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 What if my operation isn’t large
enough to fall under the CAFO regulation?
Do I still
need a CNMP? |
 Although AFO’s are not currently required to have a CNMP, they are encouraged to have one by the year 2009. Having and implementing a technically sound CNMP can be the first line of defense against a lawsuit. Additionally, a CNMP can be used to make solid business decisions that consider production efficiency, economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability and social responsibility. A successful CNMP can also be used to prevent future problems. |
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| What’s the difference between an
NMP and a CNMP? |
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A Nutrient Management Plan is designed to effectively utilize all nutrients produced by animal waste on the farm. However, a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan takes into account other types of management practices and also incorporates record keeping and land treatment practices along with other important areas.
EMS, LLC
offers CNMP, Conservation Planning and NMP Planning. |
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Can my NMP function as a CNMP? |
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Although the Nutrient Management Plan is a vital part of the CNMP, it is not
comprehensive enough to address all areas a CNMP
must contain to be certified. |
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What kind of information is in the CNMP? |
There are seven elements that could be part of a CNMP:
- Manure, Wastewater Handling & Storage
- Land Treatment Practices
- Nutrient Management
- Record Keeping
- Feed Management
- Other Utilization Activities
- Operation and Maintenance Plan
Conservation planning and land treatment practices
are integrated throughout the seven elements of the
CNMP. |
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Who can do a CNMP? |
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In order for a CNMP to be certified and legal, it is important to have a trained, certified professional complete the CNMP
with the producer. Environmental Management Solutions,
LLC
trains planners and keeps them up-to-date on the latest
requirements required by the USDA and EPA. Along with a developer, EMS,
LLC
has the resources to employ other professionals to make the development and planning process as thorough as possible. EMS,
LLC
contracts with Agronomists, Professional Engineers,
and Consultants. The producer also plays a major role in the development and planning process of the CNMP. |
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Who are the CNMP developers and how are they
selected? |
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Environmental Management Solutions, LLC
selects agronomists, professional engineers, and
consultants to become certified CNMP planners. By obtaining a wide variety of individuals, it helps to insure that the CNMP will be as thorough and accurate as possible. |
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What does the producer have to provide for a CNMP? |
The producer will need to provide a detailed map of
the production and land application areas. The map
should include the following:
- Farm property lines
- Field with the field identification
- Location of all surface waters such as streams,
rivers, ponds, lakes and other water
supplies such as wells and pipelines
- Arrows showing the direction that streams or
rivers flow
- A soil map if available
- This map will serve as the basis for the entire
plan, so each field should have a unique
identification. In addition to the map, prepare a
list of the crops to be grown in each field with a
realistic yield goal for each crop
Other
helpful items:
- Soil tests and manure tests are also
important for a successful nutrient
management plan, and must be provided prior to beginning a CNMP
- EMS, LLC utilizes a data gathering form
(Form A), which the producer must also
fill out prior to beginning a CNMP
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How much will a CNMP cost? |
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Several factors will be considered when pricing your individual CNMP.
The price will depend on the size and scope of the
operation. This will include the development,
start-up, implementation, documentation and
operation, as well as follow-up visits. There
may be some USDA cost share programs available for
producers, which could help offset part of the cost. |
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Can I obtain financial assistance to develop and
implement my CNMP? |
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Producers
who receive state certification of their CNMP may be
eligible for cost-share through their local Soil and
Water Conservation District. The NRCS
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
also provides cost-share for the development and
implementation of conservation measures.
Contact your local NRCS Field Office for specific
information. |
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How long will the CNMP development take? Will I have
to be present for the
development? |
| The development process can take anywhere from two to four days, depending on the size and scope of the operation. Each producer will provide the necessary documents to the development team prior to the team’s arrival to the farm.
