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A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) identifies management practices and conservation actions that aim to ensure both production and natural resource protection goals are achieved in an animal feeding operation. An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) should be included as a part of that document. An ERP outlines all foreseeable manure system based emergencies and the appropriate response for each emergency. Through preparation and implementation of an ERP, most manure management system emergencies can be avoided. Weather conditions, equipment failures, management decisions and sometimes improper judgment are factors that can lead to personnel health or environmental emergencies.

A 175-cow dairy farm in southeastern Tennessee was selected to cooperate in a CNMP Field Day. An ERP was prepared as part of a total CNMP and presented to those attending the Field Day. Preparation of the ERP involved assembling an interdisciplinary team to survey the producers entire operation. On the farm, the team explored the management of the cows, the manure handling system, the cropping system, and the proximity of the farm to neighbors, streams and major roads. The purpose of the survey was first to identify conditions where and when emergencies might occur; then to assess the potential environmental impacts of each emergency; and finally to determine what actions should be taken in each emergency. This information was assembled into an Emergency Response Plan for the example dairy farm. The ERP included emergency phone numbers, locations of containment equipment and supplies, and specific steps and order of implementation for the operator to take in case of a manure spill or impending spill. The document was presented to emphasize that each producers location and manure management system would dictate an individualized plan.