Southwestern IL St. Clair Co. | In IL IDOA regulate manure storage closures. if only 1/4 Ac it is most likely a earth waste holding pond and not a lagoon. The name may seem like a minor thing, but makes a big difference in the regulations and what is required for closure. Waste holding pond will require an inspection from IDOA during closure, where a lagoon will required a details closure plan and permit with inspections.
Closure will require the manure and waste water be applied at an agronomic rate. Sludge (solids) will need to be dug out and applied as well. The liner material , usually clay, will also need to be removed and spread. Then the hole can be filled back in or graded to ensure no ponding on the site.
Depending on the site location to streams and water bodies, especially drinking water supplies, EPA could be on the look out of this site, you just don't know it yet. Or it may not be an issue. Closure is not the end of the world, but does have a cost. It's possible to gain some fertility from it, but hard to tell that until you into the project. Probably will require way more then 18 acres to spread manure on out of it. |
Buying farm with a lagoon
