There are a number of different pollutant or contaminant types that SWPPP plans guard against in our waterways and eventually our drinking water sources, and one category that cannot be overlooked here is animal waste. Animal waste may seem like it's just an annoyance to some people, but in the world of SWPPP it can be a significant source of contaminants that needs to be considered in many stormwater management setups.
At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to help. We offer a huge range of SWPPP services to clients around Utah and Idaho, from SWPPP plans and SWPPP certifications to risk management services and more. Here are some of the basics on the kinds of animal waste often encountered on construction sites and runoff areas, the risks these waste formats create to both the environment and human health, and some basic ways to ensure this area is covered in any SWPPP setup on your site.
Kinds of Animal Waste Found in SWPPP
There are several different types of animal waste that are commonly found on construction sites and in runoff areas. These include:
- Livestock Waste: This type of waste comes from larger animals such as cows, horses, sheep, and goats. It may contain manure, urine, or bedding material.
- Poultry Waste: Poultry waste is generated by birds raised for meat or egg production, such as chickens and turkeys. It may contain manure or other organic materials.
- Pet Waste: Pet waste includes any animal feces from domestic pets such as dogs and cats. It can also refer to waste from other common household pets like hamsters, rabbits, or birds.
- Wildlife Waste: Wildlife waste comes from animals that are not domesticated, such as deer, raccoons, or birds. It can also include waste from pests like rats and mice.
- Aquaculture Waste: Aquaculture waste is generated by fish farming operations or aquaponics systems. It may include uneaten feed, feces, and other organic matter from the aquatic animals.
- Industrial Farming Waste: Industrial farming refers to large-scale agricultural operations that produce crops or livestock for commercial purposes. The waste generated in these facilities can vary widely depending on the type of operation but may include animal manure, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or packaging materials.
Environmental and SWPPP Risks
There are a number of direct risks that animal waste can create for the environment and SWPPP setups, including:
- Runoff: Any waste that is not properly contained and managed can potentially runoff into nearby water sources, such as rivers or streams. This can lead to pollution and contamination of the water supply.
- Soil Contamination: Animal waste contains high levels of nutrients that can be beneficial for crops when used as fertilizer in small amounts, but it can also have harmful effects when it is applied in excess. Over-application of animal waste on fields can cause soil contamination, affecting crop growth and potentially leading to food safety issues.
- Direct Contact: Farmers and other workers who handle animal waste on a daily basis are at risk of direct contact with pathogens, which can cause infections or illnesses. Proper safety measures, such as wearing protective gear and frequent hand washing, must be taken to minimize the risk of exposure.
- Air Quality: Animal waste also produces gases such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and methane, which can have negative effects on air quality. These gases contribute to the formation of smog and can irritate respiratory systems in both animals and humans.
Human Health Implications
If not controlled properly, animal waste can have serious implications on human health. Exposure to contaminated water or air can lead to various illnesses, ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe respiratory problems.
Some of the common health risks associated with exposure to animal waste include:
- Infections: Animal waste contains a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms can cause infections in humans if ingested or inhaled.
- Foodborne illnesses: Contamination of crops and drinking water sources by animal waste can lead to foodborne illnesses such as E. coli and Salmonella.
- Respiratory problems: As mentioned earlier, gases produced by animal waste can irritate the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks or other breathing difficulties.
- Water pollution: Animal waste can also seep into groundwater sources and contaminate them, making the water unsafe for human consumption. It can also run off into nearby bodies of water, causing algal blooms and harming aquatic life.
Proper SWPPP Setups
Luckily, a proper SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) setup can help prevent or minimize these negative impacts of animal waste on the environment. A SWPPP is a plan that outlines specific strategies and practices to prevent or reduce stormwater pollution from industrial activities, including animal feeding operations.
Some best management practices (BMPs) included in a SWPPP for animal waste may include:
- Proper manure storage and handling: This involves containing manure in designated areas and regularly removing it to avoid overfilling and potential spills.
- Nutrient management: Careful planning and monitoring of nutrient applications to fields can help prevent excess nutrients from entering waterways.
- Vegetated buffer zones: Planting vegetation along the edges of waterways can help filter out pollutants before they reach the water.
- Erosion control measures: Implementing strategies such as cover crops or conservation tillage can help prevent soil erosion and runoff, which can carry pollutants into water sources.
- Regular maintenance and inspections: It is important for farmers to regularly maintain their facilities and inspect them for any potential issues that could lead to pollution.
At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to help with a wide range of SWPPP needs around Utah and Idaho. Contact us today for help with managing animal waste as part of your stormwater management needs, or for any other service!
