Revised:  06/04/2008

Horse Owners: Are You Affected By Water Quality and CAFO Regulations?
 

Charles Kuperus, Secretary of Agriculture for New Jersey

In July 2003 Charles Kuperus, Secretary of Agriculture for New Jersey, and Bradley Campbell, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, mailed a letter to New Jersey livestock owners and organizations in reference to the water-quality regulations taking effect.  This letter included AFO (animal feeding operations) and CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operations) definitions, and what must be done to apply for a permit if a facility met the specifications.  The Department of Agriculture is strongly recommending any farm with livestock follow a conservation plan.

Bradley Campbell, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

The Federal Clean Water Act establishes a comprehensive program with the goal of protecting our nation’s waters.  As a part of the Act, guidelines have been established that certain farms need to follow.  Regardless of size, any horse farm may be considered a CAFO.  If a farm has 500 horses it automatically is considered a CAFO.  However, a farm with only 150 horses which also directly discharges pollutants into state waterways, would be considered a CAFO.  In addition, there are case-by-case exceptions that may designate a farm as a CAFO.  (See the fact sheet for more details.)

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Salem County will educate animal feeding operations through various media about regulations and options that are open to them.  Ask your local County Extension Office what is available in your county.  To visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension website go to http://njaes.rutgers.edu/.