1-2026.05.12 McClarren Farm Design Report STAMPED.pdf

Clearfield County Conservation District McClarren Farm Design Report May 2026 Page i

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.

220 West Kensinger Drive, Suite 100

Cranberry Township, PA 16066 724.779.4777 www.hrg-inc.com

Submitted: May 2026

McClarren Farm Design Report PREPARED BY: Steven Harmon, P.E.

Clearfield County Conservation

Submitted to:

William Null Clearfield County Conservation District 6395 Clearfield Woodland Hwy Clearfield, Pennsylvania 16830 009972.0434

Steven N Harmon, P.E.

Engineering | Planning | Infrastructure Solutions

May 2026 Page 1

1) INTRODUCTION

Aerial photo of Project Area

RESOURCE CONCERNS

Table 1. Annual Waste Volumes

2) DESCRIPTION OF AGRICULTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (AG BMPS) .. 4

HEAVY USE AREA PROTECTION

FENCING SYSTEM

ADDITIONAL STABILIZATION

Access Roads Outlet Stabilization

ADDITIONAL STORMWATER

Runoff Structures

3) SITE DATA

FARM MANAGEMENT PLAN VERIFICATION

PERMITTING

Non-CAO/CAFO Manure Storages National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Table 2: Limit of Disturbance Municipal Permitting

EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION REGULATIONS

Agricultural Erosion and Sedimentation Plan Construction Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) Plan Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Plan

PA ONE CALL

SETBACK REQUIREMENTS

Table 4: Setback Requirements for Non-CAO/CAFO

SOILS

Soil Survey Map Map Units Legend

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

4) OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

SAFETY ITEMS

OPERATIONAL & MAINTENANCE (O&M) REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC BMP’S .. 9

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

5) QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

6) SIGNATURE OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

May 2026 Page 2

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Landowner Safety Documents Appendix B – Ag BMP Calculations Appendix C – Soil Report and Test Pits Appendix D – Construction Safety Documents Appendix E – Construction Specifications

May 2026 Page 3

1) INTRODUCTION

Quentin McClarren owns a beef finishing operation at 172 McClarren Road, West Decatur, Decatur Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania 16878. The operation consists of 15 beef feeders. Currently the feeders are imported to the farm in May then grazed on pasture until November before being sold due to a lack of functioning holding facilities. The following plan details improvements to out of lifespan agricultural best management practices through the installation of a mono-slope roof, new heavy use area (HUA) pad and feeding access. Additional associated best management practices include a stabilized access road for feeding, stormwater infostructure to control runoff, and roof runoff structures have been planned to address further resource concerns.

The operation is located within the drainage area of Morgan Run-Lower Clearfield Creek. An Unnamed Tributary (UNT) to Morgan Run is located to the north of the property. According to Pennsylvania Code Chapter 93 – Water Quality Standards and the eMapPA website, the stream has an existing/designated use of Cold-Water Fishes (CWF), and the water is impaired with heavy metals.

The design of the BMPs and related details was prepared under the supervision of Steven N. Harmon, P.E.

(HRG). The drawings are attached.

Aerial photo of Project Area

Location of new roof and HUA

Location of new access road

May 2026 Page 4

RESOURCE CONCERNS

Resource concerns and livestock management limitations have been identified on the McClarren Farm due to out of lifespan structural BMPs. The existing stabilized pad and waste transfer infrastructure located on the farm have exceeded their respective lifespans of 10 and 15 years. Together the system is unusable due to stormwater collection. Without viable infrastructure the farm has been removing cattle from the operation prior to reaching finishing weight. If existing infrastructure was used, the exposed manure and nutrients would create a resource concern to water quality through surface water runoff and groundwater leachate as well as pose health risks to the livestock. The mono-sloped roof over the heavy use area (HUA) will provide a stabilized feeding and handling area while removing the concerns of stormwater. The stabilized access roads will provide access to the facility and pasture for cattle and equipment.

The current nutrient sources consist of manure, bedding, and polluted rain runoff. The manure is deposited in the pasture. Current stormwater ponds on the existing concrete HUA where is collects until is overtops the curb and run off into the adjacent lot.

The waste generated by each source is summarized in the table below.

Table 1. Annual Waste Volumes

Waste Source

Waste Generated per 60 days

(cf)

Manure – 15 Feeders 1,620

Bedding – Waste Hay 2,535

Total 4,155

2) DESCRIPTION OF AGRICULTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (AG BMPS)

HEAVY USE AREA PROTECTION

The proposed roofed heavy use area (HUA) is to be 72 ft long by 40 ft wide. The HUA is covered with a mono-sloped roof. The east side of the facility has 72 ft of HUA fencing with a 1.5 ft exposed curb on connected with a 5 in thick concrete slab. As does the west side with the exception of a 16 ft opening that aligns with an opening on the existing facility. The north end of the building has a 12 ft gate on the east side that opens to the existing animal walkway while the south end of the facility has an off-centered 12 ft gate lining up with the access road. Curbing on the south side of the building includes a 3 ft exposed curb on the west side of the 12 ft opening and 1.5 ft exposed curb on the east.

