In May 1997 the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities act became effective. The act served to address specific concerns people had about large-scale livestock operations. The major compoents of the act adopted rules for: design standards for manure storage, setback back distances for new construction, facility operator education and waste management plans. The purpose of the nutrient management plans was “to provide for adequate land area for proper application of livestock waste at rates not to exceed the agronomic nitorgen demans of the crops to be grown when averaged for a fiver year period.” Comprehensive management plans are required for operation with 1,000 – 6,999 animal units to be updated and held on site for a three year period. Operations greater than 7,000 animal units must have department approved plans before it begins operating.

The University of Illinois extension developed a manual containing froms, checklists, regulations, resources and formulas for producers to develop their own comprehensive nutrient management plan. Workshops were targeted to livestock producers and included other topics such as best management practices for being a good neighbour and developing an emergency contingency plan. As a result of the workshop 95.5% of the respondent made changes, or incorporated manure nutrient plans and 54.4% of the respondents took action to minimize emergencies.