Common use of Manure Storage Clause in Contracts

Manure Storage. Solid manure (from the feedlot and from scraped freestall barns) is typically stored in uncovered storage stockpiles. Because open piles are subjected to rain, they exhibit emission profiles of both aerobic and anaerobic conditions over time. When wet, the stockpiles will be potential sources of NH3, H2S, nitrous oxide, and odor causing compounds due to anaerobic decomposition. When dry, they will be emission sources of nitrous oxide from aerobic decomposition, and particulate matter. Manure handled as a slurry or liquid is stored in earthen impoundments (e.g., anaerobic lagoons). Above ground tanks are another option for storage of these types of manures but are not commonly used. Storage impoundments are designed to hold the total volume of manure and process wastewater generated during the storage period, the increase in volume due to normal precipitation and the increase in volume due to the 25-year, 24-hour storm event while maintaining a minimum freeboard depth of one foot at all times. Emissions from storage tanks and ponds include NH3, H2S, VOCs and CH4. The magnitude of emissions will depend primarily on the length of the storage period and temperature of the manure. Low temperatures will inhibit the microbial activity responsible for the creation of H2S and CH4, but may increase VOC emissions and odors. Long storage periods will increase the opportunity for emissions of VOCs, H2S and NH3.