Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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Agricultural Wastewater

Agriculture is a dynamic industry in Connecticut, contributing $2 billion to our economy each year. Agricultural activity includes the production of crops and the raising of livestock.

Agricultural wastewater generated from a variety of farm activities including animal feeding operations and the processing of agricultural products, can pollute surface and ground water if not properly managed. Examples of agricultural wastewater include but are not limited to manure, milking center wash water, barnyard and feedlot runoff, egg washing and processing, slaughterhouse wastewaters, horse washing waters and runoff associated with composting. Additionally, runoff from croplands can contribute sediment, fertilizers and pesticides into surface waters.

Connecticut is able to offer technical and financial support to farm businesses in their farm waste efforts through the "Partnership for Assistance on Agricultural Waste Management Systems." This partnership includes the following agencies: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Service Agency, University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System, Connecticut Conservation Districts, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

Through this partnership, a farm business may obtain waste management planning, structure design and qualify for financial assistance as well as help in procuring required permits. For further information, contact:

Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Environmental Assistance Program
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 713-2511

USDA Farm Service Agency
344 Merrow Road
Tolland, CT 06084
Phone: (860) 871-2944

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
344 Merrow Road
Tolland, CT 06084
Phone: (860) 871-4011
Fax: (860) 871-4054

Financial Assistance:

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) (link to Natural Resources Conservation Service) 

Technical:

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Technical Resources

Technical Report on Impact of General Permit on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Connecticut (March 2003)

Feasibility Study for Alternative Technologies and Utilization for Managing Dairy and Poultry (December 2005)

Best Management Practices for Agriculture (1996)

Related Info:

Connecticut's Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program - Agriculture

Content Last Updated December 2019