HomeMy WebLinkAboutDWQ-2006-004000313 - 1
NRCS, UTAH
August 2006
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD
WASTE STORAGE FACILITY
(No.)
CODE 313
DEFINITION
A waste storage impoundment made by
constructing an embankment and/or
excavating a pit or dugout, or by fabricating a
structure.
PURPOSE
To temporarily store wastes such as manure,
wastewater, and contaminated runoff as a
storage function component of an agricultural
waste management system.
CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES
• Where the storage facility is a component of
a planned agricultural waste management
system
• Where temporary storage is needed for
organic wastes generated by agricultural
production or processing
• Where the storage facility can be
constructed, operated and maintained
without polluting air or water resources
• Where site conditions are suitable for
construction of the facility
• To facilities utilizing embankments with an
effective height of 35 feet or less where
damage resulting from failure would be
limited to damage of farm buildings,
agricultural land, or township and country
roads.
• To fabricated structures including tanks,
stacking facilities, and pond appurtenances.
CRITERIA
General Criteria Applicable to All Waste
Storage Facilities.
Laws and Regulations. Waste storage
facilities must be planned, designed, and
constructed to meet all federal, state, and local
laws and regulations.
Location. To minimize the potential for
contamination of streams, waste storage
facilities should be located outside of
floodplains. However, if site restrictions
require location within a floodplain, they shall
be protected from inundation or damage from
a 25-year flood event, or larger if required by
laws, rules, and regulations. Waste storage
facilities shall be located so the potential
impacts from breach of embankment,
accidental release, and liner failure are
minimized; and separation distances are such
that prevailing winds and landscape elements
such as building arrangement, landforms, and
vegetation minimize odors and protect
aesthetic values.
Storage Period. The storage period is the
maximum length of time anticipated between
emptying events. The minimum storage period
shall be based on the timing required for
environmentally safe waste utilization
considering the climate, crops, soil, equipment,
and local, state, and federal regulations. The
minimum storage period shall be based on the
length of time the ground is frozen as shown in
Table 1 for some locations. An additional 45
days shall be added to the values in Table 1 if
the net application of liquid manure is more
than 2 inches or the application efficiency is
less than 60%. Adjustments to the minimum
storage period can be considered when:
manure will be applied on frozen and/or snow
313-2
NRCS, UTAH
August 2006
covered ground based on the Utah Manure
Application Risk Index and Nutrient
Management (590), Manure Staging Areas are
designed, and Composting Facilities (317) are
designed. Individual components can be sized
for less than the minimum required storage
provided the combined storage volume of the
system components equals or exceeds the
minimum storage volume required for the
operation.
Table 1 – Minimum Storage Period
Location Storage Period,
Days
Beaver 105
Cedar City 90
Delta 90
Farmington 90
Hanna 150
Heber 120
Kanab 45
Logan 120
Manti 120
Ogden 90
Panguitch 120
Randolph 150
Richfield 105
Design Storage Volume. The design storage
volume equal to the required storage volume,
shall consist of the total of the following as
appropriate:
(a) Manure, wastewater, and other wastes
accumulated during the storage period
(b) Normal precipitation less evaporation on
the surface area (at the design storage
volume level) of the facility during the
storage period
(c) Normal runoff from the facility's drainage
area during the storage period
(d) 25-year, 24-hour precipitation on the
surface (at the required design storage
volume level) of the facility
(e) 25-year, 24-hour runoff from the facility's
drainage area
(f) Residual solids after liquids have been
removed. A minimum of 6 inches shall be
provided for tanks
(g) Additional storage as may be required to
meet management goals or regulatory
requirements
Inlet. Inlets shall be of any permanent type
designed to resist corrosion, plugging, freeze
damage and ultraviolet ray deterioration while
incorporating erosion protection as necessary.
Emptying Component. Some type of
component shall be provided for emptying
storage facilities. It may be a facility such as a
gate, pipe, dock, wet well, pumping platform,
retaining wall, or ramp. Features to protect
against erosion, tampering, and accidental
release shall be incorporated as necessary.
Accumulated Solids Removal. Provision
shall be made for periodic removal of
accumulated solids to preserve storage
capacity. The anticipated method for doing
this must be considered in planning,
particularly in determining the configuration of
ponds and type of liner, if any.
