Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

Wisconsin’s agriculture businesses contribute more than $88.3 billion to our economy. Agribusinesses, however, have potential for discharging pollutants to Wisconsin’s waterways. Therefore, every Wisconsin farm, regardless of size, is responsible for meeting performance standards and prohibitions to prevent polluting lakes, rivers, wetlands or groundwater. The state regulates waste storage structures and manure application at large farms as CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) under the U.S. EPA Clean Water Act’s pollutant discharge permit program (known in Wisconsin as WPDES).