1. Preparing for a Regulatory Inspection
Melony Wilson
University of Georgia
Bio & Ag Eng and Animal Dairy Science

2. Farm Inspections in GA Historically have been complaint driven
New CAFO Rule: all NPDES farms will be inspected by a regulatory agency
Inspections of smaller farms will be situational and may be the result of a complaint or pollution reports in the area.

3. Farm Inspections in GA
Goal of the state government for inspections to be fair and consistent.
EPD has memorandum of understanding with GDA to conduct inspections on AFO/CAFOs
Inspectors comfortable and familiar in an agricultural setting
They understand operational realities of a livestock operation
Inspectors are well trained in the on-farm issues they are assessing

4. Farm Inspections in GA
Defined GDA protocol and inspection form (
Efforts are made to place a courtesy call and appointment
Visits resulting from pollution threats or reported spills may not follow this routine
Once on site, inspectors are to follow the form described above

5. Farm Inspections in GA
GDA may suggest that a farmer seek assistance in correcting problems or addressing management issues with an independent non-regulatory agency:
Extension
NRCS
SWCC
Consultants

6. Inspections Preparation
Make sure all relevant paperwork is in order and available:
Permit
NMP
Records
Other
Farmer and Planner should be able to explain any components of the NMP

7. Inspections Preparation
Consider a self or independent non-regulatory inspection
Use GDA inspection form
Inspection form is also a useful tool to help determine what records should be kept on operation

8. Inspections Preparation
Management and employee responsibilities
Everyone should be aware of environmental issues and on-farm rules
Good to have a point person to manage environmental issues
A farm’s environmental “team” may include: owner/certified operator, managers, and non-employee representative, such as the certified planner.

9. Inspection Day Farmers rights:
Farm work cannot be stopped at the spur of the moment; prepare for the visit at the appointed time. OK to ask inspectors to briefly wait until any loose ends can be wrapped up
Inspectors should follow bio-security rules of the operation
Assemble all necessary farm personnel before beginning inspection

10. Inspection Day
Greet the inspector in a courteous and professional manner
All parties should keep a non-confrontational tone
OK for the farmer to request an explanation of the visit
Let the inspector know the farm takes their suggestions seriously

11. Inspection Day Discuss disagreements in a non-confrontational manner
Additional opportunities will exist to explain the farms position
Working with an independent agricultural/environmental professional for this step may be very helpful (Extension, NRCS, Planner…)
Take your own notes for follow-up and reporting

12. Inspection Day
Ask for contact information and a business card from the inspector.
Request a copy of the inspection report as soon as it is available

13. Follow Up
Farm management should review report with appropriate employees and additional assistance providers
A follow-up letter may be required and is in the least, advisable
Address any issues identified in the inspection
Identify corrective measures

14. Follow Up Seek help, do not go this process alone
Additional inspections may occur
Failure to address issues may result in report being forwarded to regulatory agencies who may impose fines and penalties!

15. Summary Preparation is priceless! Ask for assistance NRCS GASWCC
Extension Service