which smells like rotten eggs. High concentrations of these gases can be harmful to the health of animals and humans. • Nuisance to neighbours due Proper manure storage will minimize the impact on the natural environment. to odours from manure.

Agricultural Waste Management 7 Manure Handling • Liquid - contains less than 5% solids. The additional liquid and Storage comes from washing and spillage from watering systems. Livestock manure is classified as When agitated, liquid manure either a solid, semi-solid or liquid can be pumped or moved by using the following criteria: gravity flow. Milkhouse wash- • Solid - contains greater than water and other types of waste- 20% solids. Bedding material water are often added to the contributes to the solids con- liquid manure. Manure which tent of the manure. It can be includes bedding or waste feed stacked and handled by any will require dilution if it is to be equipment that will move bulk handled as a liquid. materials • Semi-solid - (also referred to The moisture content of the as slurry) - contains 5% to 20% manure determines the type solids. Semi-solid manure is of handling and storage system. produced in livestock housing Most new swine and dairy systems where limited bedding operations use liquid systems, is supplied. The resulting semi- while the majority of beef and solid does not flow as readily poultry producers on Prince as liquid manure, nor can it be Edward Island have solid manure piled like solid manure. handling systems.

Storage

A manure storage facility which is of sufficient size reduces the chance of pollution from spills and allows land application to take place when soil is dry, when crops require nutrients, and when work schedules permit.

• Manure storage should be large enough to store manure, bedding, wasted feed, precipi- tation and all liquids for at least 210 days. A one year storage capacity is optimal. • On PEI, the required volume Liquid manure storage - circular concrete tank. of open manure storages and confinement yards will have to be increased by 0.6 cubic metres/sq metre (2 cubic feet/ sq ft) of surface area to allow for precipitation.

8 Agricultural Waste Management • Proper management of all liquids is essential for effective and economical manure handling and storage. Since all water which comes into contact with manure must be handled as a waste, the key to efficient management is to minimize that contact. • should be diverted away from livestock and manure storage areas. • Runoff from solid manure storage and exercise yards, milking centre washwater, silo seepage and livestock housing washwater must be stored and properly handled to ensure Solid manure storage - curbed concrete slab with ramp. that groundwater, streams and other surface waters are not polluted.

Solid Manure There are three common and acceptable ways of storing solid manure. These are related to the kind of livestock or poultry hous- ing system in use. Farmers should consider animal density and roof costs versus the cost of runoff collection systems when planning a solid manure storage system. In Barn (solid manure pack) - Manure can be stored where produced, in confined, bedded- pack housing systems. These are most commonly used for dairy and beef cattle. Dry manure In barn storage - manure pack. poultry housing systems also store the manure where poultry are housed.

Agricultural Waste Management 9 As well, frozen ground during the winter months can increase the risk of runoff. Loss of nutrient content of the manure can also be an important consideration. Where the practice of field storage is used, a number of precautions should be employed. Field piles should not be located within 300 metres (984 ft) of a public water supply or within 90 metres (300 ft) of a water- course, natural wetland or residential well. Manure piles should not be located in areas subject to accumulated surface runoff or where flooding can occur. Discharge of contami- Solid or semi-solid manure storage - concrete slab with sidewalls and drive-in nated runoff to road ditches ramp. should not be permitted.

Curbed concrete slab with runoff retention - Manure is Semi-Solid Manure removed and stored on a curbed There are two common and concrete pad with a runoff acceptable ways of storing semi- containment system. Manure is solid manure. usually moved by a tractor with Curbed concrete slab with a scraper blade, a front-end load- earthen banks - This type of er, a stable cleaner and elevator/ storage requires a sloped con- stacker or by a ram/piston crete floor, concrete curbs pump/air mover system. and ramp to allow easy tractor Curbed concrete slab with access. Earthen sidebanks must roof - Manure is removed to a be properly designed and con- roofed storage area with a con- structed to prevent seepage. crete floor and partial sidewalls Environmental approval will constructed of reinforced require certification by a quali- concrete. fied engineer. The sloped floor allows the liquid portion of the manure to flow to the lowest Field Storage of Manure point, where it can be removed Field storage of manure is a by pumping. The remaining practice sometimes used in solids can be removed by a trac- conjunction with reduced storage tor fitted with a front-end loader. capacity at the barn. This practice Concrete storage - Where soils is generally not recommended are low in clay content, semi- due to the high permeability of solid manure may best be stored PEI soils and the fractured nature in a roofed structure with rein- of the underlying bedrock. forced concrete sidewalls on three sides. A concrete floor sloping downward from the

10 Agricultural Waste Management when manure is agitated prior to removal, so barns should be well-ventilated. Exterior Concrete Tank - Circular or rectangular tanks with reinforced concrete walls and floors; may be partially or entirely in-ground. Covers may be installed to reduce odours, to keep out precipitation or to ensure safe operation. Covers chosen to reduce the strong odours common to liquid stor- age can include temporary floating straw crusts, tarpaulins, plastic domes or permanent steel, wood or concrete structures. For safety reasons, in-ground or Liquid manure storage - underbarn concrete storage with slatted floor (under partially in-ground storage outside construction). the barn must be fenced or have a reinforced concrete cover which open side is required to contain will support vehicle traffic. The drainage of the liquid portion. floor elevation of the storage The floor should be sealed at must be 0.5 metres (1.6 ft) above the walls to prevent seepage. the maximum water table and bedrock elevation. Earthen Lagoons - Generally, Liquid Manure PEI soils are too permeable to All liquid manure storages must consider this option without the have some type of impermeable installation of a liner. Earthen enclosure, including concrete lagoons are not as environmen- tanks, above-ground glass-lined tally reliable due to the risk of steel tanks and earthen ponds. puncturing the liner during These storage systems can be cleanout. The liner must have a covered or open. Liquid manure permeability rating of 10-7 cm/sec. storages are most common in Environmental approval will confined swine operations and require certification by a qualified free stall dairy systems. Common engineer. Soils must be tested to types of liquid manure storage determine their permeability. on PEI are: Other suitable liners include Underbarn Concrete Storage - bentonite and geotextile materi- Rectangular tanks with reinforced als. The floor elevation of the concrete walls sealed to a con- storage must be 1 metre (3.3 ft) crete floor; may be located below above the maximum water table a slatted barn floor. Toxic and and bedrock elevation. explosive gases may be produced

Agricultural Waste Management 11 Planning Changes to Your Manure Handling and Safety Storage System Making a change in the way Safety design features and signage are especially important for manure is handled is usually ex- liquid storages. They should include these measures: pensive because it often requires • Safety Fences/Walls - a permanent safety fence or wall at least a fundamental change in the way 1.5 metres (5 ft) in height should protect open liquid storages many other things are done on without fixed covers. This discourages access, particularly by the farm. When planning changes children or livestock. Fences should be chain-link type. to your manure handling and • Concrete Liquid Manure Storage Covers - should be designed storage system or constructing a to support tractor loads if the tank cover is close to ground level. new system, consider the follow- To avoid accidental access, the tank should be at least 0.6 metres ing basic elements: (2 ft) above ground if the top is not designed for access. • storage capacity for at least • Locking Devices for Covers - should be used. 210 days • Signage - all access points must be marked with suitable safety • safety concerns signs. • comparative cost of manure handling systems Farm operators should also observe the following safety practices: • labour efficiencies • Never enter a liquid manure tank without a self-contained • the quality and adaptability breathing apparatus coupled with a 3-person buddy system and of the current equipment a lifeline. The gases generated by liquid manure can be toxic • requirements for new equip- and suffocating. Ventilation when agitating and pumping a ment manure tank is essential. • flexibility in the system and • Open flame should not be allowed near a liquid manure tank. location for future expansion The methane gas produced by liquid manure is highly explosive. • moisture content of manure • the location of the storage in relation to neighbours, streams, wells and groundwater • the type of storage in relation to groundwater table and soil conditions • method of collection and barn- to-storage transfer • potential nutrient losses • application method • requirements to handle other liquids such as milkhouse washwater and bathroom wastewater • preventing water pollution • minimizing odours

Curbed concrete manure storage with safety fence.

12 Agricultural Waste Management Runoff Containment • Contaminated runoff from manure storage and livestock Runoff management consists of areas must be contained and two elements: decreasing the handled as part of the manure amount of water being contami- handling system. Runoff may nated by livestock operations be added to an existing liquid and ensuring that contaminated manure storage provided the runoff is contained so that it storage has the capacity to will not degrade the surround- handle the additional volume. ing environment. Excess water in liquid manure storage does increase hauling • Every effort to reduce the and spreading costs. It also volume of runoff coming onto tends to hinder the formation a livestock site will pay off in of a surface crust, resulting in reduced storage size and costs. increased nitrogen losses and All runoff should be diverted odour generation. away from livestock housing • Where solid manure systems and manure storage areas. are used, runoff must be Perimeter diversion ditches, handled separately. Runoff berms and dykes, and grassed should be diverted to a sepa- or paved waterways can all be rate liquid storage system. The effective depending on the required storage volumes will topography of the site. depend on local precipitation • Roofed exercise yards will and the size and surfacing of eliminate runoff. the livestock area. • The use of eaves troughs on all • Contaminated runoff can be roofs will allow roof drainage treated in a constructed to be controlled and diverted. wetland.

