Definition of a CAFO

A concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) is defined as any facility with more than 1000 animal units (see Animal Units Table Below) confined on site, or an AFO of any size that discharges pollutants (e.g. manure, wastewater) into any ditch, stream, or other water conveyance system, whether man-made or natural. Consider these key points:

• Operations with more than 1000 animal units are not considered CAFOs if the animals are housed or fed on areas where crops are produced during the normal growing season
• A facility of any size can be designated as a CAFO if pollutants are discharged into water passing across, through, or adjacent to the facility.
• Any water that comes into contact with animals or manure must be contained on site.

Approximate number of animals equivalent to
1000 animal units