Liquid Waste Storage Facilities

In the production of food, fiber, and energy, farms also produce various forms of waste that must be managed.  Liquid waste, such as manure or leachate, can be handled in ways that maximize benefit to the farm system. By storing the material on site, the valuable nutrients the waste contains can be applied to crop systems at the right time.  

Do you notice any of these issues on the farm?

• Lack of storage area for liquid manure or leachate
• Overflow of existing liquid waste storage structures
• Weekly or daily application, or off-farm transport of liquid waste
• Waste reaching surface or groundwater

Liquid waste storage facilities can support conservation

Liquid waste storage facilities are engineered structures with enough capacity to hold liquid waste from a farm until it can be applied to fields or managed in an environmentally beneficial way.

Liquid waste storage facilities have many benefits

• Improved management of liquid waste
• Ability to apply nutrients from liquid waste on fields at the time of maximum benefit
• Limit environmental risk
• Reduce time spent on waste management during the winter months

Other practices are associated with liquid waste storage facilities

Liquid waste storage facilities are often part of a comprehensive system involving several conservation practices. Some commonly associated practices include:

• Solid waste storage facilities
• Heavy use area protection
• Pumping plant
• Manure injection

Many design choices are possible

There are many different designs for liquid waste storage facilities. Some of the differentiating factors in their design are materials, coverage, capacity, safety features, and whether they are above or below ground. Liquid waste is sometimes stored in a lined lagoon that may or may not be covered, depending on whether biogas is being collected. Underground liquid waste facilities may be constructed under other farm structures, typically a barn, to reduce the footprint of buildings on the farm. There are two common designs for above-ground liquid waste storage facilities: reinforced metal structures with covers and concrete structures without covers. 

Assistance with design, obtaining permits, and construction is available (see links at the end of this fact sheet for more information).

Safety Considerations

These facilities have life-threatening safety risks if the proper measures are not taken, including exposure to toxic gas, drowning, and equipment tipping.  To avoid these risks, the storage area must be appropriately fenced off to prevent people and animals from accessing the pit.  Signage that warns people of the risks should be posted.  Even open-air storages should be considered confined spaces since they are large enough to enter, have limited means of entry/exit, and are not designed for normal worker occupancy. Never enter a confined space. Personnel who work or live on the farm should be educated on the hazards, and a safety plan should be in place. Always consider the safety and welfare of livestock.

What maintenance is required?

Liquid waste storage facilities should be emptied at an appropriately scheduled interval and maintained according to the requirements of their specific engineered design.  In Pennsylvania, documented storage inspection is included in nutrient and manure management policy and must occur at least monthly.  Structures should be regularly inspected for leaks, cracks in concrete, or rusting metal.  Any structural or safety issues should be addressed immediately.   

Interested in having a liquid waste storage facility?

Liquid waste storage facilities are eligible for funding through several conservation programs administered by the State Conservation Commission (SCC) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Additionally, several local funding sources may be available through organizations such as County Conservation Districts or local nongovernmental organizations. 

For more information, reach out to staff at the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT), NRCS, or your  local conservation district office.

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Practice Code: 313

Prepared by Erin Trouba, Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, Robert Meinen, Penn State Extension, and Weiyun Hua, assistant teaching professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Penn State, Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training.