490006_Application - 03A O&M_20240326

• • r • • 03 •
for a
Waste Management System
Prepared for
Rocky Creek Dairy, Inc.
Iredell County, North Carolina
By
Samuel C. Bingham, PE
845 Baber Road
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
March 2024

Table of Contents
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN
System Overview ........................... 3
Waste Storage Ponds ................. 4
Flush Water Piping, Sand Lane and Sand Storage ......... 5
Silo Leachate at the Bunkers .......................... 5
Waste Hauling System ....................... 6
Clean Water Collection and Piping System ............... 7
Concrete Sand Lane and Sand Settling ................. 7
Vegetated Diversion ............................ 7
Critical Area Planting 8
General Comments 8
Additional Considerations and Responsibilities ....... 9
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN .................. 12
Odor Control Checklist 14
Insect Control Checklist 16
Mortality Checklist .................. 18
HOSE -DRAG OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE .......... 19
HOSE -DRAG EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN ........... 21
AG553-8-HOSE-DRAG EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION ........ 22
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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
This Animal Waste Management System consists of the following major
components:
1. SEVEN WASTE STORAGE PONDS
2. FLUSH WATER PIPING, SAND LANE AND SAND STORAGE
3. WASTE HAULING EQUIPMENT
4. CLEAN WATER COLLECTION AND PIPING SYSTEM
and the following associated components
5. CONCRETE SAND LANE AND SAND SETTLING
6. VEGETATED DIVERSION
7. LIVESTOCK EXCLUSION
8. CRITICAL AREA PLANTING
All waste is scraped or flushed from the freestall barns and stored in the waste
storage ponds. Waste is hauled and hard hose pull applied from the waste
storage ponds and spread at agronomic rates. The waste storage ponds are
designed to provide storage for the waste produced by 1295 milk cows, 150 dry
cows, 1100 heifers and 60 beef cattle feeders.
Also, contaminated runoff flows into the waste storage ponds. The waste
storage ponds are designed to provide storage for normal runoff from the
drainage areas and wastewater from the milk barn and provide storage space for
the twenty-five (25) year, twenty-four (24) hour storm runoff from the drainage
areas.
This Animal Waste Management System is designed to prevent discharge of
Animal Waste Contaminates to surface waters from the twenty-five (25) year,
twenty-four (24) hour storm, as required under the non -discharge regulations.

1. WASTE STORAGE PONDS
OVERVIEW
The waste storage ponds are designed to store manure, runoff and wastewater.
Additional storage space is included to contain the twenty-five (25) year, twenty-
four (24) hour storm runoff from the feedlot. A post will be installed with the level
of the top of post indicating the level of storage available prior to infringing on the
25-year, 24 hour storm capacity. The waste storage ponds consist of earthen
dams and concrete chutes or pipes for discharging contaminated water and
manure into the structures. The maximum storage level below the Top of Dam
Elevation is shown below for each pond. The design storage period is also
shown.
Max. level below TOD
Design Storage Period
Waste Storage Pond #1
Liquid Transferred to
Pond #5
All ponds 180 days
Waste Storage Pond #2
Liquid Transferred to
Pond #5
All ponds 180 days
Waste Storage Pond #3
Liquid Transferred to
Pond #5
All ponds 180 days
Waste Storage Pond #4
Liquid Transferred to
Pond #5
All ponds 180 days
Waste Storage Pond #5
5.5'
All ponds 180 days
Waste Storage Pond #6
1 1.5'
All ponds 180 da s
Waste Storage Pond #7
1 1.9'
All ponds 180 days
OPERATION
The service life of the waste storage ponds will be determined by the level of
management for the entire system. Once the manure and bedding materials
have reached the waste storage pond, how effectively the waste is agitated will
determine the amount of solids which remain in the waste storage pond.
Over time it is expected that some solids will accumulate in the waste storage
pond. Poor management will result in the rapid accumulation of solids, which will
reduce the usable capacity of the waste storage pond to the point that some form
of dredging will be required. If a large volume of solid waste is allowed to wash
from the lot and/or if inadequate agitation is performed, this dredging operation
could be required in a very short period of time.

