Animal feeding operations are regulated by the state to protect local waterways, the Chesapeake Bay, and drinking water from nutrient and sediment pollution. These operations are essential to Maryland’s agricultural economy, but must meet environmental standards that safeguard public health and natural resources. The types of facilities fall into three main categories:
Animal Feeding Operation (AFO):
A facility where animals are confined and fed for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period, and where vegetation is not sustained during the normal growing season.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO):
A larger AFO that meets specific size thresholds set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MDE. CAFOs have greater potential to discharge pollutants and are therefore subject to more stringent requirements under the Clean Water Act.
Maryland Animal Feeding Operation (MAFO):
An operation that does not meet the federal size definition of a CAFO but has similar potential for nutrient runoff or water quality impacts. MAFOs are regulated by the State of Maryland and must obtain permit coverage similar to CAFOs.
Together, these designations apply to all farms handling large volumes of manure or wastewater to manage those materials responsibly and consistently.
Permit Coverage and Compliance
Animal feeding facilities are regulated through a general discharge permit. Farms that meet the criteria must
apply for coverage by submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) and a Nutrient Management Plan that demonstrate how manure and processed wastewater are properly stored, handled, and applied to land. This permit prevents pollution of waterways by requiring specific operating conditions for large poultry houses, dairy farms, cattle operations and other agricultural operations that confine animals.
Permit requirements include:
- Manure and wastewater are managed to prevent nutrient runoff.
- Storage structures are properly maintained.
- Land application follows approved agronomic rates.
- Stormwater and wash water are controlled to avoid discharge.
Draft 2025-26 Statewide General Permit
We are currently accepting public comment on the draft 2025-2026 permit. Please submit comments in writing by January 2, 2026 or by attending one of our public hearings.
Written comments on the draft permit may be submitted by mail to Animal Feeding Operations Division Chief, Maryland Department of Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 610, Baltimore, MD 21230, or by email to
[email protected]. Submissions must include your name, address, phone number, and any represented organization.
Fees and Reporting
State law requires us to collect annual fees for animal feeding operations. After receiving an application for permit coverage, we send an invoice to the applicant. Fees must be paid each year by the anniversary of the permit’s effective date. Check the permit to determine if you are a small, medium or large facility. Amounts are based on the size of the operation:
Facility Type |
Total House Capacity |
Fee |
New or expanding | 350,000 sq ft or more | $2,000 (one-time fee) |
Existing | 350,000 sq ft or more | $1,200 (annual) |
Small | Less than 350,000 | $120 |
Medium | Less than 350,000 | $600
|
Large | Less than 350,000 | $1,200
|
All applicants must submit an annual implementation report summarizing their nutrient management activities and best management practices for the previous year.
Environmental Justice and Public Access
Maryland’s environmental justice law requires applicants to include an environmental justice screening
score. This score helps identify whether a farm is located in or near an overburdened community and ensures that environmental decisions are made transparently and equitably.
Documents
Find out about facilities near you
Facility size categories
Catastrophic poultry mortality events
What to expect during inspections organic poultry pasture guidance
Transfer application for discharge registration
Optional Recordkeeping Forms
We have developed forms that can be helpful tools to plan and execute best management practices to control runoff and pollution:
Nutrient Land Application Log Sheet
Weekly Storage and Containment Structure Inspections Log Sheet
Weekly Wastewater Facilities Inspections Log Sheet
Manure, Litter, and Wastewater Storage Structures Documentation
Manure Application Equipment Inspection and Calibration Record
Daily Water Line Inspection Log Sheet
Water Quality Monitoring Study Report
Contact Us
Call us at 410-537-3314 if you have questions.
