Section 570.101  Purpose

a.         The intent of this document is to present design and maintenance criteria for runoff field application systems (commonly called vegetative filter systems).  These relatively inexpensive systems can be effectively utilized to prevent feedlot runoff generated by small livestock management facilities from polluting streams, rivers, and other waters.  Small livestock management operations typically do not have the economic resources necessary to control their feedlot runoff with expensive lagoon-type zero-discharge systems. The vast majority of livestock management operations in Illinois are relatively small and, therefore, these criteria add to currently available procedures of preventing water pollution from livestock management facilities.

b.         Runoff field applications systems need attentive maintenance to function properly.  Consistent failure on the part of the operator to maintain a runoff field application system in good operational condition could result in violations of the Act and Regulations.  Improper maintenance may also result in the facility meeting the criteria set forth in Rule 203 of Chapter 5.  Under Rule 203, the Agency may require any animal-feeding operation discharging pollutants through a man-made device to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit on a case-by-case determination considering primarily the amount of wastes reaching navigable waters.