Safety. Design shall include appropriate
safety features to minimize the hazards of the
facility. Ramps used to empty liquids shall
have a slope of 4 horizontal to 1 vertical or
flatter. Those used to empty slurry, semi-solid,
or solid waste shall have a slope of 10
horizontal to 1 vertical or flatter unless special
traction surfaces are provided. Warning signs,
fences, ladders, ropes, bars, rails, and other
devices shall be provided, as appropriate, to
ensure the safety of humans and livestock.
Ventilation and warning signs must be
provided for covered waste holding structures,
as necessary, to prevent explosion, poisoning,
or asphyxiation. Pipelines shall be provided
with a water-sealed trap and vent, or similar
device, if there is a potential, based on design
configuration, for gases to enter buildings or
other confined spaces. Ponds and uncovered
fabricated structures for liquid or slurry waste
with walls less than 5 feet above ground
surface shall be fenced and warning signs
posted to prevent children and others from
using them for other than their intended
purpose.
Erosion Protection. Embankments and
disturbed areas surrounding the facility shall
be treated to control erosion.
313 - 3
NRCS, UTAH
August 2006
Liners. Liners shall meet or exceed the
criteria in Pond Sealing or Lining (521) and the
liner requirements in Table 2.
Additional Criteria for Waste Storage Ponds
Soil and foundation. The pond shall be
located in soils with an acceptable permeability
that meets all applicable regulation, or the
pond shall be lined. Information and guidance
on controlling seepage from waste
impoundments can be found in the Agricultural
Waste Management Field Handbook
(AWMFH), Appendix 10D.
The pond shall have a bottom elevation that is
a minimum of 2 feet above the seasonal high
water table unless features of special design
are incorporated that address buoyant forces,
pond seepage rate and non-encroachment of
the water table by contaminants. The water
table may be lowered by use of perimeter
drains, if feasible, to meet this requirement.
Maximum Operating Level. The maximum
operating level for waste storage ponds shall
be the pond level that provides for the required
volume less the volume contribution of
precipitation and runoff from the 25-year, 24-
hour storm event plus the volume allowance
for residual solids after liquids have been
removed. A permanent marker or recorder
shall be installed at this maximum operating
level to indicate when drawdown should begin.
The marker or recorder shall be referenced
and explained in the O&M plan.
Outlet. No outlet shall automatically release
storage from the required design volume.
Manually operated outlets shall be of
permanent type designed to resist corrosion
and plugging.
Embankments. The minimum elevation of the
top of the settled embankment shall be 1 foot
above the waste storage pond’s required
volume. This height shall be increased by the
amount needed to ensure that the top
elevation will be maintained after settlement.
This increase shall be not less than 5 percent.
The minimum top widths are shown in Table 3.
The combined side slopes of the settled
embankment shall not be less than 5
horizontal to 1 vertical, and neither slope shall
be steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical
unless provisions are made to provide stability.
Table 3 – Minimum Top Widths
Total embankment Top Width,
Height, ft. ft.
15 or less 8
15 – 20 10
20 – 25 12
25 – 30 14
30 – 35 15
Excavations. Unless supported by a soil
investigation, excavated side slopes shall be
no steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical.
Additional Criteria for Runoff Ponds
Location. Runoff Ponds are flat earthen areas
located on the perimeter of corrals where only
corral storm runoff water is directed to
temporarily store storm water or collect and
direct it to other waste storage facilities.
Embankments. Runoff Ponds are limited to
earth fills with a maximum height of 2 feet.
The minimum top width shall be 4 feet. The
side slopes of the settled embankment shall
not be steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical.
The maximum temporary design water depth
against the embankments shall be 1 foot or
less. Facilities requiring higher embankments
or deeper water storage shall meet the liner
criteria for Waste Storage Ponds
. The design freeboard for runoff ponds shall
be no less than 1 foot. Livestock shall be
excluded from the embankments to prevent
degradation of the embankment.
Soil and foundation. Runoff ponds shall be
designed per the liner requirements listed in
Table 2.
Additional Criteria for Manure Staging
Areas
Location. Established locations outside the
manure production area that can be used to
store solid manure during periods when
manure cannot be land applied. Manure
Staging areas are located:
313-4 NRCS, UT August 2006
Table 2a- Criteria for Siting, Investigation, & Design of Liquid Waste Storage Facilities with a water depth greater than 2 feet.
Risk→
Vulnerability
↓
Very High
Less than 500' upgradient from a public
drinking water supply well;
OR < 200' upgradient from a domestic well or Class 1 designated use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IB aquifer.