FENCING SYSTEM

Fencing for this project includes wooden HUA containment fence and 4-strand high tensile fence to connect in existing areas.

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ADDITIONAL STABILIZATION

Access Roads

A reinforced access road is to be installed in the existing driveway in the barnyard from the proposed facility, 40 ft to the south. The access road to be constructed of 6 in AASHTO #3 topped with 3 in of driving surface aggregate. Nonwoven geotextile shall be installed below the AASHTO #3 stone. An additional stone diversion has been added to this access road in order to direct water away from the 12’ opening.

Outlet Stabilization

All outlets installed shall be stabilized with R-4 rip-rap stone to prevent erosion and disburse concentrated water flows. This includes a 5 ft x 10 ft apron at the discharge location of the foundation and roof water drain. All rip-rap should be bedded in 6 in of 2B or on top of nonwoven geotextile. Each outlet pipe should have a small animal guard installed to maintain pipe capacity.

ADDITIONAL STORMWATER

Runoff Structures

The proposed HUA roof runoff is to be collected through 6-inch box OGEE aluminum gutters with ¼ in: 1 ft slope. Gutters shall drain to 3 in by 4 in rectangular aluminum downspouts with a maximum spacing of 36 ft between downspouts. Downspouts are connected to a central roof drain system that discharges to a stabilized outlet in the pasture. The outlet is to be further stabilized with a small animal guard as discussed above in outlet stabilization. Additional surface water from the south end of the building will be partially collected in a plastic yard drain along the southwest corner. Surface water not collected within this drain will sheet flow along a drainage swale around the east side of the building.

3) SITE DATA

FARM MANAGEMENT PLAN VERIFICATION

The farm has a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – Chapter 91 Manure Management plan, but it is currently not updated to reflect the BMPs planned in this design report. This plan should be updated and reviewed by the local County Conservation District.

PERMITTING

Non-CAO/CAFO Manure Storages

The farm has less than 2.0 Animal Equivalent Units (AEU) per acre and is not considered a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). The farm has an updated Manure Management Plan (MMP) and Ag E&S Plan. No construction will occur within 50 ft of any streams or rivers, therefore no General Permits are required. The proposed limits of disturbance will be less than 1 ac, so an NPDES permit is not required.

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Following the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection guidelines for stormwater management, permitting is required for sites with over one acre of unexempt, disturbed land. The extent of land disturbance for this project can be seen in Table

2. If over 1 ac, additional details for the NPDES will be located below in the Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Plan and Municipal Permitting Sections.

May 2026 Page 6

Table 2: Limit of Disturbance

Disturbance Activity Area (ac.)

Total Disturbance 0.40

Total Exemption 0.07

Roofed HUA with Associated BMP’s 0.07 PCSM Total 0.33

Municipal Permitting

Municipals permitting submissions or approvals are not anticipated.

EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION REGULATIONS

Agricultural Erosion and Sedimentation Plan

The McClarren farm has an Agricultural Erosion and Sedimentation Plan on file with local County Conservation District.

Construction Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) Plan

Erosion and Sedimentation controls are required for the installation of the discussed agricultural BMPs to maximize the protection of existing drainage features and vegetation as well as minimize the extent and duration of earth disturbance, grading, and compaction where feasible. The E&S plan for this project includes the following measures: a rock construction entrance located at the mouth of the proposed access road, topsoil and debris stockpiling, compost filter sock, and a concrete washout area. The E&S plan also included information regarding seeding-and-mulching of disturbed areas.

Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Plan

The site disturbance does not fall within the requirements of an NPDES permit or municipal submission therefore does not require a Post Construction Stormwater Management Plan. This does not exclude these construction activities from following a Construction Erosion and Sedimentation Plan.

PA ONE CALL

Serial number: 20261111728 Date: 4/21/2026 Phase: Final Design

Table 3: PA One Call Responses

Utility Name Response Status

Decatuer Township Yes Clear

Pennsylvania Electric Company Yes PDF Provided

Pennsylvania American Water Yes Clear

Reference most up to date PA One Call information on most recent plan set associated with this report.

May 2026 Page 7

SETBACK REQUIREMENTS

The location of the facility is 140 ft from the well, 60 ft from the property line and adjacent to an existing barn. The installation of these agricultural best management practices does not require any waivers.

Information related to topography, soils, existing topographical features, utilities, and grading are shown on the attached plans. This information came from a land survey, GIS information of Clearfield County, the USDA Web Soil Survey, Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA), and FEMA Nation Flood Hazard Layer

(NFHL).

Table 4: Setback Requirements for Non-CAO/CAFO

Description Req’d Distance

(ft.)

Actual Distance

(ft.)

Property Line Local Zoning 60

Well, Private on site 100’ 140

Stream, River - No fill or structure in FEMA floodway 50’ from top of bank 4,000

Spring, Lake, Pond, Reservoir- No fill or structure in FEMA floodway 50’ from top of bank n/a

Wetland PNDI Search n/a

Open Sinkhole 100’ n/a

Surface Source of Active Public Drinking Water Local Zoning n/a

SOILS

Information pertaining to the soils within the scope of the project was obtained from the USDA Web Soil Survey.

