Freeboard Requirements

Manure storage facilities need to be designed and constructed to accommodate the amount of manure produced on the farm, the length of time storage will be needed for, and there needs to be a safety net space.  This safety net space is referred to as "freeboard".  Freeboard becomes especially important for rainy weather because uncovered manure storage facilities can fill up with rain water quickly, and during the spring when facilities are filled with manure that was stored all winter rain water can quickly cause an overflow.  The following are the rules for freeboard requirements in Pennsylvania.

For a liquid or semisolid manure storage facility, the following minimum freeboard requirements apply and shall be maintained:

     1.  For an agricultural operation with over 1,000 AEUs that was a new or expanded operation after January 29, 2000, a minimum 24-inch freeboard, except for enclosed facilities that are not exposed to rainfall, which must have a minimum freeboard of 6 inches.

     2.  For all other facilities, a minimum 12-inch freeboard for manure storage facilities that are ponds, and a minimum 6-inch freeboard for all other manure storage facilities.