Draft CAFO Permit and Fact Sheet Released - PRO DAIRY
Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Draft CAFO Permit and Fact Sheet Released The Draft State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) General Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) is now available for public comment through February 18, 2022.
- View the draft permit here: Draft SPDES ECL General Permit for CAFOs (GP-0-22-001) (PDF)
- View the fact sheet here: Draft SPDES ECL General Permit for CAFOs (GP-0-22-001) Fact Sheet (PDF)
Notice of Issuance - Renewal of Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is proposing a renewal of the ECL SPDES General Permit for CAFOs (GP-0-16-001) by publishing and requesting comments on the Draft ECL SPDES General Permit for CAFOs: GP-0-22-001. Construction of a point source that is designed, constructed, operated and maintained to not discharge manure or process wastewater is deemed eligible for coverage under ECL SPDES General Permit GP-0-22-001 and must obtain coverage prior to operation of the CAFO facility. Owners or operators of existing CAFOs eligible to be covered by GP-0-22-001 shall submit a Request for Continued Permit Coverage form and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) Certification to NYS DEC at least 30 calendar days prior to July 24, 2022 (the effective date this permit). Notifications for new facilities must be made at least 30 calendar days prior to commencing operation of the new facility. Refer to the General Permit and Fact Sheet for application requirements for existing and new facilities. Clean Water Act (CWA) SPDES General Permit GP-0-16-002 NYS DEC is not renewing the CWA SPDES General Permit GP-0-19-001. That permit will expire July 23, 2022. Following the date of that permit expiration, CAFOs designed, constructed, operated and maintained to discharge manure or process wastewater must apply for permit coverage by submitting an industrial SPDES NY-2C application. SEQR Determination Pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, General Permit GP-0-22-001 renews GP-0-16-001 and is a Type II action. Public Comment Information The Draft General Permit and Fact Sheet can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6285.html. Written comments must be formally submitted, by email to cafoinfo@dec.ny.gov, or to the contact listed below by the close of business, February 18, 2022. If submitting comments by email, please include "Comments on the Draft ECL SPDES CAFO General Permit GP-0-22-001" in the subject line. Contact: Sara Latessa, NYS DEC - Division of Water, 625 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-3505, Phone: (518) 402-8279.
Upcoming Events
Livestock Production Field Day
August 29, 2026 : Livestock Production Field Day
Chaffee, NY and East Aurora, NY,
Join us on visits to Horizon Ridge Farm in East Aurora and Troll Bridge Farm in Chaffee for an introduction to small beef and small diversified livestock enterprises. Through walking farm tours, attendees will learn about management, meat processing, setting prices, and finding local markets. Dinner will be provided. Register by contacting Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or 716-640-0844.
Poultry Processing Workshop, Naples, NY
September 17, 2026 : Poultry Processing Workshop - Naples, NY
Naples, NY
This program is one of four statewide roadshow stops across the state, offering farmers a full poultry processing experience. The class will teach skills that build confidence, reduce costs, and strengthen your farm's independence. This hands-on workshop gives farmers the chance to process a bird from start to finish, learning every step of the workflow used by small farms across the state.
Large Animal Awareness Training For First Responders
September 19, 2026
Dunkirk, NY
Join the Chautauqua County Technical Rescue Services and NYS Veterinarian, Dr. Kate Card-Allen, for a specialized training on how to safely and effectively respond to large animal incidents. Learn techniques for managing large animals during traffic accidents, rollovers, entrapments and other transportation emergencies.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.