May 2026 Page 8

Soil Survey Map

Map Units Legend

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

The best management practices prescribed here are design according to the PA USDA-NRCS Field Office Technical Guide Standards and Specifications. The structural design for the roof structures was designed according to USDA-NRCS Field Office Technical Guide PA-367, Roofs and Covers. The design methodology used Allowable Stress Design (ASD). Loads were based on ASCE 7-05, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. Girders and headers were using FORTEWEB software by Weyerhaeuser, using International Building Code IBC-2009. Connections were based on American Wood Council using the National Design Specification for Wood Construction. Further criteria and specifications can be found in the plan set. Other BMPs follow the respective Conservation Practice Standard per the PA USDA-NRCS Field Office Technical Guide. Conservation Practices and codes are listed below as well as attached in Appendix E.

May 2026 Page 9

4) OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

SAFETY ITEMS

The owner or farm operator is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment around the new water system development. Safety documents specific to your operation are included in the appendix of this report. These documents were developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and others.

Review these documents to become familiar with the hazards around waste storage systems.

OPERATIONAL & MAINTENANCE (O&M) REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC BMP’S

The following O&M Plan cites normal, repetitive activities that apply to the conservation practice(s) and the plan lists inspection, repair and upkeep items which are required to achieve the intended function, benefits, and lifespan of the listed conservation practice.

313 - Waste Storage, Solid Stack

The waste storage should be emptied as soon as practical after the maximum operating capacity has been reached. The waste is to be removed from the storage should be utilized at the locations, times, rates, and volume in accordance with the overall waste management system plan.

Maintain the waste storage facility or facilities through the following basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

All facilities must be inspected on an annual basis.

Maintain any associated safety fencing, warning signs, and gates, keeping the gates locked when not in use.

Inspect perimeter drain outlets or check observation wells to verify no leakage. Manure odors or colored liquids require additional investigation. Discharges to a watercourse or stream require collection and storage. Report to these incidents to the appropriate local or state authorities. See emergency response plan below.

Structural repairs, leakage areas, and rehabilitation plans require assistance from a professional engineer.

When loading or unloading storage collect and clean up all spillage of manure around the facility.

Divert all stormwater from entering manure storage facilities, including dry stacking facilities.

Filter and treat all stormwater that comes off a manure stacking facility.

Restrict and/or limit animal access to manure storage and stacking facility.

Facilities using gypsum products require additional safety precautions during agitation of both covered and open storage facilities. Deadly gases can develop around the agitation area.

Facilities storing manure with sand will require additional agitation and extra effort to remove to maintain storage capacity at each cleanout.

New storages or expansion of existing semi-solid or liquid storage requires a design and certification from a PA registered professional engineer.

360 – Waste Facility Closure

The work shall consist of furnishing and installing materials and removing existing facilities and materials as outlined in the drawings

Use fill material that is free of stumps, wood, brush, roots, sod, rubbish, matter that may decay, and other objectionable materials.

May 2026 Page 10

Remove all water in the facility and residual manure and organic material from the facility prior to decommissioning.

The embankment shall be breached or removed as shown in the drawings.

Frozen material shall not be placed in the fill, nor shall the fill material be placed on a frozen foundation.

Fill shall be placed in 9 in lifts and be compacted.

Fill material shall contain sufficient moisture so that it can be formed into a ball without crumbling. If water can be squeezed out, it is too saturated to compact properly.

Below ground structures shall be demolished, completely removed, or left in place with the top removed to the extent that fill material can be placed and compacted to fill all voids. Compaction inside of structures not accessible to equipment shall be compacted by manually operated compactors in 6 in lifts. Below ground structures that will remain in place shall have 25% of the floor or bottom removed to allow for free drainage. Floor or bottom removal shall only occur after all waste material has been removed.

Waste transfer pipes shall be flushed clean of manure and either be removed for their entire length and properly disposed of or be plugged. Pipes shall be plugged as specified on the drawings.

367 - Roofs and Covers

Maintain roof or cover over associated facility such as waste stacking facility, heavy use area, mortality facility, etc. Follow these basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Inspect roof after high wind or significant storm events and make needed repairs.

Do not add additional loads to members (including adding sides to enclose the structure) without professional review.

Consider snow load removal if loads exceed structural limits.

Inspect for mechanical damage and replace or reinforce as needed.

Inspect all structural connections (bolts, gusset plates, etc.) and repair or replace as needed.

Inspect fabric covers and replace or repair damaged covers.

Significant structural issues or questions should be referred to a building professional or PA registered engineer.

382 - Fence

Maintain existing fence associated with pastures, watering systems, streams and stream crossings. Follow these basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Inspect fence, particularly those located adjacent to streams or in flood zones, after each major storm event to identify and make necessary repairs.

Maintain gates in working condition.

Maintenance and repair must be performed in a timely manner to maintain the desired control.

Maintain fence free of vegetation, annually clearing of weeds and brush under and near the fence.

468 - Lined Waterway or Outlet

Maintain rock lined (or turf reinforced mat) channel to maintain volume and velocity capacity for the determined practice lifespan. Follow these basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Inspect after all significant storm events to identify and repair maintenance needs.

