The Building of a Lagoon

Manure is a valuable resource. Our lagoons are valuable tools used to store our manure until we can use it properly, safely and productively. The vast majority of lagoons are built to NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Services) standards.
Lagoon Considerations:
 - Fertilization Requirements
 - Number of Cows
 - Manure Distribution Method
 - Existing Facilities

Keep reading for Storage period, site, & geological considerations plus lagoon specifics, permeability standard, clay liner requirements and more. 

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Storage Period Considerations
 - Weather
 - Crops
 - Growing Season
 - Labor Requirements
 - Management Flexibility
 - Available Equipment
 - Soil Conditions

Site Considerations
 - Proximity to farmstead
 - Prevailing wind direction
 - Management requirements
 - Economics
 - Resource concerns
 - Geological Investigation which includes
      - seasonal high water table
      - soil bearing capacity
      - seismic & liquefaction 
     - archaeological investigation

This is all before we even get a permit to start building!

Lagoon Specifics
 - Side slope ratio of 5:1 for safety, stability and erosion prevention
 - Clay liner - prevents leakage to ground water
     - Permeability standard of less than .000001 centimeters of water per second. 
    - The manure will also form a seal at the bottom, adding an additional reduction in permeability.
    - Minimum of 1 ft. thick 
    - Permeability is tested at lab.
    - compaction is tested on site

Periodic inspections are done through out the whole process.

Grass is planted around the edge of the lagoon and on the outside slopes to prevent erosion.  A fence and safety signs are added.

When a lagoon is properly built and maintained, it is a benefit to the environment.