![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081111160751im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Inspections of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
CWA Topics
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
- Pretreatment of Wastewater
- Biosolids
- Oil Spill Prevention
- Industrial Storm Water
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
- Municipal Storm Water
- Wetlands
- Wastewater Trading Program
- Discharge Monitoring Report - Quality Assurance
An inspection at an animal feeding operation (AFO) or a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) is typically a compliance evaluation inspection, in which the facility is being inspected to determine whether it is complying with the requirements of the Clean Water Act. Another purpose of an AFO/CAFO inspection is to evaluate whether the requirements of any other federal environmental laws are applicable to the facility and, if so, whether the facility is in compliance with such requirements. An inspection of an AFO or CAFO may be conducted for the following reasons:
- Compliance inspection at a permitted facility to evaluate the facility’s compliance with the requirements of its NPDES permit
- Inspection at a nonpermitted AFO to determine whether the facility meets the basic definition of a CAFO (PDF) (25K, 1 p, About PDF) , whether the facility has caused or is likely to cause water pollution, and whether the facility should have an NPDES permit
- Routine inspection
- To follow up on a citizen tip or complaint
- For case development support after a violation has been identified
- To determine whether a facility should be designated as a CAFO
- For a follow-up inspection to ensure that the permittee has implemented required controls or best management practices
- Compliance inspection to ensure compliance with settlement requirements
EPA has prepared a guide on what to expect when EPA inspects your livestock operation (PDF) (329K, 8 pp, About PDF) .