Minor rock movement may be resolved by moving rock back and resetting.

May 2026 Page 11

Major rock movement and washouts may indicate undersized materials or lack of capacity. It is recommended that professional assistance be obtained to resolve these issues.

Significant gullies or sedimentation issues may require professional assistance to resolve.

Repair any gullies or displaced rocks, then re-establish and maintain vegetation to prevent erosion.

Schedule planting or vegetative repairs in early spring or fall for best results.

500 – Obstruction Removal

Removal and disposal of buildings, structures, other works of improvement; vegetation, debris, or other materials.

Periodic inspection for excessive settlement at removal and disposal areas which may cause ponding or equipment damage. Promptly fill areas with excessive settlement.

Periodic inspection of disturbed areas for sheet and rill erosion. Repair any problems as soon as possible.

Periodic inspection of vegetative cover. Perform needed maintenance of vegetative protection which may include mowing, fertilization, weed control, repair of seedbed damage, or reseeding of bare soil.

558 - Roof Runoff Structure

Maintain structures, typically roof gutters and downspouts, drip line drains, etc. Follow these basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Keep roof runoff structures clean and free of obstructions that reduce flow.

Inspect the roof regularly and after all significant storm events, to identify repair and maintenance needs and make needed repairs.

Maintain devices to protect downspouts from livestock and equipment damage, and outlets from small animal access.

560 - Access Road

Maintain access roads used for agricultural vehicles and equipment. Follow these basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Inspect the access road and associated culverts, water bars, and outlets after each major storm event, and make necessary repairs.

Mow vegetated areas along the access road annually between August 1 and August 15 to control weedy vegetation or more frequently if needed.

Maintain width of the access road and resurface as needed.

561 - Heavy Use Area Protection

Maintain heavy use area protection for intensively used areas to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality by following these basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Periodic inspections—annually and immediately following significant rainfall events.

Prompt repair or replacement of damaged components especially surfaces that are subjected to wear or erosion including concrete floors and curb openings.

Requirements for the regular removal and management of manure, as needed, for livestock heavy use areas.

Restrict uses, as needed, to protect the stand and to allow vegetative recovery for vegetated heavy use areas.

May 2026 Page 12

Frozen manure and/or snow should not be scraped into a reception pit. If possible, safely load directly into a storage, stockpile on the lot, or stockpile in areas suitable for temporary in-field stacking as located on the NMP maps.

Gravel pads associated with equine will need regular maintenance. Fill in low areas, replace working surface material and re-grade as needed.

Maintain associated practices that keep off-site/upslope water out of area.

Animal access to pastures should follow guidance found under Prescribed Grazing (528).

Animal movement from this area to the pasture should follow guidance under Trails and Walkways

(575).

587 - Structure for Water Control

Maintain existing screen box(s), level lip spreader(s), waterbar(s), grated channel, dropbox(es), etc. Follow these basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Inspect after all significant storm events to identify and repair maintenance needs.

Clean and remove debris, built up manure, etc. as needed on screens, grates, inlet holes, etc.

Re-grade, reshape, and /or resurface area around the structure as needed to maintain grade and flow of surface water into structure.

All practices should be checked at least twice a year.

606 - Subsurface Drain

Maintain existing drainage system through the following basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Inspect outlet annually to verify outlet clear of obstructions and animal guard in place.

Repair areas with blowouts or washed-out outlets.

Discharges with manure odor or organic material require collection and redirection. Report to appropriate agencies if discharging into a stream.

620 - Underground Outlet

Maintain existing outlets associated with other practices such as roof runoff, waste storage facilities, structure for water control, etc. through the following basic operation and maintenance guidelines:

Inspect after all significant storm events to identify repair and maintenance needs.

Keep all inlets and outlets free of trash and debris. Maintain animal guards.

Repair damage caused by construction or farm equipment or loss of cover due to erosion.

Maintain adequate backfill over all pipes.

Maintain all supporting practices, such as riser pipes, drop boxes, downspouts, water and sediment control basins and rock-lined outlets as originally installed.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

If an emergency manure spill or leak should occur, you need to take the following actions.

Ensure you and other people are safe.

1) Stop the leak or spill.

a. If the leak or spill happens while emptying the structure

i. Stop pumps, close valves, and/or stop siphoning of manure

ii. Park on top of flexible piping to pinch it closed

iii. If necessary, direct manure to another storage structure

May 2026 Page 13

iv. Plug holes in the impoundment, build dams to capture the leak and either pump the manure back into storage or spread it on fields.

2) Contain and control the lead or spill:

a. Build containment dam to capture the manure. Use soil, gravel, hay bales, etc. Provide an area for the impounded manure to run into and be temporarily stored. Limit the area in contact with manure. Use a contractor if necessary.

b. Prevent manure from running into streams, ditches, etc.

c. Use absorbent material to soak up the manure, such as straw, hay, sawdust, animal feed, or soil to limit or stop the flow.

d. Check for contaminated subsurface tile lines and divert flow from tile inlets.