High
Doesn't meet Very High Risk criteria;
AND In a recharge area for Sole Source aquifers;
OR 500’-1,000’ upgradient from a public drinking water supply well,
OR 200' - 600' upgradient from an domestic
water supply well or Class 1 designated
use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IA or Class II
aquifer.
Moderate
Doesn't meet High Risk criteria;
AND 600' - 1,000' upgradient from an domestic well or Class 1 surface water;
OR < 600' upgradient from a non-domestic water supply well or Class 2-5 designated use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class III aquifer.
Slight
Doesn't meet Moderate Risk criteria;
AND >1,000' upgradient from an domestic well or Class 1 surface water;
OR > 600' upgradient from a non-domestic water supply well or Class 2-5 designated use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IV aquifer.
Very High
Large voids (e.g. karst limestones, lava tubes,
improperly abandoned well);
OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation
within 2' of pond bottom;
Liner Requirements ~ Relocate to another site or
~ Install steel or concrete tank with no
discharge
Liner Requirements ~ Consider relocation to another site ~ Synthetic liner with specific discharge
less than 1 x 10-11 cm3/cm2/sec
~ Testing required on synthetic liner by a
third party testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7 cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit ~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability by a
licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7 cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit ~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability by
a licensed testing firm.
High
Doesn't meet Very High Vulnerability criteria:
AND Bedrock (assumed fractured) within 2' of
pond bottom; OR Coarse soils/parent material (Permeability Group I soils as defined in AWMFH, always including GP, GW, SP, SW);
OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is
between 2' - 15' below pond bottom;
Liner Requirements
~ Consider relocation to another site
~ Synthetic liner with specific discharge
less than 1 x 10-11 cm3/cm2/sec
~ Testing required on synthetic liner by
a third party testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Consider relocation to another site
~ Synthetic liner with specific discharge
less than 1 x 10-11 cm3/cm2/sec
~ Testing required on synthetic liner by a
third party testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability by a
licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability by
a licensed testing firm.
Moderate
Doesn't meet High Vulnerability criteria;
AND Medium soils/parent material (Permeability
Group II soils as defined in AWMFH, usually
including CL-ML, GM, SM, ML);
OR Flocculated or blocky clays (typically
associated with high Ca);
OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is
between 15'- 50' below pond bottom
Liner Requirements*
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7 cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit ~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard
Proctor compaction, in-place density,
and sample permeability by a licensed
testing firm.
*The risk in some situations may warrant
a synthetic liner.
Liner Requirements*
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7 cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit ~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing firm.
*The risk in some situations may warrant a
synthetic liner.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7 cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit ~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction, in-
place density, and sample permeability by a
licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6 cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability
by a licensed testing firm.
Low
Doesn't meet Moderate Vulnerability criteria;
AND Fine soils/parent material (Permeability
Group III and IV soils as defined in AWMFH,
usually including GC, SC, MH, CL, CH);
AND Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is
> 50' below pond bottom
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing
of earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard
Proctor compaction, in-place density,
and sample permeability by a licensed
testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability by
a licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability
by a licensed testing firm.
313-5 NRCS, UT August 2006
Table 2b- Criteria for Siting, Investigation, & Design of Liquid Waste Storage Facilities with a water depth of 2 feet or less.
Risk→
Vulnerability
↓
Very High
Less than 500' upgradient from a
public drinking water supply well;
OR < 200' upgradient from a domestic
well or Class 1 designated use surface
water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IB
aquifer.
High
Doesn't meet Very High Risk criteria;
AND In a recharge area for Sole Source
aquifers;
OR 500’-1,000’ upgradient from a public
drinking water supply well,
OR 200' - 600' upgradient from an
domestic water supply well or Class 1
designated use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IA or Class
II aquifer.
Moderate
Doesn't meet High Risk criteria;
AND 600' - 1,000' upgradient from an
domestic well or Class 1 surface water;
OR < 600' upgradient from a non-domestic
water supply well or Class 2-5 designated
use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class III aquifer.
Slight
Doesn't meet Moderate Risk criteria;
AND >1,000' upgradient from an domestic
well or Class 1 surface water;
OR > 600' upgradient from a non-domestic
water supply well or Class 2-5 designated
use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IV aquifer.
Very High
Large voids (e.g. karst limestones, lava tubes,
improperly abandoned well);
OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation within 2' of pond bottom;
Liner Requirements
~ Strongly consider relocation to
another site.
