Poultry Litter
It’s important to implement best management practices when it comes to stockpiling litter. A poorly managed and improperly located litter pile may be in violation of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and the regulations thereunder.
By implementing recommended practices, you could minimize risks to surface and ground water and avoid potential nuisance issues for neighbors.
Download a copy of the inspector locator map and diagrams by clicking on the buttons above to help you make the best choices when stockpiling poultry litter.
Best Management Practices for Field Stockpiling Poultry Litter
A good site for stockpiling poultry litter would avoid neighbor nuisance, maintain good separation between stockpile and both surface and ground water, and store materials for the shortest time possible. A well-managed and well-located litter pile serves as an example of good stewardship and enhances public relations. Considering your neighbors and the public goes a long way to reducing complaints related to field stockpiling of poultry litter.
Choose a site for Poultry Litter that is:
- High and dry and that does not drain towards a nearby waterbody.
- Above the 100-year floodplain elevation.
- Where there are no groundwater springs, seeps, or subsurface drainage tile lines that could be contaminated by the stored poultry litter.
- As far away as practical from neighboring residences, public roads, or other sensitive areas. Maintaining a distance of more than one hundred (100) feet is generally recommended.
- As far away as practical from springs, streams, all drainageways, ponds, and other surface water. Maintaining a distance of more than one hundred and fifty (150) feet is generally recommended.
- Greater than four hundred (400) feet from community water supply wells.
- Greater than seventy-five (75) feet from any
Best Management Practices for Covering Field Stockpiling Poultry Litter
- Covering stockpiles of poultry litter with plastic sheeting anchored with earth and/or other devices such as auto tires. Heavy gauge (6 mil) plastic sheeting works best.
- Using berms or ditches, if necessary, to prevent surface water from running into or through stockpile.
- Installing a liner. A liner can be as simple as a sheet of six (6) mil plastic laid on the soil surface on top of which the stockpile is formed OR it can be as elaborate as a concrete slab that can be covered with plastic or a permanent cover. The ground liner prevents nutrients from leaching into groundwater