3) Notify the proper authorities:

a. Your local emergency response: 911

b. Pa DEP, Emergency Response: 1-800-541-2050

c. PA Fish and Boat Commission: 1-855-347-4545 (855-Fish-Kil)

d. Clearfield County Conservation District: 1-814-765-26

e. Make a record of details of the spill and actions you took. Take pictures of the extend of the spill and your containment and cleanup practices.

f. If a spill enters a sinkhole or otherwise has the potential to enter groundwater, notify adjacent landowners who use private wells for their water supply.

4) Clean up the leak or spill:

a. This may be directed by the authorities listed above.

b. Pick up absorbent material you used and properly dispose of the material.

c. Restore the damaged area if necessary.

5) QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

The Quality Assurance Plan is to ensure the roofed HUA facility is constructed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Technical Guide Practice Standards and Practice Specifications. For the facility to be certified as complete, the items listed in this plan shall be completed.

The following general items shall be completed for all project components:

Pre-construction meeting with landowner, contractor, Clearfield County Conservation District and HRG staff

Record of site visits Record weather during visits. Document notable preceding weather conditions or notable forecasts, such as rain, hot or cold temperatures, and high winds.

Photographs Contractors on site Work in progress, materials and quantities being installed.

Any significant discussions

The Quality Assurance Plan includes the following specific components and construction verification tasks.

Additional Q&A may be located within the Construction Notes of the Design Set for Construction.

313 - Waste Storage Facility

Completion of foundation excavation to observe and record the foundation conditions encountered and compare with the conditions assumed in the design

Installing foundation drainage

May 2026 Page 14

Structural floor/footer: The placement of forms, rebar and welded wire and the supporting method. Inspect prior to concrete placement. Monitor concrete placement.

Structural walls: The placement of forms, rebar, and form support. Inspect prior to concrete placement. Monitor concrete placement.

Backfill of structure walls Completion of all construction elements.

Any site-specific components Utilize red line as-built notations to document final quantities and extent of practices installed Photo-image documentation

360 - Waste Facility Closure

Verification of Waste Facility Closure Completion of the removal of water and organic waste from the existing facility.

Excavation and demolition of the existing concrete Backfill of excavated area in lifts Utilize red line as-built notations to document final quantities and extent of practices removed or closed Photo-image documentation

367 - Roofs and Covers

Verification of set trusses Inspection shall be made of the following items of the roof structure

Verification of size, species, and grade of wood members Verification of nail, bolt, and screw size and patterns

Utilize red line as-built notations to document final quantities and extent of practices installed Photo-image documentation

382 - Fence

Complete appropriate Implementation Requirements and Certification (IR) sheet(s) Utilize red line as-built notations to document final quantities and extent of practices installed including fence and gate locations on the design Photo-image documentation

468 - Lined Waterway or Outlet

Utilize red line as-built notation to document final quantities and extent of practices installed including the following:

Channel length, width, depth, and slope Type and size of stabilization materials/methods, e.g. rock, turf reinforcement matting, erosion control blanket Materials certifications and/or manufacturers data sheets

Photo-image documentation

500 - Obstruction Removal

Follow E&S controls to minimize erosion, air, and water pollution Remove material from site and complete proper disposal Reshape and regrade site to normal conditions

May 2026 Page 15

Seed and mulch as applicable Disposal location Utilize red line as-built notations to document final quantities and extent of practices installed Photo-image documentation

558 - Roof Runoff Structure

Utilize red line as-built notation to document final quantities and extent of practices installed including the following:

Roof gutter size. Downspout size and spacing Pipe size, type, ASTM numbers

Photo-image documentation

560 - Access Road

Utilize red line as-built notation to document final quantities and extent of practices installed including the following:

Minimum one cross section for each design reach Length and width of gravel areas Stone gradation, depth and compaction method Geotextile specifications

Photo-image documentation

561 - Heavy Use Area Protection

Completion of foundation excavation to observe and record the foundation conditions encountered and compare with the conditions assumed in the design

Installing foundation drainage Structure floor: The placement of forms, rebar and welded wire and the supporting method. Inspect prior to concrete placement. Monitor concrete placement.

Backfill of structure walls Utilize red line as-built notation to document final quantities and extent of practices installed Photo-image documentation

587 - Structure for Water Control

Installation in compliance with the current Pennsylvania Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manual

Utilize red line as-built notations to document final quantities and extent of practices installed Photo-image documentation

620 – Underground Outlets

Utilize red line as-built notations to document final quantities and extent of practices installed including pipe size, type, ASTM numbers

Photo-image documentation

May 2026 Page 16

6) SIGNATURE OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

I declare that, to the best of my professional knowledge and belief, the proposals made in this report are planned to meet the USDA-NRCS Field Office Technical Guide standards.

Prepared By:

Steven N. Harmon, PE Project Manager | Municipal & Water Resources

A. LANDOWNER SAFETY

Manure Storages Listed below are common concerns and considerations when operating skid loaders near manure storages.

Concerns

• Skid loaders tip easily, especially when loaded buckets are raised high off the ground.

• Movement increases the tipping risk of skid loaders

• Owners should not use over-sized buckets to “increase” work production rates.

• Some equipment manufacturers rate their equipment for bucket weight capacity to only one-half of the tipping weight.

