Lesson 24: Monthly Manure Storage/Lagoon Checklist

Farm:

Pit/Storage/Lagoon ID:

Inspected by:

Date:

Manure/Effluent Level and Other Observations
Today	Last Observation Date:
Liquid level: ft	ft
Depth remaining: ft	ft
	Yes/No	Corrective Action Taken/Planned?
Is liquid level marker available and visible?	Yes No
Storage/lagoon: Does 18-inch freeboard exist?¹	Yes No
Runoff holding pond: Is sufficient volume available for runoff from 25-yr, 24-hr storm?	Yes No
Manure pump/transfer pipes functioning?	Yes No
Recycle pumps/transfer pipes functioning?	Yes No
Electrical conductivity (anaerobic lagoon) µmho/cm

Earthen Structure	Yes/No	Corrective Action Taken/Planned?
Interior liner erosion observed . . . Due wave action?	Yes No
In vicinity of inlets?	Yes No
In vicinity of outlets?	Yes No
Due to erosion from rainfall?	Yes No
Near agitation equipment access points?	Yes No
Signs of berm/dam damage due to . . . Burrowing animals?	Yes No
Presence of trees?	Yes No
Presence of large weeds?	Yes No
Erosion or gullies?	Yes No
Poorly established sod?	Yes No
Are there indications of . . . Damp, soft, or slumping areas on berms?	Yes No
Seepage near toe of berm?	Yes No
Seepage around pipes through the berm?	Yes No

Concrete/Steel Tanks	Yes/No	Corrective Action Taken/Planned?
Signs of … Cracks or structural damage?	Yes No
Leakage?	Yes No
Wet spots around base of tank?	Yes No
Clean water diversion Are perimeter drains plugged or blocked?	Yes No
Is roof water entering storage?	Yes No
Is field runoff entering storage?	Yes No
Are diversions/waterways maintained?	Yes No
Visual appearance and safety Is site neat and recently mowed?	Yes No
Is storage visually hidden from public?	Yes No
Are mortality or afterbirth observed?	Yes No
Are medical consumables observed?	Yes No
Is area fenced and properly marked?	Yes No
Is escape ladder available?	Yes No

Odor	Yes/No	Corrective Action Taken/Planned?
Anaerobic lagoon is … Purple?	Yes No
At least 1/3 full?	Yes No
Actively bubbling?	Yes No
Manure storage or holding pond is … Covered or crusted over?	Yes No
All structures Are all inlet pipes submerged?	Yes No
Rate downwind odor from facility:	None Faint Distinct Strong Unbearable

¹ Measured from lowest point in dam, berm, or spillway to liquid level.

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