Setback Considerations

Adequate separation between livestock facilities and neigh- bours is one means of compen- sating for normal odour produc- tion, reducing the potential for nuisance conflicts. Proximity to developments can determine the potential for future growth of the operation. Greater separa- tion distances afford more opportunity for odours to be- come diluted by mixing with the air. When evaluating sites for Farm with urban encroachment. new operations only, you must

Agricultural Waste Management 13 select a location that will impact Watercourses, Wetlands, on as few neighbours as possi- and Wells ble. Proposals for all new or expanded livestock operations Plan the location of livestock are reviewed by the Department facilities and manure storage to of Fisheries, Aquaculture and maximize the separation distance Environment. from watercourses, wetlands, and The recommended minimum wells. This is particularly impor- separation distance (MSD) tant with earthen storages and in between a livestock operation areas where the groundwater and a single residence or resi- table is shallow or where bedrock dential and recreational areas is found close to the surface of varies with the following factors: the ground. • size of the agricultural opera- tion measured in animal units • Wells should be located uphill • degree of expansion from from storages and constructed existing operation in a manner that will reduce • type of manure storage the risk of entering • type of housing the well. • type of livestock • Grouting the annular space outside the casing with ce- In general, larger separation ment or bentonite grout must distances are recommended as be carried out. the size of the operation in- creases. Municipalities may require different siting criteria Odour Management from those recommended here. The location of new operations in Barns and Manure must always be cleared with Storage Areas municipal authorities. Municipal property maps are very useful for Odour is a part of livestock evaluating new sites. For informa- farming. Odours from livestock tion on minimum separation facilities and manure storage and distances, the reader should refer handling have the most public to “Guidelines for Manure Manage- impact. The best time to incor- ment for Prince Edward Island”. porate odour management considerations is prior to the Required Minimum Separation Distance Between Manure construction of new livestock Storage and Watercourses, Wetlands, and Wells buildings. Separation distance is the single most important Distance to element in avoiding odour Watercourse, Source of Domestic conflicts with neighbours. Storage Type or Wetland, m (ft) Water, m (ft) When manure management On-Farm Storage systems are properly designed Facility 90 (300) 90 (300)* and operated, nuisance odours Field Storage 90 (300) 90 (300)* can be reduced. Composting 90 (300) 90 (300)* * public water supply 300 m (984 ft)

14 Agricultural Waste Management Distance from neighbours and The following factors control non-agricultural land use will these processes: determine the level of technol- ogy and management required to • Bacteria which are found in minimize nuisance odours. The manure are responsible for most common and effective creating odourous gases as odour control methods are they break down organic based on reducing the amount material. Aerobic bacteria, of odour-causing gases produced which require oxygen to and released to the atmosphere survive, produce mostly car- and dispersing odours as bon dioxide which is essen- quickly as possible. tially odourless. Anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in the absence of oxygen, tend to What Causes Odours produce odourous compounds such as ammonia and hydro- The biological breakdown of gen sulphide. The type of manure produces ammonia, bacteria present may vary at hydrogen sulphide and other different locations throughout compounds such as mercaptans the manure handling system. and amines. Combinations of Generally, aerobic bacteria are these compounds can produce located near the surface, while offensive odours at very small anaerobic bacteria are beneath concentrations (parts per bil- the surface. lion). The types of compounds • Temperature controls the rate produced depend on the biologi- of bacterial action. The higher cal processes which take place the temperature, the faster the in the manure. biological action and therefore the greater the gas production. This explains the fact that fewer odours are produced in cold weather conditions. • Moisture is required for biologi- cal activity to take place. The bacterial activity slows and can be stopped as manure is dried. Moisture also makes anaerobic conditions more likely in the manure and thereby encourages the activity of odour-causing anaerobic bacteria.

Concrete liquid manure storage, with cover for odour control.

Agricultural Waste Management 15 • Type of waste material or BMPs for Odour Control manure affects the types and in Livestock Facilities quantities of gases produced. For example, liquid poultry • where storage is outside the manure will produce more facility, collect and transfer hydrogen sulphide than solid manure from the barn to manure from broilers. Also, the storage on a daily basis addition of milkhouse wastes • ensure that sufficient bedding to manure storage can worsen is added to absorb liquids with the odour problem. solid manure handling systems • Particle size or surface area • maintain water systems to also affects the rate of odour prevent leakage generation. The greater the • use a pressure washer to clean surface area present, the faster buildings the bacterial action proceeds. • clean and disinfect buildings • Chemicals may alter the proc- between successive groups ess to reduce or increase the of livestock number and types of odours • keep dust levels low since produced. odours are absorbed and carried in the air on dust Often, odours are formed as particles; add moisture or oil the manure breaks down in to feed as a dust suppressant storage, and remain trapped • maintain recommended air flow in the manure until they are through livestock buildings released when the manure • clean and maintain ventilation is agitated, moved, or spread. fans and shafts The goal of odour management • locate exhaust outlets for maxi- is to reduce the frequency, inten- mum air dilution; higher outlets sity, duration and offensiveness generally provide greater dilu- of odours and to manage the farm tion of exhaust gases in a way that creates a positive • locate exhaust outlets to take attitude toward the operation. advantage of the prevailing winds; face them away from the nearest neighbour’s resi- dence if possible • do not exceed recommended animal densities for livestock buildings

BMPs for Odour Control in Manure Storage

Most odour-causing gases are formed when manure is in stor- age. In practice, most manure storage is anaerobic. The anaero- bic conditions promote odour Roof exhaust outlets to maximize air dilution. production. These gases either escape from the storage to cause immediate problems or are released later during spreading.

16 Agricultural Waste Management Liquid versus solid. Typically and permit application to fewer odours are produced by coincide with the most appro- solid manure handling systems priate timing and weather than by liquid systems. An conditions. undisturbed solid manure stack • Separate the liquid and solid is self sealing so few odours are portions of manure in storage given off until the pile is dis- to reduce the promotion of turbed. With open liquid storage, anaerobic conditions. odours are common. Weather, as • Avoid the addition of silage well as the addition of manure, effluent and waste forage can agitate the slurry-causing products to the manure stor- gases to be given off. age reservoir. These combina- Covering a storage is an tions create strong odours. effective way to minimize odour • Discharge the inlet pipe below generation. Storage covers: the liquid level to avoid surface • reduce occasional manure agitation in a liquid storage agitation caused by wind and system. rain; and • Plant a buffer zone of trees • reduce the movement of or construct an earthen berm odourous air from storage areas around the manure storage to to neighbouring residences. reduce the movement of air over the manure surface. This When evaluating manure has the added benefit of remov- storage options, consider the ing the storage from the sight following guidelines to reduce of neighbours. the potential for nuisance odours: • Treatment technologies are available and can be used in • Provide additional storage rare cases when dealing with volume for greater flexibility severe odour problems. Treat- in the timing of manure applica- ment systems must be designed tion. This can reduce the to handle the manure volumes likelihood of storage overflow generated by the livestock operation.

Feedlot Management

Feedlots are intensive operations where livestock are kept in a confined area and all food and water are delivered to the ani- mals. The livestock can be either totally confined indoors, out- doors, or a combination of the two. Animal densities for outside lots will depend on whether the lot has a soil base or is hard surfaced. Space requirements can be less than 4.5 square metres (50 sq ft) per head for Combination indoor/outdoor feedlot. yearling beef cattle.

Agricultural Waste Management 17 Example of a Feedlot Area Runoff Control System • A thorough cleaning of the feedlot once a year is recom- mended. Over cleaning will tend to remove the compacted and impervious soil and in- crease the possibility of down- ward nutrient movement. 4 3

5 Liquid Systems Liquid systems use a slatted floor 1 barn with no bedding. Liquid 2 1. Settling basin manure systems for beef opera- 2. Collection basin 3. Mounds tions are uncommon because of 4. Slope 2-4% the associated high costs of the 5. Waterer systems compared to other alternatives. Site Selection • Avoid sites with permeable soils and/or fractured bedrock. Runoff Control Groundwater contamination would be a high risk on these Feedlots that are exposed to sites. precipitation are likely sources • Maintain recommended prop- of surface and groundwater erty setbacks from water- contamination. The need for courses, wells, and neighbour- runoff control cannot be over- ing properties. emphasized. Legislation now • Provide adequate lot slopes on requires that feedlot areas incor- outside lots for surface drain- porate a system to collect and age. store contaminated runoff. • Allow for potential expansion. It may be more economical • Prevailing wind direction to house beef cattle in a totally- should be taken into account confined, naturally-ventilated in siting livestock facilities. facility than to provide collec- • Wind protection will enhance tion and storage of contaminated livestock performance. runoff from an outside feedlot. • Ensure that upslope runoff is diverted away from the feedlot. BMPs for runoff control include: Solid Systems • Diversion ditches or dykes should be constructed to Most confined livestock areas use direct surface water runoff a bedded pack. For well-bedded away from the site. areas much of the liquid is ab- • Grass filter strips where sorbed, resulting in minimal seep- appropriate. age. Regardless of the amount of bedding, however, all seepage and runoff must be contained on the feedlot property.

