Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation General Permit

What is the purpose of this permit?
The Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) General Permits are issued to operations that confine livestock for long periods of time in pens or barns and discharge pollution to surface or groundwater. Livestock manure is a source of nitrates in drinking water, which can pose a health risk. Livestock manure can also pollute and close public and commercial shellfish beds. The permits require medium and large-scale livestock operations that discharge groundwater or surface water to implement specific practices to protect water quality.

There are two general permits available to CAFOs:
  • A combined NPDES and State Waste Discharge permit that covers discharges to groundwater and surface water.
  • A standalone State Waste Discharge permit that only covers discharges to groundwater.
Who issues this permit?
Department of Ecology
What activities require this permit?
Operating a concentrated animal feeding operation that discharges or proposes to discharge to State or Federal Waters (surface or ground).
How much will this permit cost?
  • Permit fees are based on the maximum number of Animal Units (AU) a facility may house under their permit coverage.
  • For Fiscal Year 2025, the current fees for a non-dairy CAFO range from $350 to $3,500. Dairy CAFO fees are capped at $0.54 per AU not to exceed $2,320 for FY 2025.
  • The definition of AU may be found in Chapter 173-224-030 WAC.
  • Permit fees are subject to change. Please refer to Chapter 173-224-040 WAC for the current permit fee schedule.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
The application process includes the completion of a Manure Pollution Prevention Plan and a public notice. Applicants applying for the combined NPDES and State Waste Discharge permit must use the template provided in the application to publish a public notice of permit application in a newspaper.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
When making the decision on your permit, Ecology will consider the applicable laws and rules, the contents of your application, and the background environmental conditions.

In the combined NPDES and State Waste Discharge permit, the application process includes public participation. This means that the public may submit comments to Ecology during the 30-day public comment period to support or oppose your proposed activity. If any comments are received, Ecology must review and respond to the comments and take them into consideration when making the decision to issue or deny permit coverage.

How long will it take to review my application?
Approximately 60 days.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications should be submitted through your Secure Access Washington (SAW) account. SAW is the state of Washington's secure portal to access and submit applications. If you haven't already, you will need to sign up for a SAW account; there are detailed directions on how to use SAW on the CAFO webpage.
How long is my permit valid?
Permits are valid from the date coverage is issued to you until the date the CAFO permit expires, which is January 5, 2028. 
What is the appeal process for the permit?
An applicant or any interested party has a right to appeal this permit to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt. The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. “Date of receipt” is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2).
 
To appeal, you must do all the following within 30 days of the date of receipt of the permit: 
  • File your notice of appeal and a copy of the permit is with the PCHB (see filing information below). “Filing” means actual receipt by the PCHB during regular business hours as defined in WAC 371-08-305 and -335. “Notice of appeal” is defined in WAC 371-08-340.
  • Serve a copy of your notice of appeal and the permit on the Department of Ecology by mail, in person, or by email (see addresses below).
  • You must also comply with other applicable requirements in chapter 43.21B RCW and chapter 371-08 WAC.

Filing with the PCHB 
For the most current information visit the PCHB website or call 360-664-9160.

Service on Ecology 

Street Address: 
Department of Ecology 
Attn: Appeals Processing Desk 
300 Desmond Drive SE 
Lacey, WA  98503 

Mailing Address: 
Department of Ecology 
Attn: Appeals Processing Desk 
PO Box 47608 
Olympia, WA  98504-7608
Notes / Comments:
This permit is supported by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Nutrient Management Technical Services Program. WSDA inspects permitted operations and provides technical support.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 302.3
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 460

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 6.7
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 16

(Summary results based on 3 submittals in 2024)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Concentrated-animal-feeding-operation
Subject matter expert phone: 360-764-0890
Subject matter expert email:

cafopermit@ecy.wa.gov

Contact:
Department of Ecology
Water Quality Program
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Fax: (360) 407-6426
Telephone: (360) 407-6600
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Our-Programs/Water-Quality
Triggering Questions:
  • Will you have a concentrated animal feeding operation?
* Permit information last updated 4/16/2025
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