In 2002 there were amendments made to the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA). There is a new one-window approval process for siting new or expanding confined feeding operations (CFOs), and for monitoring and enforcing compliance with province-wide standards for managing manure. The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) administers the regulations under the Act.
Anyone who handles and stores manure must consider setback and flooding areas. Short-term solid manure storage must be located 1) 150 meters from the nearest residence; 2) 100 meters from a spring; 3) 100 meters from a well; 4) 30 meters from a common body of water. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th conditions can be waived by the NRCB if the operator can demonstrate that water sources will not likely be contaminated.
Other guidelines for short-term solid manure storage are that they must 1) observe the 1:25 year flood plain or must be no more than 1 meter below any part of the facility where runoff can be generated and come into contact with manure; 2) be located at least one meter above the water table; 3) have erosion control measures that protect the facility from erosion, run-off/run-on and flooding.