18 Agricultural Waste Management Feedlot runoff will be easier • Provide well-bedded dry to control if the feedlot yard is resting areas. This results in graded. This requires a 2-4% cleaner cattle, better overall slope away from the feed area sanitation and less odour from or shelter. Runoff from each the lot area. yard should be directed to a • To avoid continuous wetting collection basin or to the ma- of manure, prevent watering nure storage. The size of collec- facilities from overflowing. tion basins to store runoff from • Time the cleaning process in confined livestock areas depends relation to seasonal weather on the size of the runoff area and conditions i.e. temperature, the amount of precipitation. For wind, etc. PEI, allow 0.61m3/m2 (2 cubic feet per square foot) of surface Overall, maintain a neat ap- area. Runoff control systems pearance around the feedlot. should be designed by an engi- Well-placed visual screens and neer. The volume of runoff can shelterbelts ensure a positive be reduced by limiting the size of public perception. For a more the confinement area. Collected detailed discussion of odour contaminated runoff can be management see page 14 (Odour either applied to the land or Management in Barns and Ma- treated in a constructed wetland. nure Storage Areas). (See page 30.) Land Application Odour Management Spreading manure on land is Frequent cleaning and a high a highly desirable method of level of sanitation are the most recycling a natural, organic by- effective ways of minimizing product of livestock production. odours from feedlots. Key A sustainable agricultural system measures are: should include manure as a • Keep the animals as clean and fertilizer for crop production. dry as possible. Wet manure Manure is readily available with on the warm body of an a minimal input of energy and animal accelerates bacterial can significantly decrease crop growth and increases odour. production costs. • Scrape manure from the lot surface frequently. Drainage becomes less effective as manure accumulates.

Agricultural Waste Management 19 Most livestock operations are To maximize the utilization surrounded by large areas of of manure nutrients by crops: productive agricultural land. To • Have a sufficient land base for prevent damage to crops, mini- manure spreading. mize the risk of pollution and • Test soil and manure to deter- obtain the maximum benefit of mine nutrient levels. the manure as a fertilizer, manure • Understand the release rates application rates should match for nutrients in manure. the crop nutrient requirements. • Calculate crop nutrient de- Too much of a good thing can mands. lead to problems. Manure is an • Prevent the loss of nutrients in excellent fertilizer which poses surface runoff. an environmental risk only when • Reduce the loss of nitrogen to mismanaged. the atmosphere. Animal manure can be a valu- • Minimize soil compaction and able soil amendment. When problems with soil structure. properly managed, it not only acts • Prevent leaching of nitrates as a source of plant nutrients, but into groundwater. also helps improve soil tilth, • Prevent pollution of water- structure, aeration and water- ways by manure runoff. holding properties through the • Minimize odours during addition of organic matter. spreading.

Application Rates

Manure application rates should be determined as part of an overall plan. Do not try to provide all nutrients for a crop with ma- nure. It is not likely that manure will release its nutrients at the right balance and time for your crop. Also, not all manure will have the right composition to meet crop requirements.

Field application of solid manure.

20 Agricultural Waste Management • Test the macro-nutrient (nitro- larger areas. Avoid yearly applica- gen, phosphorus and potas- tions to the same land unless both sium) content of your manure. a soil and manure test show there • Test the soil to determine is no risk of reaching excessive nutrient levels. nutrient levels. • Know the nutrient needs The rate at which you can of the crop being grown. apply liquid manure will also be • Set a realistic target of provid- limited by the soil’s ability to soak ing up to 75% of the required up the liquid before it runs off. nitrogen with manure. The Tillage before application may balance would be provided by help if high rates are planned. fertilizer. You need to know how much is applied in either case. Spreading Considerations

While the nitrogen require- • Manure should be incorpo- ment is the key factor in decid- rated into the soil as soon as ing the amount of manure to possible after spreading. This apply, phosphorus and other will minimize the potential for elements can also increase to odour complaints and pollu- excessive levels in fields where tion from runoff and will manure is applied every year. ensure that maximum fertilizer An adequate land base is benefits are gained from the important to get the full benefits manure. It is recommended of manure. Long-term benefits that surface applied manure be increase if manure is spread over incorporated within 24 hours of application. • Injecting liquid manure di- Manure Application Calendar rectly into most soils is the November to mid-April best practice if it can be done • Manure should be going into storage, not on fields. before preparing the seed bed • Do not spread on frozen, bare, or snow-covered land. or during the cropping season. Nutrients are readily available Mid-April to mid-June to growing plants. • Apply to land growing annual crops before planting. • To avoid soil compaction problems, do not apply manure Mid-June to August under wet soil conditions. • Inject liquid manure between rows of growing row crops. • Manure must not be discharged • Apply manure to cereal land immediately after harvest and prior or allowed to enter any water- to conservation tillage. course. • Manure should not be spread September to October within 30 metres (100 ft) of a • Apply manure to grassland. Avoid applications in areas subject watercourse on slopes less to concentrated runoff and avoid tillage until after October 15. than 5% and within 60 metres • Apply to annual crop lands that will be planted with winter (200 ft) of a watercourse on cover crops. slopes greater than 5%.

Agricultural Waste Management 21 Timing Considerations Odour Management

It is usually best to apply manure Manure spreading is the most before, or early in, the growth common cause of nuisance stage of any crop. Some forms odour. There are many factors of nitrogen are available immedi- that contribute to the produc- ately to plants. In addition, nu- tion of odours during applica- trients in organic form may be tion. The following management released throughout the growing practices are the best method of season. If manure is spread late minimizing the possibility of in the growing period or after complaints: the growing season, there is reduced benefit to the crop, and • Keep transport equipment there is an increased risk of clean and well maintained to nitrate leaching to groundwater ensure that manure is not de- or surface runoff contaminating posited on public roads. Do not watercourses. overload equipment. If a spill occurs, clean the road promptly. • Avoid transporting manure on RELATIVE LIKELIHOOD OF public roads during periods of ODOURS BEING OFFENSIVE DUE high traffic such as rush hours before and after work, or TO TIME OF MANURE APPLICATION* during lunch break. • Check the weather conditions General Detailed Odour Offensiveness before spreading. The best Low Moderate High weather for spreading is sunny days with windy, cloudy nights. Time of Year Spring Sunshine will dry the manure Summer quickly, preventing further Fall odour production. Turbulent air movement dilutes odours. Time of Week Weekdays Rain removes odours from the Weekend air. However, the worst condi- Holidays tions are damp, humid weather with light winds. Still air Time of Day Early Morning keeps the gases in the area Morning and moist conditions allow Noon for more odour production. Afternoon • Spread in the morning when Evening air is warming and rising, rather Night than late in the afternoon. • Consider when possible the Wind No Wind implications of spreading on Light holidays and weekends when Strong neighbours are most likely to Humidity Dry be affected by odours. High Humidity • Notifying neighbours prior to During Precipitation spreading on adjacent proper- ties is a “good neighbour” policy. From Odour Control Guidelines for Livestock Operators, P. Jacobs & Associates Ltd., 1994. * Based on various studies and on personal observations of the authors.

22 Agricultural Waste Management • Apply composted manure to pastures and hay fields. Where this is not possible, apply manure in a very thin layer so that it will dry in five days or less. This will also prevent fly propagation. • Keep the discharge height of the slurry as low as possible to reduce odours during land application. • Choose discharge methods that are most effective for odour control. From most to least effective are: - Dribble bars or booms - Bottom discharge tanker - Top discharge tanker Liquid manure injection system. Manure Treatment • Do not exceed recommended rates of application for your Treatment of manure is designed soil type. Generally, the worst to reduce the pollution potential, period for odours is during the make handling easier and/or first 12 to 48 hours after increase the value of manure. spreading. With very heavy Treatment can be either physical, application rates, odours could biological or chemical. last up to 10 days. Physical treatments such as • Incorporate manure into the separation of solids from liquids soil as soon as possible after are usually considered primary application. Spread and till treatment. methods reduce the release Biological treatment methods of odours. Injection of manure are usually categorized as either directly into the soil is an anaerobic or aerobic to describe excellent method of odour the type of bacteria that are control. With injection, odours encouraged to break down the are less detectable at 70 metres solids in the manure. Composting, (230 ft) than they are at 400 naturally aerated lagoons, oxida- metres (1,300 ft) from surface tion ponds, mechanical agitation applied manure.

Agricultural Waste Management 23 or pumping and air injection are sition, the microorganisms con- examples of aerobic treatment sume oxygen while feeding on methods. Anaerobic methods organic matter. Composting include anaerobic ponds and reduces both the volume and digesters. mass of the raw materials while Many of these treatment systems transforming them into a valuable have not been totally successful in soil conditioner. on-farm applications. Either the treated wastes would still pollute The Benefits of Compost: the environment, or the systems • compost adds organic matter, are too costly to be economically improves soil structure, re- feasible. Producers should give duces fertilizer requirements serious consideration to the and reduces the potential for economic and social benefits soil erosion. derived from treatment technolo- • composting involves an in- gies before investing. As technolo- crease in expenditure, how- gies continue to be developed, a ever the increased market suitable system may be found. potential and soil conditioning properties offer benefits. • markets for compost are On-Farm Composting readily available. Potential of Manure buyers include home garden- Composting is the aerobic de- ers, landscapers, vegetable composition of organic materials farmers, operators of golf by microorganisms under control- courses, etc. led conditions. During decompo- • composting reduces the weight and moisture content and increases stability of manure. Compost is easier to handle than manure and stores well without odours or fly problems, thus lowering the risk of pollution and nuisance complaints. • composted manure is less susceptible to leaching and further ammonia losses. Composting high-carbon manure/bedding mixtures lowers the carbon/nitrogen ratio to acceptable levels for land application. • proper temperatures within the compost pile will reduce pathogens. • potential reduction in soil- On-farm composting. borne plant diseases.

