Manure Management
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Manure is a necessary part of the pig production process and is an important nutrient resource for crops. Good environmental stewardship and being a good neighbor requires the proper management of the manure, in storage, while being transferred and during land application, to prevent spills and minimize odor. This presentation will focus on the management of manure in storage There are many federal, state and local regulations regarding manure management practices that must always be followed.
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Manure Management
- 1. Manure Management Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 2. System operation Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 3. Deep Pits • Monitor for : • Foaming • Pit fans • Manure levels • Leaks/structural damage Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 4. Lagoons • Flushing • Scraping • Pit recharge Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 5. Lagoons • Inspect for: • Plants or trees • Holes • Cracks • Erosion • Signs of seepage or leaking • Grass height. Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 6. Lagoons • Safety • Life Preservers • Throw ropes • Harnesses • Clear signage Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 7. Lift Pumps Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 8. Monitor manure levels • Seepage • Overflow prevention Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 9. Hazardous gases Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 10. Methane • Colorless • Odorless • Explosion Hazard • Pit Foam Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 11. Carbon Dioxide • Colorless • Odorless • Non-flammable • Panting & dizziness Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 12. Ammonia • Strong smell • Colorless • Irritates eyes, throat, lungs • Suffocation Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 13. Hydrogen Sulfide • Flammable • Poisonous • Smells like rotten eggs • Deadens sense of smell • Irritates eyes, throat, lungs • Loss of consciousness • Death • DO NOT ENTER Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 14. Manure Pits Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 15. Emergency Action Plan • What to do • Who to call Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 16. Emergency Action Plan Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
- 17. Summary *Federal, State and local regulations must always be followed Summary Emergency Action Plan Hazardous Gases LagoonsManure Pits System Operations
Editor's Notes
- Manure is a necessary part of the pig production process and is an important nutrient resource for crops. Good environmental stewardship and being a good neighbor requires the proper management of the manure, in storage, while being transferred and during land application, to prevent spills and minimize odor. This presentation will focus on the management of manure in storage There are many federal, state and local regulations regarding manure management practices that must always be followed.
- All storage systems must be evaluated frequently and preventative maintenance completed to reduce the risk of a failure that may have an environmental impact. Deep pit storage under the barn generally has the capacity to hold about 6 months worth of manure. The manure is pumped out for application to land or to another manure storage site such as a lagoon or tank. Monitor deep pits for : Foaming. Pit fans Manure levels Agitation is required prior to pumping out stored manure. Odor and gases are released as manure is agitated. Whenever possible, it is preferable to agitate and apply manure on sunny warm days when odors will be drawn upwards. Avoid agitation and application on windy days when odors may be blown towards neighbors.
- In some systems, the building has shallow pits that are flushed or scraped a few times a day to an outside lagoon or earthen basin. In others, a pit recharge is used where a plug is removed to allow the manure in the barn to move by gravity to the storage lagoon. Where flushing or scraping systems are used, it is important to check that all parts of the system, including timers, are working correctly and to maintain them properly. With pit recharge systems, it is important to replace the plug and to refill the pit with about 12 inches of new liquid.
- Regular visual inspections will help to identify potential problems and address them as early as possible The lagoon and surrounding area should be from all trash including gloves, artificial insemination rods, semen pouches, pens etc. You can help to reduce trash in the lagoon by preventing trash falling into the manure pits under the barns. Place plenty of trash bins close to work areas and empty them regularly. Lagoon integrity. Regularly inspect the lagoon for: large plants or trees starting to grow along the embankment or berm. These should be removed before they cause damage to the berm Holes made by burrowing animals Cracks Erosion Signs of seepage or leaking Grass height. The area around the lagoon should be mowed as necessary. Some manure storage systems include a secondary containment structure that will capture runoff in the event of a malfunction and prevent it from being spilled into the environment. These structures should also be checked regularly.
- All workers should be aware of the safety issues when working around lagoons. It is recommended that life preservers, throw ropes and harnesses be available in case of emergency. Fencing or barriers, in good condition, should also be in place to prevent access by animals or unauthorized people. This is especially important if children have access to the area. Make sure signs indicating the hazards associated with the lagoon are clearly visible.
- Lift pumps or station may be used where there is a need to move the manure up to a higher level for storage or if the manure has to be moved a distance to storage. Regular monitoring and maintenance of a lift pump is important to ensure proper function. Keeping trash out of the manure pits will help to keep pumps running properly.