~ Synthetic liner with specific
discharge less than 1 x 10-11
cm3/cm2/sec
~ Testing required on synthetic liner
by a third party testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing
of earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard
Proctor compaction, in-place density,
and sample permeability by a licensed
testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability
by a licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing firm.
High
Doesn't meet Very High Vulnerability criteria:
AND Bedrock (assumed fractured) within 2' of pond bottom; OR Coarse soils/parent material (Permeability Group I soils as defined in AWMFH, always including GP, GW, SP, SW); OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is
between 2' - 15' below pond bottom;
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and
testing of earthen liner or in-place
material including classification,
standard Proctor compaction, in-
place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing
firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing
of earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard
Proctor compaction, in-place density,
and sample permeability by a licensed
testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability
by a licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing firm.
Moderate
Doesn't meet High Vulnerability criteria;
AND Medium soils/parent material (Permeability
Group II soils as defined in AWMFH, usually including CL-ML, GM, SM, ML); OR Flocculated or blocky clays (typically associated with high Ca); OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is
between 15'- 50' below pond bottom
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing
of earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard
Proctor compaction, in-place density,
and sample permeability by a
licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and
sample permeability by a licensed
testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material including
classification, standard Proctor compaction,
in-place density, and sample permeability
by a licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing firm.
Low
Doesn't meet Moderate Vulnerability criteria;
AND Fine soils/parent material (Permeability
Group III and IV soils as defined in AWMFH,
usually including GC, SC, MH, CL, CH);
AND Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is > 50' below pond bottom
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and
testing of earthen liner or in-place
material including classification,
standard Proctor compaction, in-
place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing
firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing
of earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard
Proctor compaction, in-place density,
and sample permeability by a licensed
testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Design includes sampling and testing of
earthen liner or in-place material
including classification, standard Proctor
compaction, in-place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing firm.
313-6 NRCS, UT August 2006
Table 2c- Criteria for runoff ponds with a water depth of 2 feet or less and a storage period less than 90 days annually.
Risk→
Vulnerability
↓
Very High
Less than 500' upgradient from a
public drinking water supply well;
OR < 200' upgradient from a domestic
well or Class 1 designated use surface
water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IB
aquifer.
High
Doesn't meet Very High Risk criteria;
AND In a recharge area for Sole Source
aquifers;
OR 500’-1,000’ upgradient from a public
drinking water supply well,
OR 200' - 600' upgradient from an
domestic water supply well or Class 1
designated use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IA or Class
II aquifer.
Moderate
Doesn't meet High Risk criteria;
AND 600' - 1,000' upgradient from an
domestic well or Class 1 surface water;
OR < 600' upgradient from a non-domestic
water supply well or Class 2-5 designated
use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class III aquifer.
Slight
Doesn't meet Moderate Risk criteria;
AND >1,000' upgradient from an domestic
well or Class 1 surface water;
OR > 600' upgradient from a non-domestic
water supply well or Class 2-5 designated
use surface water,
OR 1st ground water is a Class IV aquifer.
Very High
Large voids (e.g. karst limestones, lava tubes,
improperly abandoned well);
OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation within 2' of pond bottom;
Liner Requirements
~ Consider relocation to another site
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-7
cm3/cm2/sec
~ Design includes sampling and
testing of earthen liner or in-place
material including classification,
standard Proctor compaction, in-
place density, and sample
permeability by a licensed testing
firm.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications
may be used.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-5
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications may be
used.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-5
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications may be
used.
High
Doesn't meet Very High Vulnerability criteria:
AND Bedrock (assumed fractured) within 2' of pond bottom; OR Coarse soils/parent material (Permeability
Group I soils as defined in AWMFH, always
including GP, GW, SP, SW);
OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is
between 2' - 15' below pond bottom;
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications
may be used.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-6
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications
may be used.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-5
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications may be
used.
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-5
cm3/cm2/sec
~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications may be
used.
Moderate
Doesn't meet High Vulnerability criteria;
AND Medium soils/parent material (Permeability
Group II soils as defined in AWMFH, usually
including CL-ML, GM, SM, ML);
OR Flocculated or blocky clays (typically
associated with high Ca);
OR Highest anticipated groundwater elevation is
between 15'- 50' below pond bottom
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-5 cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit
~ Published permeability data and
construction method specifications
may be used.
Liner Requirements
~ No liner required.