24 Agricultural Waste Management Composting systems used Compost applications to land on farms: should be based on soil test Passive composting - involves results and crop needs. This is simply stacking the materials in to prevent a nutrient imbalance piles to decompose over a long from occurring and to make period of time with little agita- efficient use of compost. tion and management. Windrow composting - the materials are formed into long Fly Control narrow windrows which are mechanically turned. Flies near livestock and poultry Aerated static pile - the facilities and manure storage areas most common approach, uses are a nuisance to farm operators blowers to force air though and neighbours. Flies may also pipes and into the pile. transmit disease from one farm to In-vessel composting - the another. A successful fly control materials are contained within program can involve: bins, reactors, or buildings where • regular removal of manure and a high level of control of mois- wet feed from the building: at ture and oxygen is provided. least once every seven days dur- ing the fly breeding season to In terms of cost, labour, break the reproduction cycle management and process speed, • avoiding the scattering of the windrow and aerated static manure and feed outside the pile systems are comparable. building during barn cleaning In-vessel composting is generally operations more expensive but results in • keeping the manure collection better control over the process, area dark a higher quality product, and • providing screens on all open- less odour. ings in buildings The location of a composting • keeping the manure in en- site should provide: closed structures if possible • easy access with a minimum • prompt disposal of dead of travel and materials handling. animals and afterbirth • a firm surface to support • regular cleaning and disinfec- vehicles under varying tion weather conditions. • use of biological controls • appropriate separation dis- i.e. parasitic wasps tance from wells, watercourses and neighbours. In situations where these • minimal risk of groundwater management options are not contamination. sufficient to control the prob- • good surface drainage. lem, spraying with insecticides • grading for containment of may have to be considered. surface runoff.

Agricultural Waste Management 25 Milkhouse Waste

andling milkhouse • the type of milking system; wastewater has • the bulk tank system; become increasingly • the floor wash down; important as dairy • other uses ie. udder wash, operations become larger and water conditioners, etc. more automated. Quantities and strength of wastewater from The average daily production of milking parlours vary from farm washwater on a per milking cow to farm. basis is 14.1 litres (3.1 gallons). Modern milking parlours and The disposal of this washwater pipeline milking systems utilize has become a major environ- large quantities of water. The mental concern. volume of water used depends on: Wastewater contains milk • the management practices solids, fat, detergents, acid clean- associated with the milking ers and sanitizers, manure, soil facility; particles, and other substances.

Washing Operation Washwater Produced Litres (Imp. Gallons) Bulk Tank Automatic 190-225 l (42-50 gal)/wash Manual 115-150 l (25-33 gal)/wash Pipelinea (in parlour) 285-475 l (62-104 gal)/wash Bucket Milkers 115-150 l (25-33 gal)/wash Miscellaneous Equipment 115 l (25 gal)/day Cow Prep Automatic 4-17 l (0.8-3.75 gal)/cow Manual 1-2 l (0.2-0.4 gal)/cow Milkhouse Floor 38-76 l (8-16 gal)/day Parlour Floor Without Flushing 150-285 l (33-62 gal)/day Parlour and Holding Area Floor with Flushing Parlour Only 75-114 l (17-25 gal)/cow/day Parlour and Holding Area 95-150 l (21-33 gal)/cow/day Holding Area Only 38-76 l (8-16 gal)/cow/day

a. Volume increases for long lines in large stanchion barns Source: Midwest Plan Service, 1995.

26 Agricultural Waste Management Environmental Concerns Best Management Practices

The following table shows Proper milkhouse washwater typical waste strengths for management should consider milkhouse washwater. options for reduction and reuse. Milking Centre Washwater Reduce Parameter Concentration • Manual washing and prepping (mg/l) of cows uses less water than Total Solids 1417-3506 automated systems. • Mechanically removing manure Suspended Solids 171-996 and wasted feed from the Oil and Grease 5-330 parlour prior to wash down reduces waste volume and Biochemical Oxygen Demand 207-1530 strength. Chemical Oxygen Demand 542-4554 • Manually check water hardness and iron content, and calibrate Total Phosphorus 35-288 cleaning equipment annually. Total Nitrogen 14.9-37.4* Adjust chemical cleanser Source: Urgel Delisle (1990), except for * = B.C. Farm, Lo, K.V. et al., 1988. concentrations based on the quality of the washwater. • Design the milking parlour to *Notes: minimize washwater require- TOTAL SOLIDS includes all solid materials either dissolved or suspended in the ments. Drain locations and washwater. floor slopes are important. SUSPENDED SOLIDS refers to the amount of material suspended in the washwater which could be removed by filtration. The level of suspended solids in milking centre washwater gives a good indication of the clogging potential of the material in underground infiltration systems. Reuse • Feed the first rinse of milking OIL AND GREASE originate from the biodegradable fats and oils in milk. High levels equipment to calves. This will of oil and grease will result in considerably larger scum and sludge accumulations in septic tanks containing milking centre washwater. Oil and grease that moves reduce the amount of milking into the leaching bed can clog and seal tile lines as well as the trenches, often centre washwater by 15-20%. resulting in complete failure of the bed system. • Feed pre-cooler water to BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) is a measure of organic waste strength livestock. Pre-coolers are used and is usually reported as the amount of oxygen consumed over a specified period to lower milk temperature of time. High BOD loading can depress the dissolved oxygen concentrations in before it enters the bulk tank. receiving waters to levels that affect aquatic organisms. High BOD levels in milking • Many new dairy operations centre washwater are an indicator of high organic levels as a result of milk, manure, have underground tanks to etc., present in the waste product. store washwater. Use this CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD) is a measure of the amount of oxygen re- water to wash parlour floors quired to chemically oxidize the organic matter in the washwater. Like BOD, COD and drain to manure storage. is an estimation of the amount of organic material present. • Recycling washwater reduces

TOTAL PHOSPHORUS includes soluble phosphate generally in the form of PO4 and the amount of chemical cleans- organic bound P (phosphorus bound to soil). Soluble phosphate can be released ers required. Washwater can and is readily available for algal growth. Phosphorus originates predominantly from the detergents and phosphoric acid used in the wash cycles during the cleaning of be used from one cleaning the milking system. cycle to the next. • Make sure that reused water TOTAL NITROGEN includes organic and inorganic nitrogen and ammonia. Ammo- nia is the major nitrogen parameter of concern due to its toxicity for fish and other does not increase bacterial aquatic animals. In treatment trench systems, nitrogen is normally converted to counts. nitrate (NO3) which can contaminate groundwater. Nitrogen originates from ma- nure or nitrogen based detergents.

Agricultural Waste Management 27 Handling and Advantages Treatment Options • an existing storage with ad- equate capacity can be utilized Regardless of the disposal sys- to store milkhouse waste; tem used, it must be properly • better agitation can be designed, installed and operated. achieved through the extra To select and design the best volume of liquid milkhouse system for your farm, you need waste making it easier to to know your approximate daily pump to a spreader; washwater production. Measure • storage can be sized to handle your actual water use by install- the additional wastewater; ing a water flow meter, or esti- • best option if washwater mate it using a calibrated pail. contains the first rinse and/or has a high solids content.

Liquid Manure Storage Disadvantages Farms equipped to handle liquid • lowers fertility value of manure; manure can divert milkhouse • requires up to 25% increase in effluent to the liquid manure manure storage capacity; storage. The combined milkhouse • the increased volume must waste and manure is eventually be spread on fields, adding applied to the land with liquid to handling costs. manure following proper manure management guidelines. Settling Tank and In Sample Illustration of Sediment Trench & Treatment Trenches Ground Disposal Field

Treatment Trenches This system is similar to a house- hold septic system but instead Milkhouse Sediment Tank handles the wastewater for the milking centre. It also requires proper site conditions. If the soil is too shallow to bedrock, has low permeability or a high water table, another manage- ment system may be required. Surface This system requires careful Earth Backfill In This Area design installation and manage- Pump-out Openings ment to ensure long-term success. 24”

Inlet Outlet Filter Cloth 13" Baffle Advantages Inlet • does not impact the capacity 24" 24" 3/4 - 1" 4" Diameter of manure storage and handling Crushed Stone Septic Tile 3-4" Flow- Baffle Outlet In This Area systems; Thru Openings • relatively low cost. 30 - 40" Sediment Tank Treatment Trench

28 Agricultural Waste Management Disadvantages • your washwater is relatively • first rinse, milk from treated free from solids; cows or colostrum must be • you are willing to restrict the diverted from the system; water that enters the system to • does not work in areas with a minimum; low permeability or high water • you are willing to collect the tables; first rinse from the milking • requires careful management equipment; and maintenance; • you are willing to prevent milk • sludge levels within the tank from going down the floor should be checked and re- drain. moved as required. To prevent whole milk from Conventional in ground dis- reaching the disposal field system, posal fields have been used it is recommended that a double extensively in the past and with compartment with proper design, management and proper baffles on the inlet and soil conditions, these systems outlet pipes and a storage capac- can work quite well. ity for several days of milkhouse Historically, many systems effluent be installed. Allowing the have failed due to the disposal milk several days residence in the of excessively high strength tank will allow most of the milk milkhouse washwater through fats to separate and form a layer the system. at the top of the tank which must You may consider this system if: be periodically pumped. A mini- • you do not have or are not mum retention time of four days planning to build a liquid is recommended, but six days is manure or runoff storage; preferred. • the soil has good drainage Research and experience have characteristics; shown that constructing the disposal fields to promote aerobic conditions for a period of time between milkings will greatly improve the reliability and useful life of these systems. This will allow microbial activity to oxidize some of these materi- als and prevent trench sealing.

