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Since Talbot County is home to several poultry producers, the Talbot Soil Conservation District felt that important information regarding the new legislation on poultry operations be available at the district. The following definitions are from a draft from the Maryland Department of Environment. Please be sure to visit www.mde.state.md.us for up to date information.
AFO - An Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) is a lot or facility where animals have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of at least 45 days in any 12-month period, and the animal confinement area does not sustain crops, vegetation, forage growth, or post-harvest residues in the normal growing season. AFOs congregate animals and production operations on a small land area. Feed is brought to the animals rather than the animals grazing or otherwise seeking feed in pastures or fields.
CAFO - A Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) is any large or medium AFO that discharges or proposes to discharge to surface waters of the State. Currently Maryland has 13 CAFOs permitted and pending permit coverage under the previous federal requirements that were based solely on size categories. Under EPA's pending new rules, CAFOs must obtain permit coverage only if they actually discharge or propose to discharge in the future. As a result, Maryland's universe of permitted CAFOs may increase or decrease depending on the specific situation of each AFO.
MAFO - A Maryland Animal Feeding Operation (MAFO) is any large animal feeding operation (i.e. poultry operations totaling 100,000 square feet or greater, and for other AFOs based on EPA's definition of large facility based on numbers of animals) that is not otherwise permitted as a CAFO. Since these facilities have a significant potential to discharge to either surface or groundwaters of the state, Maryland has proposed regulations to protect water quality.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Delmarva produces about 7% of America’s broiler chickens
Delaware is ranked # 8*
Maryland is ranked # 9*
Virginia is ranked # 11*
* Based on pounds of meat produced |
Links:
 Extension Bulletin about CAFO's
AFO Draft Fact Sheet (MDE)
AFO General Permit Final Determination - MDE
 General Permit for AFO's - MDE
CAFO Final Rule - EPA
Delmarva Poulty Industry
Chicken Industry Remains Key Economic Force
Please contact Christy Brown if you have any questions about the need for Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan at 410-822-1577 x 105.
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