Liner Requirements
~ No liner required.
Liner Requirements
~ No liner required.
Low
Doesn't meet Moderate Vulnerability criteria;
AND Fine soils/parent material (Permeability
Group III and IV soils as defined in AWMFH,
usually including GC, SC, MH, CL, CH);
AND Highest anticipated groundwater elevation
is > 50' below pond bottom
Liner Requirements
~ Specific discharge less than 1 x 10-5
cm3/cm2/sec ~ No manure sealing credit ~ Published permeability data and construction method specifications
may be used.
Liner Requirements
~ No liner required.
Liner Requirements
~ No liner required.
Liner Requirements
~ No liner required.
313-7
NRCS, UT
August 2006
Criteria for Siting, Investigation, & Design of Liquid Waste Storage Facilities
Definitions
AWMFH. NRCS Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook (210-VI-651). Individual chapters online at
http://www.info.usda.gov/CED/ .
Domestic Water Supply Well. A well from which water is used for household use or human consumption.
Groundwater. Groundwater in this case is defined as the first water and in reference to elevation it is the elevation of the
seasonal high water table.
Permeability Group (I through IV) Soils. Empirically-derived permeability classification of soils based on percent
passing the 200 sieve and Plasticity Index (PI). Specific criteria for each of the four classes are listed in Table 10D-1 of
Appendix 10D of the AWMFH (http://www.info.usda.gov/CED/ftp/CED/neh651-ch10.pdf).
Public Drinking Water Supply Well. A public drinking supply well is a well, either publicly or privately owned,
providing water through constructed conveyances for human consumption and other domestic uses, which has at least 15
service connections or serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year and includes
collection, treatment, storage, or distribution facilities under the control of the operator and used primarily in connection
with the system, or collection, pretreatment or storage facilities used primarily in connection with the system but not under
his control. (http://www.drinkingwater.utah.gov/system_classifications.htm)
Risk. Risk categories (very high, high, moderate, and slight) are based on the potential impacts of seepage on designated
uses of groundwater and hydraulically connected surface water resources. Designated uses include drinking water supply,
non-domestic water supply, and aquatic habitats including fisheries.
Runoff Ponds. Runoff ponds are a non-vegetated nearly flat area where corral storm runoff water is temporarily stored.
These are also referred to as corral berms or earth fills on the perimeter of corrals. Vegetated areas should be treated as
filter strips, and the manure application in a storm event must not exceed agronomic rates.
Sole Source Aquifer. An EPA-administered program that requires EPA review of all Federal financially assisted projects
which have the potential to contaminate officially designated Sole Source Aquifers
(http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ssanp.html). Currently there are three Sole Source Aquifers in Utah. Information about
these aquifers can be found at (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/swp/ssa/reg8.html).
Unconfined Aquifer. An aquifer containing water that is not under pressure; the water level in a well is the same as the
water table outside the well (http://www.epa.gov/OCEPAterms/uterms.html). Compared to confined aquifers, unconfined
aquifers tend to be close to the ground surface and lack a low permeability confining layer that reduces seepage of
potential contaminants from surface sources.
Utah Ground Water Quality Classes are established as follows: Class IA - Pristine Ground Water; Class IB -
Irreplaceable Ground Water; Class IC - Ecologically Important Ground Water; Class II - Drinking Water Quality Ground
Water; Class III - Limited Use Ground Water; Class IV - Saline Ground Water. Specific criteria for each of the four classes
of ground water can be found in Utah Admin Code R317-6-3 at http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r317/r317-
006.htm#T3. Contact the DEQ Division of Water Quality at (801) 538-6146 for a determination of ground water quality
class.
Utah Surface Water Designated Uses are established as follows: Class 1 – Protected for use as a raw water source for
domestic water systems; Class 2 - Protected for recreational use and aesthetics; Class 3 – Protected for use by aquatic
wildlife; Class 4 – Protected for agricultural uses; Class 5 – The Great Salt Lake. Specific criteria for each of the five
designated uses of a particular body of water can be found at: http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r317/r317-
002.htm#T7
Vulnerability. Vulnerability categories (very high, high, moderate, and low) are based on geologic and hydrogeologic
conditions at the site that influence seepage rates from the surface to the aquifer. Geologic and hydrogeologic conditions
include the texture and plasticity of the soil and geologic material in the vadose zone; and the separation distance between
the pond bottom of the proposed storage facility and the water table.