Vegetative Filter Strip Bed

Testing in the Maritimes has shown that a grassed filter strip can also be an effective and economical milkhouse wastewater treatment alterna- tive. As the wastewater flows down a filter strip it evaporates Vegetative filter strip bed. or infiltrates into the soil. The

Agricultural Waste Management 29 Advantages Grass Filter Bed (Top View) • does not impact upon existing Milking Centre Wastewater manure storage or handling; • relatively low cost. Settling Basin Inlet Pipe Disadvantages • first rinse, milk from treated Spreader Strip or Pipe for distribution cows or colostrum must be diverted from the system; • requires careful management 0% Slope and maintenance; • solids must be removed regu- larly from the settling basin to Fence to Uniform Slope prevent overflow to the grass exclude livestock 0.5% to 5% filter strip; • may not provide optimal Vigorous uniform treatment during the winter growth of grass months.

Minimum Area Constructed Wetlands Milking Centre Wastes - 4.65 square metres (50 sq ft) per cow Filter Strip Size - 164 square metres per cubic metre (50 sq ft per Constructed wetlands are shal- cubic foot) of wastewater. Length is equal to twice the width. low, man-made aquatic systems that can provide an environment soil and plant media filter out for treating agricultural runoff and biodegrade the fine solids and wastewater. Constructed and organic material. Nitrogen wetlands have been utilized as and phosphorus are taken up by treatment systems for a number the plant life and absorbed to of wastewater sources including: soil particles. The design of an effective filter • milkhouse washwater; strip includes a settling basin • manure storage and feedlot ahead of the filter strip, a spread- runoff; ing device at the entrance of the • drainage tile outflow; filter strip to ensure even flow • agricultural field surface runoff; across the strip and provisions to and alternately apply wastewater to • food processing wastewater. two parallel strips. This will allow the filter strip a rest period Constructed wetlands utilize a during which no wastewater is series of physical, biological and applied. chemical processes which facili- tate the treatment of wastewater. Wetlands have been con- structed on agricultural opera- tions throughout Atlantic Canada and many have been extensively monitored. The concentration of

30 Agricultural Waste Management • Site selection is important. The wetland will be more economi- cal to construct if it is located close to the wastewater source and if the wastewater can flow by gravity to the wetland. • Perform soil permeability tests early in the planning stage. If the hydraulic conductivity is greater than 1x10-5 cm sec-1, a clay or synthetic liner will be required. This will greatly add to the cost of the wetland and may be a reason to consider other options. • Many agricultural wastewater sources produce small volumes of effluent. During the summer, evaporation rates from the Constructed wetland. wetland are often higher than inflow volumes. Additional waste-water pollutants including water from other sources such suspended solids, nitrogen, phos- as roof gutters may have to be phorous and faecal coliforms, as added to the system. well as BOD and COD levels, have • Wastewater must be retained been reduced by 70-98 %. in a settling pond prior to entering the wetland to allow for adequate separation of Design Considerations solids. This pond should be • Before construction, hire a less than 1 metre (3 ft) deep qualified engineer to design to reduce odour potential. the wetland and obtain re- • Wetlands are more efficient quired building and environ- during summer months. It mental permits from the PEI may be desirable to design Department of Fisheries, the settling pond to be large Aquaculture and Environment. enough to store the entire • Constructed wetlands should volume of wastewater pro- only be designed as secondary duced during the winter and or tertiary wastewater treat- to discharge it to the wetland ment systems. The size of a during the summer. wetland must be based on the • The proposed site must be inflow volume, the concentra- surveyed to produce an accu- tion of pollutants in the rate topographical map. wastewater, and the desired level of treatment.

Agricultural Waste Management 31 • Constructed wetlands may • Possible addition of water to contain one cell or several the wetland during prolonged individual cells depending upon dry periods to prevent stress the topography. If the construc- of aquatic vegetation and tion site is on a slope, it may be cracking of a clay liner. desirable to construct individual • Eventual excavation of sedi- cells in a terrace type system. ment and plant material from The length of each cell should the wetland cell if there is an be twice the width. The topog- accumulation of phosphorous. raphy should be relatively level • Control of muskrat populations. over the entire cell to ensure an even depth of water. Individual wetland cells should include Flocculator both deep and shallow zones. Shallow zones should have Another innovative new technol- water depths ranging between ogy recently introduced to the 15-30 cm (6-12 in). Deep zones Maritimes involves the use of help to evenly distribute water chemical treatment reactors and add to the retention time as or flocculators to remove the wastewater passes through the majority of phosphates and wetland. Deep zones should suspended solids from the constitute 25% of the surface milkhouse effluent. area and they should be at least The effluent is transferred from 1 metre (3 ft) deep to prevent the milkhouse to a reactor and a growth of aquatic plants. proportionate amount of hydrated • The outflow from a constructed lime is added to the reactor. The wetland should receive final mixture is allowed to settle polishing by discharging it to undisturbed for two hours. Then a tertiary pond or grassed the clarified liquid is discharged waterway. to the disposal field system while • Aquatic vegetation (cattails and the sludge is sent to the manure bulrushes) is best established by storage. This technology is rela- transplanting root stock from a tively new and its cost efficiency nearby natural wetland. The for treatment of milkhouse waste roots should be planted at a requires more evaluation. density of at least one plant per square metre Milkhouse Wastewater Flocculator (10 sq. ft). A permit is required from the PEI Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Envi- ronment to remove cattails from existing wetlands.

Management to achieve maximum performance of the wetland may include: • Eventual removal of solids from the pre- treatment settling pond.

32 Agricultural Waste Management Livestock Pasturing

he pasturing of cattle is Health and Productivity a common practice on Concerns most PEI dairy and beef farms. Traditionally, it Supplying abundant quantities was desirable to have a pasture of fresh, clean drinking water that had a watercourse running is critical for good health and through it to allow for conven- maximum productivity of cattle. ient watering of livestock. Cattle that have direct access However, more recently it has to watercourses, for drinking become the recommended purposes, can experience the practice to restrict livestock following problems: from having access to water- • Decreased water consumption courses because of their impact resulting in reduced productiv- on and the damage ity. Cattle are less likely to drink that they cause to the riparian sufficient quantities of water if zone. It has also been found that it has been contaminated by cattle are healthier and more their access to the watercourse. productive if they are provided • Reduced productivity due to with a fresh source of water. lost grazing time. Cattle enjoy Many farmers have fenced loafing in streams and they will livestock out of streams and not be productive if they are have implemented practical not foraging. If a stream is the watering alternatives. This has only watering source, cattle proven beneficial to both the may have to spend excessive health of the cattle and the time travelling to obtain water environment. because streams are often not strategically located in the pasture. • Increased risk of disease transmissions. Cattle can contract Leptospirosis, Salmo- nella, Bovine Virus and algae poisoning, especially if the water is slow moving or stagnant. • Increased udder problems from mud and dirt buildup. Calves have more difficulty nursing and mastitis is more prevalent. • Increased stress to feet and legs if animals have access to steep and/or unstable stream banks. • Increased risk of abortion if cows slip on steep slopes.

Agricultural Waste Management 33 Best Management Practices

To reduce the impact that pastur- ing livestock have on a water- course, the following practices are recommended: • Restrict livestock access by fencing off streams, wetlands, ponds and marshes and pro- vide livestock with an alter- nate source of water. The wider the buffer between the fence and the stream, the better the filtering capacity of the riparian zone. • Provide stream bank protec- tion in highly disturbed areas Fencing protects sensitive habitat areas. to prevent further erosion. Use vegetative measures where Impact on Watercourses possible. Rock riprap under- lain with a suitable geotextile If cattle have access to water- is also an option. courses, including springs, • Manage pastures to reduce the ponds, streams, wetlands and concentration of manure and estuaries, the following impacts maintain permanent forage can be observed: cover. Vigorous forage growth • Unstable stream banks due to on pastures protects soils and loss of vegetation. minimizes runoff. Avoid heavy • Widening of watercourses and traffic areas by increasing the reduced stream velocities due number of in-pasture watering to the hoof action of livestock. locations. • An increase in water tempera- • In cases where pastures exist tures as shade cover is on either side of a water- destroyed. course, a livestock stream • A reduction in the ability of the crossing should be con- area surrounding the water- structed and maintained. course to filter and absorb The crossing should have contaminants (ie nitrates, faecal fences on both sides. Culverts bacteria, etc.) which may be or wood structured bridges contained in surface runoff. provide good crossings. Costs • A reduction in the quality can be kept to a minimum if of fish and wildlife habitat. the crossing does not have to • An increase in faecal bacteria support farm equipment. contamination and nutrient loading in the watercourse. A Watercourse/Wetland Altera- This can result in shellfish tion Permit is required from the closures and restricted use PEI Department of Fisheries, for recreational purposes. Aquaculture and Environment if any excavation is required within 10 metres (33 ft) of a watercourse or if a stream crossing is being installed.