- Manure levels in all systems must be monitored to prevent overspill and estimate the amount of manure available for land application. Monitoring manure levels may also help to identify seepage to the environment. For open, outdoor storage, document the amount of rainfall. This will help to identify the cause for a rapid rise in the manure level. In deep pit systems under barns, the level can also affect the amount air exhausted by pit fans. Most regulations require the recording of manure levels. In a deep pit system the amount of manure in the pit may be measured by inserting a long rod or pole through the slats into the manure. The amount of manure or level of manure on the pole will indicate the depth. There should be at least 2 feet between the top of the manure and the slats. Alternatively, a laser measure may be used. To monitor the manure level in a lagoon, the ‘freeboard’ is measured. The ‘freeboard’ is the space above the manure available for storage. A permanent permit level marker is usually placed in the lagoon with marks to indicate levels.
- Toxic gases can be generated from hog manure. It is important to be able to identify the gases that are released during normal pork production, the sources of those gases and the symptoms or reactions that exposure to them may cause. DO NOT ENTER an area where toxic gases are suspected. DO NOT ENTER an area where manure is being agitated. DO NOT ENTER a manure pit without proper training and equipment including breathing apparatus. Dilute the gases by bringing fresh air into the area when possible. Use a monitor to test for hazardous gases. A manure pit is a permit required confined space.
- Methane is released during decomposition and agitation of manure. Methane is a colorless, odorless and usually nontoxic gas. However, it is flammable and poses an explosion hazard. Watch for pit foam and use caution especially when agitating manure or pressure washing a room where ventilation has been reduced. Remove potential sources of ignition such as pilot lights on heaters. Do not weld above a pit that is foaming.
- Carbon dioxide is a heavy, colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas that is released as animals and humans breathe . It is also a product of decomposition and common in manure storage. Humans have no reaction to low levels of Carbon Dioxide, but a 10 percent concentration will cause panting and dizziness.
- Ammonia is a pungent, colorless, noxious gas, released during the decomposition and agitation of manure Ammonia is easily detected even in small concentrations. At low levels it can irritate eyes, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure may make you more susceptible to respiratory diseases. Concentrations as low as 0.5 percent may cause suffocation. For hogs, at non-lethal levels, symptoms include sneezing, increased salivation and loss of appetite. Keep facilities well ventilated and let your supervisor know if you suspect ammonia may be causing a problem. A simple Ammonia testing kit will help to identify elevated levels.
- Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, poisonous gas that has an odor of rotten eggs but only at very low levels. It is released during agitation and decomposition of manure. In humans higher levels will deaden the sense of smell while small amounts quickly and severely irritate eyes, throat, and lungs. Even low concentrations will cause immediate loss of consciousness and death. Do not enter an area where hydrogen sulfide is suspected. Do not enter a barn where manure is being agitated. In animals, constant exposure at low levels could induce a fear of light, nervousness and loss of appetite. As concentration increases, animals will vomit and will suffer from diarrhea, and eventually death. Being able to identify the source and effects or symptoms of certain respiratory hazards will help you prevent hazardous exposures to gases and may save your life!
- Manure pits and lift stations are considered a permit required confined space and all safety precautions must be taken before entering. DO NOT ENTER without training, a permit and authorization. Test the pit for oxygen content and gases before entering. Wear proper safety equipment including breathing apparatus and safety harness and have an outside observer/rescuer. Your life may be at immediate risk if you do not follow all confined space and manure pit entry procedures. It is preferable to use a professional who is trained and familiar with the requirements and dangers of manure pit entry. Do not attempt to rescue someone who has collapsed in a manure pit without following the procedures. Call 911 for help.
- Despite your best efforts, a manure spill may still occur. A detailed emergency action plan will explain how to manage the situation and minimize the environmental impact.
- The plan should explain how to control the source to stop further release, contain the spilled manure to prevent or minimize environmental damage, who to call and how to clean up any spill. Ask your supervisor to show you the location of the Emergency Action Plan and to explain the steps that should be taken. It is critical that all hog production facility employees familiarize themselves with the key emergency situation practices at the facility. It is crucial that you react quickly and calmly in case of an emergency. Being familiar with your company’s Emergency Action Plan helps you know exactly what to do.
- Proper manure management can reduce odors and the risk the of an environmental incident. Pay attention to manure storage levels, the integrity of all manure storage structures and manure handling systems. Know how to respond if a manure spill occurs. Always follow all federal, state and local manure handling and storage regulations including monitoring levels and reporting spills.