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1. Where there is low risk of pollution to
any down slope water conveyance
system, waterbody, well, or other
water source
2. Outside of wetlands, watercourses,
and 100 year flood plains
3. Where clean water can be diverted
from the area
4. On slopes from 1 to 3%, where access
is practicable during poor weather
conditions such as when the ground is
snow covered, icy, or muddy
5. Outside of a public drinking water
source protection Zone 1 or 2 as
defined in the Utah Administrative
Code R309-600
6. Where soils have slow to moderate
permeability to minimize the potential
for groundwater contamination
7. Outside of areas where soils (within 3
feet of the soil surface) are sandy,
gravelly, or where a high water table or
bedrock exists
Embankments. Embankments shall be
constructed to contain the 25 year 24 hour
storm event plus the average amount of
precipitation expected during the storage
period. The design freeboard shall be no less
than 6 inches. All side slopes on
embankments will be less than 3 horizontal to
1 vertical. Diversions shall be placed, as
needed, to divert clean water away from
staging areas. Where the Manure Staging
Area is greater than 1 acre in size the portion
of the Manure Staging Area designed to
contain the runoff from the area shall follow the
criteria for Runoff Ponds.
Additional Criteria for Fabricated
Structures
Foundation. The foundations of fabricated
waste storage structures shall be proportioned
to safely support all superimposed loads
without excessive movement or settlement.
Where a non-uniform foundation cannot be
avoided or applied loads may create highly
variable foundation loads, settlement should
be calculated from site-specific soil test data.
Index tests of site soil may allow correlation
with similar soils for which test data is
available. If no test data is available,
presumptive bearing strength values for
assessing actual bearing pressures may be
obtained from Table 4 or another nationally
recognized building code. In using
presumptive bearing values, adequate
detailing and articulation shall be provided to
avoid distressing movements in the structure.
Foundations consisting of bedrock with joints,
fractures, or solution channels shall be treated
or a separation distance provided consisting of
a minimum of 1 foot of impermeable soil
between the floor slab and the bedrock or an
alternative that will achieve equal protection.
Table 4 - Presumptive Allowable Bearing
Stress Values1
Foundation Description Allowable
Stress
Crystalline Bedrock
Sedimentary Rock
Sandy Gravel or Gravel
Sand, Silty Sand, Clayey
Sand, Silty Gravel, Clayey
Gravel
Clay, Sandy Clay, Silty Clay,
Clayey Silt
12000 psf
6000 psf
5000 psf
3000 psf
2000 psf
1 Basic Building Code, 12th Edition, 1993,
Building Officials and Code Administrators,
Inc. (BOCA)
Liquid Tightness. Applications such as
tanks, that require liquid tightness shall be
designed and constructed in accordance with
standard engineering and industry practice
appropriate for the construction materials used
to achieve this objective.
Structural Loadings. Waste storage
structures shall be designed to withstand all
anticipated loads including internal and
external loads, hydrostatic uplift pressure,
concentrated surface and impact loads, water
pressure due to seasonal high water table,
and frost or ice pressure and load
combinations in compliance with this standard
and applicable local building codes.
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NRCS, UTAH
August 2006
The lateral earth pressures should be
calculated from soil strength values
determined from the results of appropriate soil
tests. Lateral earth pressures can be
calculated using the procedures in TR-74. If
soil strength tests are not available, the
presumptive lateral earth pressure values
indicated in Table 5 shall be used.
TABLE 5 – LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE VALUES1
Equivalent fluid pressure (lb/ft2/ft of
depth)
Soil Above seasonal
high water table2
Below seasonal
high water table3
Description4
Unified
Classification4
Free-
standing
walls
Frame
tanks
Free-
standing
walls
Frame
tanks
Clean gravel, sand or sand-
gravel mixtures (maximum 5%
fines)5
GP, GW, SP, SW
30
50
80
90
Gravel, sand, silt and clay
mixtures (less than 50% fines)
Coarse sands with silt and
and/or clay (less than 50%
fines)
All gravel sand dual symbol
classifications and GM, GC,
SC, SM, SC-SM
35
60
80
100
Low-plasticity silts and clays
with some sand and/or gravel
(50% or more fines)
Fine sands with silt and/or clay
(less than
50% fines)
CL, ML, CL-ML
SC, SM, SC-SM
45
75
90
105
Low to medium plasticity silts
and clays with little sand and/or
gravel (50% or more fines)
CL, ML, CL-ML
65
85
95
110
High plasticity silts and clays
(liquid limit more than 50)6
CH, MH
-
-
-
-
1 For lightly-compacted soils (85% to 90% maximum standard density.) Includes compaction by use
of typical farm equipment.