34 Agricultural Waste Management • Dependable in winter with the use of either energy-free or electric bowl technologies.

Gravity flow systems: • Will work on sites where there is sufficient elevation differ- ence along a length of a water- course for water to gravity flow through a pipe from an upstream location to a water- ing tank. • Works best on a watercourse with grades along its length that are greater than 3% and with stream banks that are not significantly higher than the Stock tanks provide a convenient, reliable source of water. stream bed. Most PEI streams have grades less than 1%, thus Alternate Watering Systems making it difficult to install an in-stream system. On PEI, the following alternate • Pastures with continuous flow- watering systems have been ing springs on the upper slopes utilized by farmers to water cattle: are excellent candidates for gravity flow systems. A continu- Farm wells ous flow of water from the • Most flexible, reliable and cost spring can be gravity fed efficient source of water. through a polyethylene pipe to • Water can be pumped long a watering tank. The water distances [PEI installations are level in the watering tank is up to 900 metres (3,000 ft)]. controlled by a second pipe • Water is conveyed in that discharges the overflow polyethylene pipe ranging back to the stream. in size from 1.9-3.2 cm • Greatest advantage is that they (.75-1.25 in) diameter. do not require any type of • Polyethylene pipe can be pumping equipment. buried below frost or laid • Dependable, low cost and low on top of the ground. maintenance. • If pastures are at an elevation • Capable of watering large herds. below the farm well, water can • Dependable in winter. be gravity fed to the watering • Less flexible than farm wells stations. when used with intensive • Capable of watering large grazing systems. numbers of livestock. • Ideal for intensive grazing Hydraulic ram pumps: systems. Water can be readily • Installed in running water. made available in each pad- The falling water produces dock. This will reduce the a hammering effect in the distance cattle need to travel hydraulic ram pump that forces and increase productivity. a portion of the water into a stock tank or storage reservoir.

Agricultural Waste Management 35 • Every 30 cm (1 ft) of vertical Bilge pumps: drop in the pump will produce • A bilge pump is a marine sump 300 cm (10 ft) of vertical lift. pump that is placed directly • Capable of watering large into a watercourse and is usual- numbers of livestock if water ly powered by a 12 volt battery. is pumped to a reservoir that • Capable of supplying large feeds the stock watering tank. volumes of water [1-2 litres/ • Poor option for intensive second (1000-2000 gal/hr)] grazing system. over a short time period. • These pumps can offer reliable • Low cost and portable system. service but require an appro- • Management required to charge priate location, good system and switch 12 volt batteries design and proper installation. after a few days of operation. • Unable to pump water over Pasture nose pumps: long distances, therefore water- • Operated by a cow pushing ing stations are usually located its nose against a lever which 3-4.5 metres (10-15 ft) from the primes the pump and delivers edge of the stream. approximately 1 litre (0.2 gal) of water into the bowl. Solar systems: • Can lift water up to 8 metres • Use the power of the sun to Livestock operating a pasture nose (27 ft) vertically and 38 metres charge a 12 volt pumping pump system to water. (125 ft) horizontally. station. • Will work with any water • A water reservoir is recom- source that has at least a 15 cm mended in addition to the (6 in) depth of water at all stock tank to allow for reduced times. efficiency on cloudy days. • Easy to install and easy to • Can be custom-designed based relocate. on topography and the • A single pump can supply number of head to be watered. water for up to 30 head of • Ideal for large pastures at cattle. However, the number of remote sites. head per pump is a function of • Not cost effective under pasture size. On large pastures intensive grazing systems. where cattle tend to water as a group, the number of head Wind powered pumps: watered per pump should • Wind power is an alternate be reduced because only one energy source that can be animal can water at a time. applied to pumping water Multiple pump installations for livestock. are practical with larger herds. • These systems are very com- • Not suitable for young calves mon in Western Canada but because they have difficulty have not been used extensively operating the pump. on PEI in recent times and • Not dependable when tem- would require further evalua- peratures drop below freezing tion for local conditions. point.

36 Agricultural Waste Management Waste Forage

aste forage is a there is also the potential for normal by-prod- leachate or seepage waste from uct of any live- storage areas. Silage can be stored stock feeding in vertical silos, horizontal silos, or system. It includes waste hay, in round bales wrapped in plastic. waste silage and silage effluent.

Environmental Concerns Hay While forage waste is costly to When hay is harvested, it is producers, it is also an environ- allowed to dry to less than 15% mental concern. moisture. When it is stored and fed, it poses no environmental • Silage seepage can leach into hazard. Hay that is wasted during the groundwater and can feeding usually becomes incorpo- contaminate watercourses rated with the straw and manure. if runoff is not controlled. •Burning waste forage can cause nuisance odours and Silage contribute to . • Silage waste can also create The potential for waste from nuisance odours. silage feeding systems also exists. However, because silage is har- vested and stored at a much Best Management Practices higher moisture content than hay, Reduce waste forage by: • Storing bales of hay under cover. • Harvest and store only as much forage as will be re- quired for the coming year. • Harvest silage at the optimum moisture content to minimize the potential for seepage. • Use waste forage as a mulch to provide protection from soil erosion in recently harvested potato fields rather than hauling it to the woods or burning it. It will add organic matter to cultivated soils. • Compost waste hay and silage. This will require addition of a Waste forage being used as a mulch for erosion control after potato harvesting. nitrogen source such as manure.

Agricultural Waste Management 37 Seepage From Farm Silos

ilage seepage presents most significant groundwater several concerns for the contaminant from this group. agricultural industry. The greatest percentage of silage seepage is produced within 5 to • Contamination of surface and 10 days after filling the silo. groundwater. • Deterioration of the silo struc- ture. Best Management Practices • Odours. • Seepage from the silo, along Silage effluent has extremely with the surface water runoff high BOD values, which are from open bunker silos, should approximately 200 times as be collected and stored since strong as raw domestic . this material is highly contami- A significant discharge of effluent nated. During the cropping into a watercourse can remove so season this contaminated much oxygen that fish and other material can be spread regularly aquatic creatures die immediately. on land. With respect to groundwater • Harvest silage/haylage at low quality, silage leachate contains moisture, i.e. below 60% nutrients, acids, minerals and moisture content for tower bacteria. Nitrate-nitrogen is the silos and below 65% for hori- zontal silos. • Adding absorbents which are designed to take up excess moisture will result in low or no seepage production. Mate- rial that can be used include oatmeal, dried sugar beet pulp and dried corn cobs. To be effective, enough material must be added to absorb the anticipated seepage. • Silos should be covered - this prevents rain water from entering and leaching through the silage/haylage. • Divert all surface water away from the silo site. • For new silos, install seepage collection and storage systems. Harvesting silage at proper moisture levels will minimize the risk of seepage.

38 Agricultural Waste Management Dead Stock Disposal

he disposal of dead Environmental Concerns animals must be in accordance with the PEI Dead animals are a health risk to Guidelines for Disposal humans and farm animals. They of Dead Farm Livestock. These may be carriers of disease. If not guidelines are designed to protect promptly removed or disposed of, the public and animal health and carcasses will also attract rodents, to reduce the risk of contamina- flies, and nuisance wildlife, as well tion of drinking water supplies as producing offensive odours. and surface water resources. All livestock and poultry operations need a management plan for dead Options for Disposal animals. Afterbirth in livestock operations and eggs in poultry Dead animals should be removed operations are additional wastes from the building as soon as which should be handled in a possible and disposed of in similar manner. an approved manner within one day. Livestock and poultry can- not be disposed of in manure storage or be spread onto the land with manure. Under no circumstances should dead animals be left lying around the farm buildings for an extended period of time. Feeding car- casses to wildlife is not an acceptable disposal method and should not be used. While health and environmental concerns are most important, ensuring that disposal activities are not unsightly will create good will in the community. Trees, shrubs and windbreaks can be used to screen disposal sites. Disposal options are covered in order from most to least acceptable.

Composting of dead stock carcasses.