• All skid loader operators should be trained, experienced adults.

• Neither youth nor inexperienced operators should operate a skid loader near manure storages. Only skilled operators should be near such hazardous locations.

• Skid loaders should be used with appropriate rear stability weights.

• Chain link fences are designed to deter people and animals from entering manure storages. Manure should never be dumped over a chain link fence.

• Heavy safety guards are needed to provide the safe loading of manure into storages.

• Skid loaders need to be operated in accordance with a manufacturer’s operator manual.

Considerations

• Manure storage planners/designers need to have specific conversations during project planning/designing with the landowner/operator to discuss methods for safely handling manure loading into the storage.

• A safe design for moving manure into storage never includes manure being lifted over a chain link or other type of fence.

• Use a safety sign to reinforce skid loader safety at manure storages.

• Encourage the use of 2’ +/- concrete curbs/tank wall extension between the concrete manure storage walls and the concrete barn yard (and other areas of safety concerns). This wall extension is not designed to keep a loaded skid loader from toppling into the manure storage, but is intended to provide a general overall safety barrier to deter animals, provide a visual barrier, prevent slow moving vehicles from coasting or rolling into the storage, provide a means to raise the base of the fence away from most of the manure increasing fence life, etc.

• Continue to use chain link fences to protect people and animals.

• Continue to use safety gate push-in structures to safely load manure into storages.

• If dumping manure over a wall into the storage is the only available option, use concrete walls with special guards on top of the wall (or equal). These access locations must be designed to guard against equipment toppling into the storage. Also include protection to keep people and animals out of this access location.

Fact Sheet #7 January 2016

Skid Loader Safety Concerns Near

Natural Resources Conservation Service www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fact Sheet #8

Manure Storage Maintenance and Safety Febuary 2016

This fact sheet provides a checklist of common maintenance and safety issues found around existing manure storage facilities and promotes developing and reviewing a written safety plan focused on your manure waste management system.

The owner or farm operator is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their family and all those working near their waste storage facility(s). Each year farm families suffer the loss of life, whether animals or, more tragically, humans that could be avoided with proper maintenance and safety training. Each farm operation should develop a written safety plan (Contact your local extension Agent for information or do an internet search). Review this plan with everyone working near the waste storage facility. Discuss potential hazards and the need to maintain safety devices and follow proper safety protocol. Consider upgrading older facilities with current safety signs and devices. Make repairs in a timely manner.

Someone’s life may depend upon it. Listed below are the more common safety issues and areas to check.

• Check to see if your safety fence is being properly maintained at the manure storage and loading hoppers.

o Replace fence/posts that have been damaged.

o Check the gates to verify they close properly and can be latched and locked.

o Tighten loose fence and repair damaged sections.

o The minimum height of fence should be 4.5 feet. Higher fence may be appropriate for some sites.

• Check to see if your warning signs are still in place and add as needed.

o One or more of the following signs should be posted at all appropriate locations. Examples include “DROWNING HAZARD,” “DURING AGITATION, DEADLY GASES POSSIBLE,” “NO DUMPING OVER FENCE,” “DEADLY MANURE GASES POSSIBLE, DEATH MAY BE IMMEDIATE.” See NRCS Fact Sheet #4 for additional information and sources.

o Appropriate locations include all manure storage access points and on each side or several spaced around the perimeter.

• Check your manure push-off/loading access areas for safety concerns.

o Verify that the safety bar or cage installed to keep equipment from falling in is still solid and properly anchored. If not, replace or repair. If none exists, install a safety device.

• When not in use, there must be a separate gate that is in front of the equipment barrier that limits human and animal access. If there is none, install a gate.

o Verify that the gate can close and be latched when not in use. If it broken, or jammed, have it fixed and properly cleaned. Make sure that the maximum square opening does not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches or 4 inches between vertical members. Adjust gate and/or add coverings to reduce opening size or gap as needed.

o Verify that no one is using a skid loader or other equipment to dump manure directly over the safety fence around the storage. Typical safety fencing will not keep equipment out of the storage.

• Loading is only to be done at the designated push-off locations.

• Consider installing a new curb (at least 24-inches high) and top with a fence higher than the equipment can reach, or install a curb located 30-inches from the tank wall to eliminate the possibility of lifting manure over the fence.

These measures will reduce the possibility of improper loading; however, they may not completely prevent access by moving equipment or animals.

NRCS-PA-ENG FS-8 February 2016 o Discuss your emergency manure loading plan for materials (waste feed, snowpack, or frozen manure) that can’t be loaded or pushed in at your normal access points with all equipment operators.

• Consider additional push-off structures that can accommodate these materials.

• Add a safe access location(s) designed for lifting manure over the manure storage tank wall that is strong enough to hold a tipping loader. A chain link fence is not adequate.

• Provide short-term storage location(s) elsewhere. Do not store in a watercourse or water flow path.

• If you plan to load at the agitation or pumpout location, keep the load low going over the wall. Add an extra wheel barrier or swinging bar across opening to keep equipment from entering. Make sure animals are not in the area and the gate is closed and locked after the operation has been completed.