2 Also below seasonal high water table if adequate drainage is provided.
3 Includes hydrostatic pressure.
4 All definitions and procedures in accordance with ASTM D 2488 and D 653.
5 Generally, only washed materials are in this category
6 Not recommended. Requires special design if used.
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NRCS, UTAH
August 2006
Lateral earth pressures based upon equivalent
fluid assumptions shall be assigned according
to the following conditions:
• Rigid frame or restrained wall. Use the
values shown in Table 5 under the column
“Frame tanks,” which gives pressures
comparable to the at-rest condition.
• Flexible or yielding wall. Use the values
shown in Table 5 under the column “Free-
standing walls,” which gives pressures
comparable to the active condition. Walls
in this category are designed on the basis
of gravity for stability or are designed as a
cantilever having a base wall thickness to
height of backfill ratio not more than 0.085.
Internal lateral pressure used for design shall
be 65 lb/ft2 where the stored waste is not
protected from precipitation. A value of 60
lb/ft2 may be used where the stored waste is
protected from precipitation and will not
become saturated. Lesser values may be
used if supported by measurement of actual
pressures of the waste to be stored. If heavy
equipment will be operated near the wall, an
additional two feet of soil surcharge shall be
considered in the wall analysis.
Tank covers shall be designed to withstand
both dead and live loads. The live load values
for covers contained in ASAE EP378.3, Floor
and Suspended Loads on Agricultural
Structures Due to Use, and in ASAE EP 393.2,
Manure Storages, shall be the minimum used.
The actual axle load for tank wagons having
more than a 2,000 gallon capacity shall be
used.
If the facility is to have a roof, snow and wind
loads shall be as specified in ASAE EP288.5,
Agricultural Building Snow and Wind Loads. If
the facility is to serve as part of a foundation or
support for a building, the total load shall be
considered in the structural design.
Structural Design. The structural design
shall consider all items that will influence the
performance of the structure, including loading
assumptions, material properties and
construction quality. Design assumptions and
construction requirements shall be indicated
on standard plans.
Tanks may be designed with or without covers.
Covers, beams, or braces that are integral to
structural performance must be indicated on
the construction drawings. The openings in
covered tanks shall be designed to
accommodate equipment for loading, agitating,
and emptying. These openings shall be
equipped with grills or secure covers for
safety, and for odor and vector control.
All structures shall be underlain by free
draining material or shall have a footing
located below the anticipated frost depth.
Fabricated structures shall be designed
according to the criteria in the following
references as appropriate:
• Steel: “Manual of Steel Construction”,
American Institute of Steel Construction.
• Timber: “National Design Specifications
for Wood Construction”, American Forest
and Paper Association.
• Concrete: “Building Code Requirements
for Reinforced Concrete, ACI 318”,
American Concrete Institute.
• Masonry: “Building Code Requirements
for Masonry Structures, ACI 530”,
American Concrete Institute.
Slabs on Grade. Slab design shall consider
the required performance and the critical
applied loads along with both the subgrade
material and material resistance of the
concrete slab. Where applied point loads are
minimal and liquid-tightness is not required,
such as barnyard and feedlot slabs subject
only to precipitation, and the subgrade is
uniform and dense, the minimum slab
thickness shall be 4 inches with a maximum
joint spacing of 10 feet. Joint spacing can be
increased if steel reinforcing is added based
on subgrade drag theory.
For applications where liquid-tightness is
required such as floor slabs of storage tanks,
the minimum thickness for uniform foundations
shall be 5 inches and shall contain distributed
reinforcing steel. The required area of such
reinforcing steel shall be based on subgrade
drag theory as discussed in industry guidelines
such as American Concrete Institute, ACI 360,
“Design of Slabs-on-Grade”.
When heavy equipment loads are to be
resisted and/or where a non-uniform
foundation cannot be avoided, an appropriate
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NRCS, UTAH
August 2006
design procedure incorporating a subgrade
resistance parameter(s) such as ACI 360 shall
be used.
CONSIDERATIONS
Waste storage facilities should be located as
close to the source of waste and polluted
runoff as practicable.
Non-polluted runoff should be excluded from
the structure to the fullest extent possible
except where its storage is advantageous to
the operation of the agricultural waste
management system.