Agricultural Waste Management 39 • Dead Animal Removal • A carbon source will be re- Service quired to ensure that the A dead animal and poultry re- proper carbon:nitrogen ratio moval service removes carcasses of 25:1 is present for the to be rendered. Poultry and other composting process to take small animals must be stored in place. Sawdust is an ideal freezers and held for pickup. carbon source. Livestock should be picked up • Temperatures throughout within 48 hours of death. For a the compost pile must exceed current list of livestock removal 55°C (130°F) for adequate companies, call the PEI Depart- reduction of pathogen levels. ment of Agriculture and Forestry. • Moisture content of the com- post pile should be in the 50- • Composting 60% range. Composting of poultry and other • The composter should be small agricultural animals is located in an area that is well considered a low cost, environ- drained, accessible and away mentally acceptable method of from areas that are sensitive disposal of dead stock. The use to groundwater contamination. of composting technology in the If a facility is constructed for disposal of poultry and hogs is composting, it should consist becoming more widespread. of a concrete pad, roof, and rot- Some basic requirements for resistant construction materials. carcass composting are: • The composting site must be • An aerobic environment must located a minimum of 90 be maintained. metres (300 ft) from a water- course or domestic well. Sample Composter Layout Using Hay Bales • All contaminated runoff from the compost site must be - collected. Clean surface water should be directed away from the composting facility. • The finished compost can be spread on the land. • Capacity of the composting facility must be sufficient to dispose of the normal mortality rate. Expanded capacity to con- tain an excessive mortality rate is desirable but not essential.

40 Agricultural Waste Management Additional information for on- of Fisheries, Aquaculture and farm composting of dead stock Environment, a burial site can be obtained from the PEI may be located closer than Department of Agriculture and 300 metres (1,000 ft), but at Forestry fact sheet “Composting no time will the Department of Swine Carcasses - Turning a approve a site less than Problem into an Asset”. 150 metres (500 ft) from a drinking water source. • Subsurface Burial • at least 60 metres (200 ft) from Burial should be considered only any fresh water stream, pond, as a last resort. Subsurface burial estuary or coastal area. is not recommended due to the • at least 30 metres (100 ft) from potential for groundwater pollu- any public right of way. tion. It is permitted as long as the criteria listed below are met. All buried poultry and live- Burial sites should be staggered stock must be covered on the throughout the property, not same day they are buried with a concentrated in one location. minimum of 0.6 metres (2 ft) of Burial sites must be located: earth. Subsurface burial should • at least 300 metres (1,000 ft) only be considered under the from any drinking water supply following conditions. or well. With prior written approval from the Department • At locations where the water table does not come within 600 mm (24 in) of the pit bottom and where soil is well aerated. • At locations where the floor of the burial pit is at least 0.6 metres (2 ft) above bedrock. • At locations not subject to surface runoff, ponding or flooding. • Open trench pits are not acceptable.

Roofed composting facility.

Agricultural Waste Management 41 Section C - Potato/Vegetable Waste Management

otato production is a Options for Disposal large and growing indus- try on Prince Edward Disposal options are covered in Island. This success in order from most to least accept- production is accompanied by an able. increase in the volume of wastes - value-added processing associated with grading and - animal feed processing. These wastes include - composting culls, diseased product, washline - land spread sediment and processing plant - burial effluent.

Value-Added Processing Environmental Concerns Dehydration of cull and other waste potatoes (smalls) is a very • Potato/Vegetable wastes pose effective and efficient method a plant health issue for the of turning a waste material into a industry as diseases such as ring value-added product. This process rot, blight and viruses can be dehydrates the raw potato into spread from culls that are not dry material such as potato flakes properly disposed of. and granules. These products are • Proper storage and disposal is used in the food industry to create required to protect ground and new recompositioned potato and surface water. other food products. On Prince • Odour generation from decom- Edward Island, the dehydration posing waste can be a nui- process can handle upwards of sance to neighbours. 200 tonnes/day of waste potatoes.

Nature of Waste Disposal Options

Dehydration Animal Land & Processing Feed Composting Spread Burial

Culls ✔✔✔✔✔

Diseased Products ✖✖✔✖✔

Rock/Low Organic ✖✖✖✔✔

Wash Line Sediment ✖✖✖✔✔

Processing Plant Waste ✖✔✔✔✖

42 Agricultural Waste Management Animal Feed Cull potatoes and processing vegetable wastes are an excel- lent energy source suitable for finishing rations in beef feedlots. Culls and processing plant wastes are normally delivered to the farm in 10-30 tonne loads. These products should be stored away from direct sunlight in a three-sided concrete storage with a roof. The concrete floor in the storage should be sloped to the back to retain seepage. Ideally, a potato waste storage should be located beside a manure storage to allow drainage of excess liquid Potato dehydration plant. into the manure storage. Cull potatoes and processing This process also generates plant wastes can also be other waste streams. The recom- ensilaged. Advantages of ensiling mended disposal options for these include a longer storage life, more waste materials is as follows: consistent quality product and a • Low organic waste (rocks and better insurance of continuous silt): silt is returned to the land, supply. Potato waste can be rocks are buried. ensiled by itself in a bunker if the • Wastewater: treated to approved product is chopped or pureed standards and discharged. prior to ensiling. It will take 7-10 • Waste sludge from treatment days for potato waste to ensile process: land applied in accord- and it is preferred that the mate- ance with regulations. rial is not fed within 21 days. Alternatively, potato culls and processing plant wastes can be ensilaged by placing them in layers in the silo with well-wilted hay crop silage at a 2:1 ratio. A mixture of three parts potato waste to one part chopped hay can also be ensilaged.

Composting The composting of cull potatoes and other vegetable wastes including diseased products is an environmentally acceptable method of disposal.

Typical cross section of an on-farm storage for culls and processing plant by- products.

Agricultural Waste Management 43 Mix Ratios for Potato Composting (by volume) permitted within 15 metres (50 ft) of the edge of a public Ratio Parts Parts Parts highway right of way. 3 : 3 : 1 3 sawdust 3 potatoes 1 manure • Sections of farm fields subject 2 : 1 2 manure* 1 potato to application must be at least 2 : 1 2 straw• 1 potato 37 metres (120 ft) from any 2 : 1 2 leaves• 1 potato watercourse where slopes average 2-5%, and 107 metres Note: *Wet, sloppy manure will not work (350 ft) where slopes average •Both straw and leaves are bulky and work best if they are wet prior to being added to the pile. 5-10%. Potatoes should not be spread on slopes greater than The microorganisms which 10%. break down the ingredients in • Maximum application rates a compost pile require specific should not be more than amounts of carbon and nitrogen 10 tonnes/acre. for the composting process to • Wash line sediment is removed work effectively. To obtain the from settling ponds and spread correct amounts of carbon and on land. nitrogen, potatoes must be mixed with other materials for effective composting. Common Burial materials which can be mixed The burial of vegetable wastes with potatoes are sawdust, straw is the least desirable option and and solid manure. must be done in accordance The On-Farm Composting of with provincial guidelines for Manure section (p. 24) contains the burial of cull potatoes. additional information on composting methods and • The site should be located at guidelines. A fact sheet on least 60 metres (200 ft) from potato composting techniques is any surface water body and available from the Department at least 150 metres (500 ft) of Agriculture and Forestry. from any well or water supply. All sites within 300 metres (1,000 ft) of a well will require Land Spread prior inspection and written The spreading of cull potatoes approval by the Department on frozen land during the winter of Fisheries, Aquaculture and is permitted under the following Environment. conditions: • Large scale burial sites (total • All potatoes must be spread accumulated tonnage greater evenly on a field to ensure than 250 tonnes) must have freezing. Potatoes must not the prior approval of the be dumped in piles. Department of Fisheries, • Areas subject to application Aquaculture and Environment. of potatoes must be at least • Burial should not occur 150 metres (500 ft) away from within two feet of the bed- any dwelling occupied by rock surface or the water persons other than the person table. Prior to the excavation owning and/or disposing of of a burial pit, a test hole the potatoes. Spreading is not should be dug to determine the depth to bedrock and depth to the water table.

44 Agricultural Waste Management Section D - Farm Plastics and Other Wastes

arms generate a number Proper Disposal of Farm of other waste materials. Plastics These include plastics, chemicals, empty contain- The most ideal method of ers, building materials, old disposal of farm plastics is to machinery, animal health care convert the waste into a usable products and petroleum wastes. by-product such as building materials, fence posts, recrea- tional furniture or recycled Farm Plastics silage wrap. A manufacturing facility is in operation on Prince Plastics are used on the farm Edward Island. Landfilling or in a variety of manners. These burning of farm plastics is not include silage wrap and nylon recommended. twine. Plastic film placed on the The Island Waste Management surface of the soil to enhance Corporation will accept clean, heat retention is a new tech- dry silage wrap at the East nique used in agriculture. It is Prince Waste Management also used for cover and storage Facility. Residents of the East of forages. Prince area may contact the corporation office for their From waste to usable by-product - silage wrap converted to plastic disposal needs. lumber. Steps in Off-Farm Recycling of Plastic Wrap • Once the plastic wrap is removed, shake it to remove contami- nants (dirt, haylage, water, ice, etc.). Separate strings from the plastic. • Store plastic wrap indoors. This will keep it from further con- tamination and degradation by sunlight. Some farmers store plastic on hay wagons inside machinery sheds. • Keep plastic clean and dry. • Bale or compact into small square bales for easier handling, Picnic table constructed from recycled storing and transporting. Bale only with plastic string. plastic.

