The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2011-12
REGULATE: CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITIES |
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| GROUP: |
NON-DAIRY CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITIES (CAFs) |
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| MEASURE: |
NUMBER OF REGULATED NON-DAIRY FACILITIES |
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| MESSAGE: |
Most non-dairies are concentrated in regions 7 and 8. |
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MEASUREMENTS
WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING
Non-Dairies are concentrated mostly in Regions 7 and 8. The size of the facilities, measured by the number of animals in each facility varies significantly because these facilities include small animals as well as bigger animals (Feedlots, Hogs, Chickens and Other). The Regional Water Boards may regulate waste discharges from confined animal facilities (CAFs) by issuing or conditionally waiving Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs), as well as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits where the discharge is to waters of the U.S.
WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT
Wastes generated at CAFs can adversely impact the quality and beneficial uses of waters. There are a wide variety of CAFs that are regulated by the Regional Water Boards. Other Non-Dairy types of operations that are regulated by the Regional Water Boards include poulty, swine, equestrian, and veal calf operations. Several Regional Water Boards are evaluating increased regulation of CAFs. In addition to issuing permits, the Regional Water Boards are responsible for conducting inspections, and issuing enforcement actions against both regulated and non-regulated CAFs. A significant number of Non-Dairy facilities remain to be regulated in some regional boards. The Water Boards are in the process of compiling this information that will be presented in next year’s report card.
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
GLOSSARY
- CAF
- (Confined Animal Facility) is defined in California regulations as "any place where cattle, calves, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, fowl, or other domestic animals are corralled, penned, tethered, or otherwise enclosed or held and where feeding is by means other than grazing."