After arriving at the farm, on day one, the producer
needs to be available to sit down with the planning
team to discuss the operation and answer any
questions the planning team has. The team will
then complete a "walk-around" of the production
areas and a "drive-around" of the land application
areas to determine if the documents are accurate and
up-to-date. This part of the process can take
anywhere from a few hours to one day. it is
helpful for the producer to be present during this
step to clarify any uncertainties the development
team might have. After the "walk-around" and
"drive-around" of the property is complete, the
development team will utilize the information and
develop a CNMP that is specific and unique to the
operation. The producer need not be present
during this step. |
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Is it necessary for a producer to go through the
On-Farm Assessment and
Environmental Review before
obtaining a CNMP? |
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While it is not required that a producer participate in the On Farm Assessment and Environmental Review (OFAER) Program prior to the CNMP planning process, approximately 80% of the information required on the OFAER Form A is information that is also required for the CNMP. The OFAER program is a free, confidential service offered by Environmental Management Solutions,
LLC
and funded through America’s Clean Water Foundation.
It is highly recommended the
assessment be completed prior to the CNMP
development. |
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How will my biosecurity protocol be observed? |
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The planners take special measures to avoid violating any biosecurity protocol observed by the producer.
Planners will not enter any buildings, and will wear plastic boots and/or coveralls, as instructed by the producer. The
planners will follow any biosecurity regulations established by the operation.
Your biosecurity protocol must be communicated
accurately to the CNMP Development Team prior to the
CNMP planning visit. |
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When manure is given or sold, does that have to be
included in a CNMP? |
Yes, the amount of manure given away or sold must be
indicated in the CNMP. If the manure that is
given/sold is not applied by the generator or
his/her contractor, then the following minimum
record keeping requirements will be specified in a CNMP
through documentation of the amount of manure
sold/given.
- A manure analysis must be provided to the
receiving party.
- The recipient's name and contact information.
- The date of transfer.
- General information on proper manure utilization
will be provided to the recipient, and if this is
the case then this will be noted.
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If the farmer who generates the manure applies the
manure to someone
else’s cropland or hires a
commercial applicator to apply manure on another
person’s cropland, what must be included in the
farmer’s CNMP? |
It is the responsibility of the manure
generator/applicator to ensure that as much of the
manure nutrient resource is available for
utilization as possible. For farmers that spread
their manure on someone else’s ground, or who hire
a commercial applicator to apply manure on another
person’s cropland, the following must be included
in the CNMP.
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Determination of application at agronomic rate.
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Setbacks and no-spreading zones. Sensitive areas
as listed in the CNMP outline must be identified on
field maps where manure is applied. Sensitive areas
include streams and drains along or in fields, tile
inlets, wetlands, and swales or gullies.
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Risk of runoff from fields due to winter manure
application.
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Conformance with Generally Accepted Agricultural
Management Practices for Manure Management and
Utilization.
The information must be documented in the
generator/applicator’s CNMP prior to manure
application on a field.
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Field Naming and Numbering |
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All EMS,
LLC
planners use the numbering system defined by
producers. Unless required by the state, EMS,
LLC
doesn't change the field numbers to reflect state
FSA numbers. |
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What is the quality control mechanism at EMS,
LLC? |
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A team of internal reviewers
checks all work completed by EMS,
LLC planners.
After all revisions are compiled from the producer
and the development team, EMS,
LLC either
certifies or sends the plan to the certifying agency
within the producer's state, where it is typically
reviewed again. After the CNMP is certified,
it will be given to the owner of the operation to be
implemented. |
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Where can I get more information about CNMP
planning? |
For more information on Comprehensive Nutrient
Management Planning, NMP, or Conservation Planning services offered by
Environmental Management Solutions, LLC, contact:
Environmental Management Solutions, LLC
Attn: Jennifer Otto
P.O Box 14586
Des Moines, IA 50306
Phone: 515-278-8002
Fax: 515-278-8011
Email:
ottoj@emsllc.org
www.emsllc.orgIf you
are interested in becoming a
certified CNMP planner through EMS,
LLC contact:
Jenny Felt, Director of Education
and CNMPs
Phone: 515/278-8002
Email: feltj@emsllc.org |
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