Review:
Feedlot construction and interim permits
Feedlot environmental review
Feedlot construction, operation, and technical requirements
Land application of manure
The MPCA has four types of feedlot permits that may be required for a feedlot facility:
NPDES and SDS permits contain operating conditions for the largest feedlots in Minnesota (generally 1,000 or more animal units). CSF permits authorize construction and expansion activities at smaller feedlots. Interim permits are issued to smaller feedlots that need some time to correct a pollution problem.
For owners of smaller feedlots considering an expansion that would require an NPDES or SDS permit, learn more about what that would entail:
Anaerobic digesters that process manure typically require a feedlot permit.
Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Disposal System (SDS) permits are issued to the larger feedlots in Minnesota for construction and operation.
Applications for the new SDS general permit are now being accepted. Those with current SDS permit coverage should reapply by May 31, 2025, to avoid a lapse in permit coverage.
Applications for the new NPDES general permit will begin in fall 2025.
Until the fall 2025, applications can continue to be submitted for the current NPDES general permit.
The MPCA no longer accepts paper or email applications for NPDES or SDS permits. This includes applications for issuance, reissuance, and all types of modifications. All NPDES and SDS permit applicants must use the online feedlot permit application service. You can also make changes to your facility name, ownership information, and contact person through MPCA Online Services.
Even if you plan to have a consultant prepare your permit application you will need to use the online service to set up an account in order to sign the application.
Guidance Materials
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload an emergency response plan using the provided template (required).
All NPDES and SDS permit applications will be required to submit a manure management plan (MMP) developed using the new online Nutrient Management Tool. You will access this tool from the same online services homepage used to begin a feedlot permit application. Refer to the Land Application of Manure page for more Nutrient Management Tool information and guidance.
Other information
Find forms for manure application recordkeeping on the Land application page
Find construction guidance and location and notification requirements on the Construction, operation, and technical requirements page.
Permit public notices
Prior to issuing coverage under a NPDES or SDS permit, a 30-day public comment period is provided. NPDES and SDS permitting actions open for public comment are available at the link provided below.
Public notices explain:
MPCA public notices and draft permits are listed during the public comment period. (Note: There may or may not be feedlot-related public notices available in the current listing of public notices. Feedlot listings will include the term “Feedlot”.)
What other permits may be required
This may not be a complete list of all required permits. Contact the MPCA, your county feedlot officer and local zoning officials for information about other possible requirements, such as setbacks from residential areas, other local zoning regulations, and stormwater pollution prevention controls.
NPDES Permit: Five years.
SDS Permits: 10 years.