MAINTENANCE
The concrete in the waste storage ponds should be inspected periodically for
major cracks. Vegetation on the dams should be inspected periodically and
reseeded as needed to maintain a vigorous stand. The dams should be mowed
at least annually to prevent woody growth. Mowing operations must take place
only when the soil of the dam is dry, and vegetation should not be mowed to a
height of less than four (4) inches at any time. See vegetative specification for
further requirements. Any evidence of sloughing or seepage should be reported
to the Iredell Soil & Water Conservation District office.
2. FLUSH WATER PIPING, SAND LANE AND SAND STORAGE
OVERVIEW
The milking parlor wastewater and manure from freestall barns and parlor will be
transferred to sand settling areas in flush ditch. Concrete lanes and sand
storage area will be used to slow water and settle sand.
MAINTENANCE
Inspect the concrete components for cracks or other damage and make repairs
or replacements as needed. Inspect the structure regularly and remove
accumulated solids.
3. SILO LEACHATE AT THE BUNKERS
OVERVIEW
The leachate will be collected at the collection areas at the bunker silos. All the
leachate and runoff are collected at one point. A screen will be fitted in front of
the collection area to capture the large solids prior to entering the transfer pipe to
the waste ponds. An implement will be constructed that will allow a loader type
quick attach screen to easily remove solids. The screen can then be replaced
back in front of the collection area. A concrete junction box is planned next to the
collection area to pipe the leachate to a waste pond.
During periods of no leachate flow, the size of leachate collection will be
restricted to allow rainfall runoff to flow down the grass waterway and diversion
located downhill of the bunkers. The intent is not to collect and store clean water
in a waste pond.
The general area within the bunker silos should be kept as clean as possible to
reduce leachate from rotting silage. The plastic covering silos should be kept as
watertight as possible to limit rainfall from entering stored silage.

MAINTENANCE
Inspect the concrete components for cracks or other damage and make repairs
or replacements as needed. Inspect the structure regularly and remove
accumulated solids. The junction box may require solids to be removed
occasionally to prevent restriction of pipe flow from the junction box.
4. WASTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
OVERVIEW
The waste handling equipment consists of spreading slurry using slurry manure
tank and hard hose pull. Slurry tanks and hard hose pull are loaded with an
agitator pump system.
Manure spreading should be initiated prior to the liquid level reaching the full
storage level marker in each waste storage pond. When the liquid level in the
waste storage pond reaches the marker, liquids must be removed for land
application. Do not spread in such a manner as to cause runoff or erosion. Do
not spread on frozen or saturated soils.
The initial step in each spreading operation is to properly agitate the waste in the
waste storage ponds. Slurry waste will be hard hose spread to the fullest extent
possible. At the waste storage settling pond #1 and #2 at the sand lane with
concrete ramp and concrete slab in bottom, sand accumulations will be
mechanically removed each year if necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Soil tests the application fields annually. Vegetation in the fields should be
inspected periodically and reseeded as needed to insure a vigorous stand.
Fields may also need to be limed and fertilized annually.

5. CLEAN WATER COLLECTION AND PIPING SYSTEM
OVERVIEW
Clean water collection and piping consists of piping and diverting clean water
away from waste storage ponds.
►Tt ►, ►FTHI
Inspect the components of the clean water collection and piping system annually
for cracks or other damage and make repairs or replace as needed. Inspect
annually and remove accumulated sediment.
6. CONCRETE SAND LANE AND SAND SETTLING
OVERVIEW
The concrete channel is constructed to transfer sand laden manure and milking
parlor wash water. The sand lane will settle sand. Sand will need to be removed
daily from the beach and settling channel. Sand in the lower leg should be
moved to the upper leg to rewash. The beach and sand storage areas will be
used to store sand removed from the sand lane. Sand traps are not 100%
effective.
MAINTENANCE
The concrete should be inspected periodically for major cracks.
7. VEGETATED DIVERSION
OVERVIEW
Vegetated diversions are located above the waste storage ponds and will convey
non -contaminated runoff around the structures.
MAINTENANCE
The vegetation in the diversion should be inspected periodically and reseeded as
needed to insure a vigorous stand. It is essential that neither vehicles nor
livestock be allowed to create travel lanes within the diversion. The diversion
should be mowed at least annually to prevent woody growth. The diversion may
be control grazed or mowed for hay. Grazing and mowing operations must take
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place only when the soil is dry, and vegetation should not be grazed or mowed to
a height of less than four (4) inches. If sedimentation has reduced the capacity
of the channel, contact the Iredell Soil and Water Conservation District for
technical assistance in correcting this problem. See vegetative specification for
further requirements.
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OVERVIEW
Critical area planting applies to seeding diversions and bare areas around
freestall barns.
MAINTENANCE
Soil samples should be taken at least once per year. Fertilizer and lime should
be applied at the rates recommended as a result of the soil test. Fertilizer and
lime should be applied either during September -October or February -March.
Vegetation should be inspected periodically and reseeded as needed to insure a
vigorous stand.
All grass should be mowed at least annually to prevent woody growth. Mowing
operations must take place only when the soil is dry and vegetation should not be
mowed to a height of less than four (4) inches at any time. Do not mow cool
season grasses during periods when plants are showing signs of drought stress.
GENERAL COMMENTS
PESTICIDE USE
Extreme care should be exercised with the use of all herbicides so that desirable
vegetation, especially that of the filter area, diversion and dam, is not adversely
affected. It is a violation of law to use any pesticide in a manner not permitted by
its labeling. To protect yourself, never apply any pesticide in a manner or for a
purpose other than as instructed on the label or in labeling accompanying the
pesticide product that you purchase. Do not ignore the instructions for use of
protective clothing and devices and for storage and disposal of pesticide wastes,
including containers.
REPAIRS
Notify the Iredell Soil and Water conservation District if repairs or major
modifications are required for any of the components of this Waste Management
System.