• Review your safety plan prior to agitating, transferring, and pumping manure out of a manure storage. This is especially critical when you have inexperienced personnel involved in the process.

o Make sure all animals are out of the area when the unloading access gates are opened or the lids are removed from an access hole.

o After placing the pump, secure gates or plates around equipment to minimize access to storage.

o If you use gypsum as a bedding additive or as an antiskid on cattle walkways, be aware that during agitation, extremely high levels of deadly Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas may be emitted. Keep everyone away from the area prior to start-up. Operator should be aware of setting and wind direction. Access points surrounded by buildings and/or no wind or wind blowing from agitation area can carry toxic H2S. Wait for better conditions. Ventilate area with clean air. Consider using a self-contained breathing apparatus or having a meter to warn the operator that dangerous levels of manure gases are present. Always watch from a safe distance.

o If your pump controls require standing next to pump and/or behind the power unit, consider extending the controls to move them and the operator a safe distance away from the manure storage or access point.

o Fully remove the pump and move it away from the storage to make repairs or unclog the intake. Working on the pump while it is in the pit is extremely dangerous. Remember to close the gate or replace grates during this process.

o Replace grates over agitation openings if they become damaged. If grates are not practical, add safety fence and gates around the opening(s).

o Remind all manure haulers that your manure has gypsum and that excessive H2S gas hazards must be considered.

• Review your safety plan prior to going inside the fence adjacent to an earthen or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)-lined facility to do maintenance.

o HDPE-lined slopes are slippery and fallen individuals will require help getting out.

o Have someone outside the fence to get help. Have a rope and floatation device ready to toss over the fence to the fallen individual. The rescue person must stay outside of the fence to avoid the same situation.

• Review your safety plan before entering a plugged loading hopper or going down inside a covered underground storage or reception pit. These are “Confined Spaces” and entry without taking precautions has resulted in deaths.

o Never enter these spaces without prior ventilation and use of a self-contained breathing apparatus.

o Even with prior ventilation the air needs to be checked with a calibrated meter.

o Vertical access will require a harness, rope, and hoisting system to pull out a fallen person.

o Require a second person stationed outside to get help if a properly planned entry goes bad.

o Do not enter a storage to rescue a co-worker as this often results in multiple fatalities.

o Have a system to contact your local emergency response personal.

Natural Resources Conservation Service www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov

Safety and Emergency Response for Manure Management Systems

This Fact Sheet is an NRCS update to the Safety Section of the Manure Management for Environmental Protection, Document MM2, dated 11/2001.

Storing animal manure on farms is very common in Pennsylvania. Many dairy, beef, veal, swine, and poultry operations are installing manure storage systems with the potential, under certain circumstances, for safety risks. Experience indicates that when an accident does occur, it sometimes involves two or three fatalities. Large numbers of livestock may also perish.

Some manure storage systems are more hazardous than others. Below-ground storages, or pits, are more hazardous than above-ground storages. Systems that are covered by lids, caps, or slotted floors are more hazardous than uncovered systems. The most dangerous storages are pits within buildings or directly beneath livestock. Pump-out access pits with lids or caps can also be very hazardous.

Safety Hazards

Under certain circumstances, manure storage hazards include gases that are toxic (hydrogen sulfide), asphyxiant (carbon dioxide), corrosive (ammonia), and explosive (methane), and may include an atmosphere that contains insufficient oxygen to sustain life. Drowning is also a possibility. With solid covered or slatted covered pit storages, the danger from gases is most severe when manure is being agitated or pumped out. At other times, little gas is produced, and natural air movements or ventilation from fans can at times prevent hazardous gas buildup and oxygen levels from becoming dangerously low. With open storages and above-ground tanks, oxygen depletion and toxic and explosive gas buildup are less likely (with the exception of sulfur-containing additives such as gypsum), so the major potential hazard normally associated with such systems is drowning. The use of gypsum as an animal bedding or for non-slip alley footing dramatically increases the amount of hydrogen sulfide produced by the manure. In some cases the presence of gypsum has increased the hydrogen sulfide gas content by a factor of 100 fold (this applies to both covered storages and open-top storages).

Maximum safe gas concentrations, or threshold limit values (TLV), have been established for an 8-hour exposure for humans by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists. TLVs are expressed in parts per million (ppm).

Safe gas levels for animals have not been established, but animal responses to gases are known to be similar to human responses. Animals, however, suffer more continuous exposure and may be adversely affected over time by a lower level of gas than affects humans. This is of particular concern with small or lightweight animals, such as newborn pigs.

The concentrations of gases in manure storages can be measured with special instruments, but such instruments are reliable only if they are carefully maintained, stored, calibrated, and operated by trained personnel. Some instruments cost only a few hundred dollars. Using gas detection instruments is the best way to monitor a hazardous environment. Never enter a confined space without proper testing and safety equipment. Emergency procedures are outlined at the end of this document.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the most hazardous manure gas, is associated with most fatalities in manure storages. H2S can cause death within seconds at high concentrations. The TLV is 10 ppm. It is colorless and heavier than air, accumulating near the bottom of the storage (this gas can flow out of a storage and continue to hug the ground and adjacent low areas).

