GA LAS/NPDES Permits
LAS permit holders (dairies with 300 – 1,000 cows)
Dairies with 300-1,000 cows must apply for a new LAS state permit as soon as possible. Each LAS permit holder needs to mail a Notice of Termination (NOT) for their current LAS permit and a Notice of Intent (NOI) to apply for the new state LAS permit. If a LAS permit holder needs a copy of the NOT or NOI form, please contact the Georgia Milk Producers office.
CAFO permit holders (dairies with more than 1,000 cows)
Dairies with more than 1,000 cows have an option to terminate their current NPDES federal permit and apply for the new state LAS permit. If a producer would like to keep their current NPDES federal permit they must notify EPD as soon as possible. CAFO/NPDES permit holders must decide which permit is best for their operation by Dec. 31, 2014. NPDES dairies need to seek advice from their Certified Nutrient Planner or consultant and review the federal CAFO rule at this link to determine the best permit coverage needed for their dairy farm.
Click here to view NPDES/LAS Large CAFO Inspection Check List
LAGOON CLOSURES:
LAS and NPDES permit holders going out of business must notify EPD as soon as possible. Each certified nutrient management plan approved by GDA and EPD includes a lagoon closure plan. The permit holder must close the lagoon within 24 months. If the permit holder would like to maintain operation of the lagoon after their dairy farm has closed, then they must apply for the appropriate permit determined by EPD. If a dairy has a lagoon, no LAS permit and less than 300 cows, than that dairy is not required to contact EPD or close the lagoon.