Additional Considerations and Requirements
The collection, treatment and storage facilities shall be properly
maintained and operated at all times; this also includes the land
application equipment and sites.
2. A suitable vegetative cover shall be maintained on all land application
sites and buffers in accordance with the Waste Utilization Plan. No waste
may be applied on fields not approved by or prepared in accordance with
the Waste Utilization Plan.
3. An acceptable pH of the soil shall be maintained on all land application
sites to insure an optimum yield for the crop(s) being grown.
4. The plant available nitrogen (PAN) application rates and hydraulic loading
rates identified in the Waste Utilization Plan shall not be exceeded.
5. Application of animal waste on land which is used to grow crops for direct
human consumption (e.g., strawberries, melons, lettuce, cabbage, etc.)
shall not occur within 30 days prior to or during the planting of the crop or
at any time during the growing season, or in the case of fruit bearing trees,
30 days prior to breaking dormancy. For fiber and food crops, which
undergo further processing, application of animal waste shall not occur
within 30 days of harvesting. If waste is to be applied to bare soil, the
waste shall be incorporated into the soil within 24 hours after the
application on land.
6. Domestic wastewater from showers, toilets, etc. shall not be discharged
into the animal waste management system. Wash vats required to be
connected to the animal waste management system by the Grade A
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance Part II, Section 7, Item 5r are exempt from this
requirement. Wash -down of stock trailers owned by and used on the dairy
only will be permissible as long as the design accommodates the
additional wastewater and as long as detergents and disinfectants are
used which have been labeled as readily biodegradable by the
manufacturer.
7. Disposal of dead animals shall be done in accordance with the North
Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) regulations and the Waste
Utilization Plan.
8. Grazing of animals on application sites shall be controlled in accordance
with USDA -Natural Resources Conservation Service Standards.
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9. Solid materials such as, but not limited to, bottles, gloves, syringes, silo
covers or any other solid waste from the dairy operation shall be
prevented from entering the waste management system and shall be
disposed of properly.
10. The facility must have either adequate animal waste application and
handling equipment on site, a lease for the use of necessary equipment, a
contract with a third -party applicator or a contract for the purchase of the
equipment. In all cases, the equipment must be capable of applying the
waste on sites specified in the Waste Utilization Plan and at rates not to
exceed agronomic and hydraulic loading for the sites.
11. Animal waste shall not be applied to wetlands or surface water or shall not
reach wetlands or surface waters of the state by runoff, drift, manmade
conveyances (pipes or ditches), direct application, or direct discharge
during operation or land application. Any discharge of waste which
reaches surface water, is prohibited. Illegal discharges are subject to the
assessment of civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation by the
Division of Water Quality for every day the discharge continues.
12. Animal waste shall be applied on land eroding at less than 5 tons per
acres per year. Waste may be applied to land that is eroding at 5 or more
tons but less than 10 tons per acre per year providing grass filter strips are
installed where runoff leaves the field.
13. Animal waste shall not be applied to saturated soils, during rainfall events,
or when the soil surface is frozen. When animal waste is to be applied on
acres subject flooding, it will be soil incorporated on conventionally tilled
cropland. When applied to conservation -tilled crops or grassland, the
waste may be broadcast, provided the application does not occur during a
season prone to flooding.
14. Animal waste shall not be applied closer than 25 feet to surface water.
This distance may be reduced for waters that are not perennial provided
adequate vegetative filter strips are present.
15. Animal waste shall not be applied closer than 100 feet to wells.
16. Animal waste shall not be applied closer than 200 feet to dwellings other
than those owned by the landowner.
17. Waste shall not be applied on other property or public right-of-ways.
18. Animal waste applied on grassed waterways shall be at agronomic rates