Though some concentrations (100 to 150 ppm) can be identified by a rotten-egg odor, hydrogen sulfide deadens one’s sense of smell and its odor is often masked by other smells common to livestock facilities. Lethal concentrations of 500 to 600 ppm are thus difficult to detect. Gas amounts can increase a thousand fold during agitation and emptying of a manure facility. The presence of gypsum additives increases H2S production to extremely high levels.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2), while a nontoxic gas itself, displaces oxygen and therefore can asphyxiate humans and animals.

The TLV is 25 ppm. Being both colorless and odorless, carbon dioxide is impossible to detect without gas detection equipment.

January 2016Fact Sheet #10

NRCS-PA-ENG FS-10 January 2016

Ammonia (NH3) can severely damage the eyes, throat, and lungs. It combines with moisture in the eyes and respiratory tract to form an alkaline solution that causes severe burns. Its TLV is 25 ppm. NH3 is lighter than air and has a strong bleach-like odor. Because of its irritating nature, people usually leave a contaminated area. Therefore, it is not suspected to have caused any human deaths. Constant, low-level exposure to ammonia has a discomforting effect on humans and livestock.

Methane (CH4) is a highly-flammable and explosive gas. The TLV for methane is 1000 ppm. Like carbon dioxide, it is odorless, colorless, asphyxiating, and impossible to detect without gas detection instruments. Methane is lighter than air and rises out of storage areas to collect under hoods, roof ridges, and corners. It is most likely to accumulate during hot weather, especially if ventilation is poor. Methane explosions have resulted from someone lighting a torch or from short circuits in electrical system.

Oxygen (O2) deficient atmosphere occurs when oxygen is displaced by another gas to less than 19.5% by volume of the total air. Normally, oxygen in air is 20.8% by volume. When oxygen is at 16% by volume of the air, a person becomes disorientated and has impaired judgement. At 14% by volume of the air, a person has rapid fatigue and faulty judgement.

At 6% by volume of air, a person can have difficulty in breathing and death will occur within minutes. The oxygen percent should be measured at all levels of a manure storage to ensure that there is no oxygen deficiency.

Design and Construction Recommendations

Many safety hazards can be minimized by properly designing and constructing a manure storage facility. Several recommendations to consider when building a storage are listed below. Many of the recommendations should also be incorporated into existing storages.

• Keep in-barn pits for liquid manure to a minimum.

• Install fences to restrict access for people and animals. Keep fence gates and access locations locked.

• Gypsum for bedding or creating non-slip surfaces should never be loaded into storages located within buildings (and covered storages). Extreme caution and continuous use of gas monitoring equipment shall be used when agitating open, outdoor storages with gypsum.

• Locate pump-out openings for manure pits outside of buildings. Use heavy covers or grates for pit access points and keep them in place.

• Equip ventilation systems with an alarm to indicate power failure, and provide a backup ventilation system.

• Walls of open storages adjacent to barnyards should extend two feet above barnyard elevation.

• If the manure storage is outdoors, provide a gas trap or other device in pipes running to the storage to prevent gases in the storage structure from reentering the building, especially during pit agitation.

• Install a fence around open storages, ponds, treatment basins, and lagoons. The fence should be tight enough to keep out small children.

• Warning signs should be placed near storages and above-ground tanks, and a rescue pole and rope should be located conspicuously in the area.

Operating Recommendations

Manure storage hazards can be further reduced by consistently following recommended operating procedures. You should adopt all of the following practices that apply to your operation.

• Test the pit atmosphere for toxic gases and oxygen levels.

• Never enter a pit without proper ventilation. When going in, wear an air-supplied respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), as well as a safety harness attached to a rope attended by at least two people at the entrance to the pit. Any person utilizing this equipment must be trained in advance. Attaching the safety rope to a winch or hoist is also recommended. Cartridge-type masks are not safe.

• Keep people and animals out of any building where manure is being agitated or emptied. Provide strong mechanical ventilation during agitation and pumping, and for a few hours after pumping has stopped. If an animal collapses during pit agitation, do not try to rescue it immediately. Turn the pump off and ventilate the building until the gases have had a chance to escape.

NRCS-PA-ENG FS-10 January 2016

• Never fill a manure pit completely, but allow 1- to 2-feet of air space to accommodate concentrations of gas. Lower the level of liquid manure in a storage facility before starting agitation to reduce the possibility of gas being forced above floor level.

• Keep the agitator below the liquid surface because gas is released in greater volumes with vigorous surface agitation.

• Forbid smoking, open flames, or spark-producing operations in the immediate vicinity of the storage area. Keep all guards and safety shields in place on pumps, pump hoppers, tank wagons, and power units, and maintain electrical motors, fixtures, and wiring in good condition.

• Do not leave temporary access ladders leaning against above-ground tanks. Permanent ladders on the outside of above-ground tanks should terminate above the reach of people or should have locked entry guards.

• Do not walk, ride, or allow animals on the crust surface of open-air storages. Like ice, the crust is not uniformly solid and can break through suddenly.

• Warn visitors and guests of manure storage hazards. Owners are legally responsible for their safety while they are on their property.

• Only dump or scrape manure into storages at…