Freeboard for waste storage tanks should be
considered.
Solid/liquid separation of runoff or wastewater
entering pond facilities should be considered
to minimize the frequency of accumulated
solids removal and to facilitate pumping and
application of the stored waste.
Due consideration should be given to
environmental concerns, economics, the
comprehensive nutrient management plan,
and safety and health factors.
Considerations for Minimizing the Potential
for and Impacts of Sudden Breach of
Embankment or Accidental Release from
the Required Volume.
Features, safeguards, and/or management
measures to minimize the risk of failure or
accidental release, or to minimize or mitigate
impact of this type of failure should be
considered when any of the categories listed in
Table 6 might be significantly affected.
The following should be considered either
singly or in combination to minimize the
potential of or the consequences of sudden
breach of embankments when one or more of
the potential impact categories listed in Table 6
may be significantly affected:
1. An auxiliary (emergency) spillway
2. Additional freeboard
3. Storage for wet year rather than normal
year precipitation
4. Reinforced embankment -- such as,
additional top width, flattened and/or
armored downstream side slopes
5. Secondary containment
The following options should be considered to
minimize the potential for accidental release
from the required volume through gravity
outlets when one or more of the potential
impact categories listed in Table 4 may be
significantly affected:
1. Outlet gate locks or locked gate housing
2. Secondary containment
3. Alarm system
4. Another means of emptying the required
volume
Considerations for Minimizing the Potential
of Waste Storage Pond Liner Failure.
Sites with categories listed in Table 7 should
be avoided unless no reasonable alternative
exists. Under those circumstances,
consideration should be given to providing an
additional measure of safety from pond
seepage when any of the potential impact
categories listed in Table 7 may be
significantly affected.
Table 6 - Potential Impact Categories from
Breach of Embankment or Accidental
Release
1. Surface water bodies -- perennial streams,
lakes, wetlands, and estuaries
2. Critical habitat for threatened and
endangered species.
3. Riparian areas
4. Farmstead, or other areas of habitation
5. Off-farm property
6. Historical and/or archaeological sites or
structures that meet the eligibility criteria
for listing in the National Register of
Historical Places.
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NRCS, UTAH
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Should any of the potential impact categories
listed in Table 7 be affected, consideration
should be given to the following:
1. The liner is designed in accordance with
Table 2.
2. A flexible membrane liner over a clay liner
3. A concrete liner designed in accordance
with slabs on grade criteria for fabricated
structures requiring water tightness
Considerations for Improving Air Quality
To reduce emissions of greenhouse gases,
ammonia, volatile organic compounds, and
odor, other practices such as Anaerobic
Digester – Controlled Temperature (366),
Waste Facility Cover (367), Solid/Liquid Waste
Separation Facility (632), and Composting
Facility (317) can be added to the waste
management system.
Adjusting pH below 7 may reduce ammonia
emissions from the waste storage facility but
may increase odor when waste is surface
applied (see Waste Utilization, 633).
Some fabric and organic covers have been
shown to be effective in reducing odors.
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Plans and specifications shall be prepared in
accordance with the criteria of this standard
and shall describe the requirements for
applying the practice to achieve its intended
use.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
An operation and maintenance plan shall be
developed that is consistent with the purposes
of the practice, its intended life, safety
requirements, and the criteria for its design.
The plan shall contain the operational
requirements for emptying the storage facility.
This shall include the requirement that waste
shall be removed from storage and utilized at
locations, times, rates, and volume in
accordance with the overall comprehensive
nutrient management plan.
In addition, for ponds, the plan shall include an
explanation of the permanent marker or
recorder installed to indicate the maximum
operating level.
The plan shall include a strategy for removal
and disposition of waste with the least
environmental damage during the normal
storage period to the extent necessary to
insure the pond’s safe operation. This strategy
is for the removal of the contribution of unusual
storm events that may cause the pond to fill to
capacity prematurely with subsequent design
inflow and usual precipitation prior to the end
of the normal storage period.
Development of an emergency action plan
should be considered for waste storage
facilities where there is a potential for
significant impact from breach or accidental
release. The plan shall include site-specific
provisions for emergency actions that will
minimize these impacts.
Table 7 - Potential Impact Categories for
Liner Failure
1. Any underlying aquifer is at a shallow
depth and not confined
2. The vadose zone is rock
3. The aquifer is a domestic water supply
or ecologically vital water supply
4. The site is located in an area of
solutionized bedrock such as
limestone or gypsum.