Idaho Department of Environmental Quality CAFO Projects

Spotlight on Environmental Innovation: Boise Valley Feeders and Intermountain Beef Lead the Way

The CAFO Improvement Fund, a collaborative initiative by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), continues to support transformative environmental projects in the agricultural sector. With a generous $2 million appropriation for the fiscal year 2025, this fund aims to enhance air, water, and soil quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions at confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

As the grant application period for 2025 closes and the review process begins, the success stories from previous years serve as inspiring examples of what can be achieved with the right resources and innovative thinking. Among the notable projects funded in the past are the water recycling efforts by Boise Valley Feeders and the roller compacted concrete (RCC) project by Intermountain Beef. These projects exemplify the positive impact that the CAFO Improvement Fund can have on both the environment and agricultural operations.

Boise Valley Feeders: Clean Water Reclamation & Well Displacement Project

The Boise Valley Feeders project is aimed at cleaning and capturing all water, including overflow from water tanks and stormwater runoff from the southern portion of the feedyard. This innovative approach allows the feedlot to offset its use of well water, promoting sustainability and efficient water management.

Wastewater

All wastewater, comprising of stormwater runoff and water tank overflows from the south end of the feedyard, flows into the main lagoon. Here, solid materials settle at the bottom, allowing the more fluid wastewater to remain near the surface. This top layer of effluent is then pumped into the pump house system for further cleaning.

Filtration

Upon entering the pump house, the wastewater first passes through a prefilter designed to remove remaining solids. This prefilter is a specialized sand filter capable of cleaning large volumes of water with heavy organic matter. After this initial filtration, the water then moves through a UV filter system. The UV filter uses ultraviolet light to eliminate up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria and viruses, resulting in water cleaned to livestock drinking standards. This purified water can also be used for irrigation purposes.

Once cleaned, the water is reintroduced into the feedlot's water systems, supplementing or displacing the use of well water. The success of this project is evident in the improved water quality and the reduced reliance on natural water sources.

Sustainable Practices in Modern Agriculture

The Boise Valley Feeders project exemplifies a successful integration of sustainable practices in modern agriculture. By capturing and cleaning stormwater runoff and tank overflow, the feedlot significantly reduces its dependency on well water. The innovative use of prefilters and UV filtration ensures that the reclaimed water meets high standards, making it suitable for both livestock consumption and irrigation. This project enhances water quality and demonstrates a proactive approach to resource management, setting a commendable example for the agricultural industry. The results speak for themselves: improved water quality, efficient water use, and a reduced environmental footprint.

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

Intermountain Beef Roller Compacted Concrete Project

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality CAFO Improvement Fund

Intermountain Beef: Roller Compacted Concrete Project

Intermountain Beef has resurfaced its existing pens using roller compacted concrete (RCC). Originally developed to provide cost-effective and robust surfaces for dams and road sub-bases, RCC has recently found a new application in the feedyard industry. This innovative use of RCC began in Canada, where it was employed as an environmental liner to minimize leachate from feedyard pens into shallow groundwater, replacing the traditional clay liners.

Ease in Application

RCC is composed of cement, aggregates, and water, much like traditional concrete. However, it contains less water, allowing it to be delivered by dump trucks and compacted with rollers and dozers in a manner similar to asphalt installation. This method ensures a sturdy and durable surface capable of withstanding the heavy loads typical in feedyards.

Improved Drainage, Footing and Manure Quality

At Intermountain Beef, the project began with re-grading the existing corral surfaces to enhance drainage toward lined ponds reducing standing water in the pens. The team meticulously removed all organic matter to create a stable base, upon which they laid a gravel sub-base layer before applying six inches of RCC. This resurfacing effort significantly improves drainage, offers better footing for cattle, and enhances manure quality by eliminating soil contamination common in traditional earthen lots.

Improved drainage is crucial, as it allows manure to dry more quickly, preserving its quality. High-quality manure results from the balanced organic breakdown by microbes and minimal contamination from soil and sand, which often occur due to cattle movement, wind, and corral cleaning activities. Dry manure halts the decomposition process that typically generates emissions such as ammonia, odors, and greenhouse gases.

Reduced Erosion

The reduced erosion of the pens means that Intermountain Beef no longer needs to bring in large quantities of dirt annually. This reduction in erosion, coupled with drier winters, also decreases the amount of bedding required for the pens, making the operation more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Forward Thinking Approach to Livestock Management

Intermountain Beef's adoption of RCC for their feedyard pens represents a forward-thinking approach to livestock management, showcasing the potential benefits of innovative materials and techniques in the agriculture industry.

The Path Forward

The CAFO Improvement Fund continues to encourage and support such innovative projects. For the fiscal year 2025, eligible projects must demonstrate significant environmental benefits and adhere to specific criteria, including securing at least 40% of the total project costs from non-CAFO Improvement Fund sources and completing the project within three years. Producers must also maintain an approved and current Environmental/Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) in compliance with state regulations.

The application period for the 2025 grants was open from July 1, 2024, to August 30, 2024. Following the closure, the CAFO Improvement Fund Committee will review and recommend projects for funding, with successful applicants notified in November 2024.

Innovation and Responsible Stewardship

As Idaho continues to prioritize environmental sustainability in agriculture, the achievements of Boise Valley Feeders and Intermountain Beef serve as beacons of innovation and responsible stewardship. Their projects underscore the importance of the CAFO Improvement Fund and its role in fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural industry.

For more information on the CAFO Improvement Fund and to apply for the fiscal year 2025 grants, visit the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality's website.

Link to IDEQ HERE