Agricultural Waste Management 45 Pesticide Containers Containers should be rinsed immediately after use. Waiting Containers made from plastic are too long allows the pesticide the most common type used to solution to dry out inside the hold liquid . Paper bag container, making rinsing diffi- containers are used to hold cult and lessening the probabil- pesticides which are sold in a ity of meeting clean standards. granular or powder form. The recommended method of The disposal of empty pesti- rinsing pesticide containers is cide containers in Prince Edward triple-rinse. Island is regulated under the provincial Pesticide Control Act. • Fill empty container about 1/4 full with water and replace cap securely. Rinsing Containers • Swirl and shake the container Rinse for value. Rinse for safety. Rinsing containers removes to rinse all inside surfaces and Rinse for the environment. Triple-rinse or pressure-rinse pesticides left in the container the handle cavity. your pesticide containers. Pour the rinsate into your after emptying. Removing this • Pour contents into spray tank. sprayer tank. pesticide: Let contents drain for 30 sec- • Saves money. Throwing away onds after container is “empty”. pesticide in an “empty” con- • Repeat three times until tainer is throwing away money. container is clean. Final rinse the paper booklet. • Reduces chances of expo- water should be clear. sure. Pesticide left in a con- tainer can poison people, Paper bag containers that have

the clean empty containers livestock or wildlife. a plastic or foil lining should be to a designated collection site. • Reduces chances of con- single-rinsed. Even after rinsing, tamination. Pesticide left in a trace amounts of the pesticide container can contaminate soil, may remain. surface water or groundwater. All containers not being recy- cled should be punctured or crushed so that they cannot be used again for any other purpose.

Pesticides Insecticides Fungicides

46 Agricultural Waste Management Disposing of Paper Bag Containers Plastic Containers The recommended way to The recommended way to dispose of empty paper bag dispose of empty plastic pesti- containers is to take them to cide containers is to return them a provincial site or the to the pesticide dealer for recy- Energy From Waste Plant. Strict cling. Pesticide manufacturers regulations governing what can and dealers have developed a be disposed of in landfill are container collection program enforced by the Department which recycles empty plastic of Fisheries, Aquaculture and containers. All licensed pesticide Environment. Before pesticide dealerships accept empty plastic containers can be accepted at a containers. Containers must be landfill, a disposal permit must clean, triple-rinsed, and contain be obtained from the Depart- no liquid material. There are ment of Fisheries, Aquaculture approximately 2-3 million plastic and Environment. The recom- containers recycled each year in mended way to dispose Canada. In 1998, the container of any other empty pesticide collection program recycled container that cannot be recy- over 75% of all plastic containers cled is to take it to a provincial sold on Prince Edward Island. landfill site.

Burning Containers How to get a The on-farm burning of plastic Disposal Permit containers or hazardous sub- Producers can call (368-5000), stances is prohibited by law fax (368-5830), or write (Depart- under the Environmental Protec- ment of Fisheries, Aquaculture tion Act - Air Quality Regulations. and Environment, P.O. Box 2000, Low temperature burning does Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 7N8) to not destroy the remaining pesti- request a disposal permit for cides but results in them being plastic or paper bags. A request vaporized and drifting to other for a disposal permit must state areas. The breathing of smoke the name and address of the from these fires can be harmful. producer as well as the number of containers being disposed of, type of container, size of the Burying Containers container, former contents of the The burying of empty pesticide container, and a statement that containers, even if they have each container has been prop- been properly rinsed, is not erly rinsed or emptied. At the recommended. While properly time of delivery of the empty rinsed containers do not pose containers to the landfill, landfill an environmental threat, the site personnel will verify that the decomposition rate is very slow. containers being delivered are A plastic container may take the same as the permit states. several centuries to break down. A plastic fence post made from recycled plastic is a much better gift to your grandchildren.

Agricultural Waste Management 47 Site personnel will also inspect Until a collection is organized, the containers to ensure that producers are advised to store they are properly rinsed, empty excess pesticides in their origi- and punctured/crushed. The nal container in a safe, dry area two designated landfill sites are away from food, pets, children, in Sleepy Hollow and Wellington and water wells. Centre.

OTHER FARM WASTES Excess Pesticide Product Disposal Animal Health Care Unfortunately, as of now, there Products is no official pesticide disposal facility on PEI. Pesticide waste Animal health care products is still taken off-island to facilities include drugs, medicines, oint- on the mainland. In November ments, insect repellants, vaccines, 1998, an Agricultural Clean-up needles, applicators, disinfectants, Day was very successful. A great cleaners, rodenticides and fumi- amount of old and excess pesti- gants. If animal health care cide was collected and trucked products are improperly disposed off the island to be disposed of of, they can present health and in the proper way. Until PEI has safety risks to people (especially a disposal facility, farmers are children), farm animals, pets and encouraged to use the following wildlife. suggestions to help keep excess product levels down: • Try to use products for their intended and registered pur- • Practice responsible purchas- pose before they become ing. Buy only the amount of outdated or contaminated. pesticide that will be totally • It is best to store products in consumed by the farm. their original container in a • Pass on excess pesticides to clean, dry, frost-free area such other producers who can as a farm office or utility room. make use of them. The storage area should be • Small operators may wish to locked. buy pesticides as a group with • The product label often gives other small operators, thereby advice on storage, but if you reducing waste. This may also are unsure, your veterinarian be a cost saving measure for or supplier would be able to operators. help. Typical storages include locked refrigerators and insu- lated cabinets.

48 Agricultural Waste Management • Unused animal health care • Reusing or repairing old products should be left with components can make good a veterinarian for disposal. If economic sense. Unusable this is not possible, syringes equipment can be sold to and drugs should be placed scrap dealers. Before equip- in a labelled, puncture-proof ment is taken, remove any container and delivered to the hazardous materials such Energy From Waste Plant or an as antifreeze, oils or fuels. approved waste disposal site. • Stoves, refrigerators, water heaters, etc. can be taken to a provincial landfill (white goods Farm Building Materials area) where the items will be crushed, bailed and recycled. Even though many building A contractor is hired by the materials will not adversely affect province to recover the - the environment, the preserving depleting substances from materials on many of them could refrigerators before they are cause problems. Dumping, crushed. burying or burning this material • All tires should be brought to on the farm is unacceptable an approved disposal location. because it could cause pollution and be dangerous for people, especially children. Piles of Used Oil building materials make excellent havens for rodents. The dumping or burning of oil Reusable building materials on the farm is not permitted. should be separated and stored The provincial Used Oil Han- for future use. Remaining excess dling Regulations require sellers construction materials should be of lubricating oil to operate a taken to an approved site for return facility. Used oil, there- disposal. fore, can be returned to any dealer on the Island.

Machinery and Equipment

Machinery, equipment, stoves, refrigerators, bulk tanks and water heaters become outdated and must be replaced.

Agricultural Waste Management 49 Acknowledgements and Bibliography

The Best Management Practices Photography Canadian Agri-Food Research for Agricultural Waste Manage- Council. Siting Livestock and ment Booklet was funded under Barrett & MacKay, Ron DeHaan, Poultry Operations for the 21st the Canada-Prince Edward Island Delbert Reeves, Tom Duffy, Century; Symposium Proceed- Water Annex to the Federal/ Graeme Linkletter, Russell ings, Ottawa, ON July 13-15, Provincial Framework Agree- Campbell, Allan Campbell, 1995. Ottawa, 1996. ment for Environmental Coop- Jane Palmer, Jamie Coffin, eration in Atlantic Canada. John MacLeod, Shane Murphy. P. Lane & Associates Ltd. A Review of Odour Management Technolo- gies for Use in Livestock Opera- Participating Agencies Bibliography tions in Nova Scotia. Agriculture Canada, unpublished, 1993. PEI Department of Fisheries, PEI Department of Environmental Aquaculture and Environment, Resources and Department of B.C. Ministry of Agriculture. PEI Department of Agriculture Agriculture, Fisheries and For- Environmental Guidelines for and Forestry, Environment estry. Province of Prince Edward Poultry, Dairy, Beef and Pork. Canada and Agriculture and Island Guidelines for Disposal of 1992-94. Agrifood Canada. Cull Potatoes. March 1996. USDA, Soil Conservation Service. PEI Department of Environmen- Agricultural Waste Management Writer tal Resources and Department Field Handbook. 1992. of Agriculture, Fisheries and P. Jacobs & Associates Ltd. Forestry. Province of Prince Atlantic Committee on Land Edward Island Guidelines for and Engineering. Constructed Disposal of Dead Farm Live- Wetlands for the Treatment Graphic Design stock. March 1996. of Agricultural Wastewater in Atlantic Canada. Draft, 2000. TechnoMedia Inc. PEI Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Potato Nova Scotia Agriculture and Compost Production and Use. Marketing. Milkhouse Waste. Technical January 1995. Fall 1998. Review Committee PEI Department of Agriculture Clair Murphy, Jim Young, Delbert and Forestry and Technology and Reeves and Tom Duffy, PEI Department of Environment. Department of Fisheries, Guidelines for Manure Manage- Aquaculture and Environment; ment for Prince Edward Island. Ron DeHaan and Teresa Mellish, January 1999. PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Agriculture Canada and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Best Management Practices: Livestock and Poultry Waste Management. Toronto: OMAF, 1994.

50 Agricultural Waste Management