and in a manner that causes no runoff or drift from the site.
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19. Waste shall be tested within 60 days of utilization and soil shall be tested
at least annually at crop sites where waste products are applied. Nitrogen
shall be the rate -determining element. Zinc and copper levels in the soils
shall be monitored and alternative crop sites shall be used when these
metals approach excess levels. Soil test and waste analysis records shall
be kept for 5 years.
20. Liquid waste shall be applied at rates not to exceed the soil infiltration rate.
No ponding shall occur.
21. Records of waste application shall be maintained to establish actual
application rates. The records will include date of application, amount of
waste applied per acre by tract number and field number, most recent
waste analysis and soil test report, and the realistic yield expectation
(RYE) nitrogen rate. Waste application records shall be maintained for 5
years.
22. Proper calibration of application equipment should be done to ensure
uniformity and accuracy of spreading rates.
23. Animal waste should be applied on actively growing crops in such a
manner that the crop is not covered with waste to a depth that would
inhibit growth. The potential for salt damage from animal waste should be
considered also.
24. It is the responsibility of the owner of the dairy to secure an update of the
waste utilization plan when there is a change in the operation, number of
animals (increase), method of utilization or available land.
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EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
This plan will be implemented in the event that waste from your livestock
operation leaks, overflowing or running off of the site. You should not wait until
waste reaches surface waters or leave your property to consider that you have a
problem. You should make every effort to ensure that this does not happen.
This plan should be posted in an accessible location for all employees at the
dairy facility. The following are some action items you should take.
Stop the release of waste. Depending on the situation, this may or may
not be possible. Suggested responses to some possible problems are
listed below.
A. Solid manure stacking facility solutions may be:
a. Add soil to form a berm around the structure.
b. Remove waste from the structure and transport to the field.
c. Stop all flows to the wastewater tank immediately.
d. Call a contractor to remove waste from the structure.
e. Make sure no surface water is entering the structure.
2. Assess the extent of the spill and note any obvious damage.
A. Did the waste reach any surface waters?
B. Approximately how much waste was released and for what
duration?
C. Was any damage observed, such as an employee injury, fish kill or
property damage?
D. Did the spill leave the property?
E. Does the spill have the potential to reach surface waters?
F. Could a future rain event cause the spill to reach surface waters?
G. Are potable water sources such as wells in danger (either on or off
of the property)?
H. How much reached the surface waters?
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3. Contact the appropriate agencies.
A. Contact the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources - Division of Water Quality at the Mooresville Regional
Office.
PHONE: [phone]
Hours: 8:OOam - 5:OOpm Monday through Friday
IF OUTSIDE NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS:
Contact the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public
Safety - Division of Emergency Management's
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY HOTLINE (24 hours)
PHONE: [phone]
B. If the spill leaves your property or enters surface waters, instruct
Emergency Management personnel to contact the local Health
Department.
C. Contact the Iredell Soil and Water Conservation District
D. Contact the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
4. If none of the above works or if there is an immediate danger to human
life, call 911 or the Iredell County Sheriff's Department. Explain your
problem to them and ask that person to contact the proper agencies
for you.
5. Contact the contractor of your choice to begin repair of the problem to
minimize off -site damage.
Contractor's Name: Todd Elmore
Contractor's Address: Elmore Grading
Contractor's Phone: [phone]
6. Implement procedures as advised by the Division of Water Quality and
technical assistance agencies to rectify the damage, repair the system
and reassess the waste management plan to prevent future releases of
animal waste.
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