AOPA Legislation

The Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) is provincial legislation which sets manure management standards for all operations in Alberta who handle manure. The Act defines siting and construction standards for manure storage and collection facilities, addresses the application of manure to agricultural land and ensures environmental protection through an approval process which involves directly affected neighbours and the municipalities. Nuisances such as odour, dust, noise and smoke resulting from agriculture activities are also dealt with in the Act. The Act also outlines penalties and fines that apply to contraventions of the Act.

Under AOPA, the NRCB issues three kinds of permits. Do you need a permit? Find out more on-line.

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) is responsible for developing and updating AOPA. As well, ARD staff extend information regarding the Act and it’s associated regulations.

The NRCB (Natural Resources Conservation Board) is responsible for the permitting of CFO's (Confined Feeding Operations) and is also responsible for addressing complaints regarding the management of manure on agricultural operations in Alberta.

The Farmer's Advocate Office (FAO) is responsible for administering nuisance regulations. The FAO assists in looking for solutions when disputes arise between the agricultural industry and neighbours over nuisance issues.

This website offers information for all stakeholders who may be affected by AOPA.

General information

AOPA Environmental Standards for Alberta's Livestock Industry

• Brochure - 620K PDF

• Agricultural Operation Practices Act

• Agricultural Operations, Part 2 Matters Regulation - AR 257/2001
• Board Administrative Procedures Regulation - AR 268/2001
• Standards and Administration Regulation - AR 267/2001

• Manure Characteristics and Land Base Code

• Concrete Manure Liner Guidelines
• Leak Detection and CFO's
• Agdex 096-50: Reclamation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells
• Reclamation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells Worksheet
• Agdex 096-51: Monitoring Well Construction, Installation and Development

• AOPA Reference Guide
• Permits and Regulations for Existing Operations
• Manure Spreading Regulations
• Manure Management Record Keeping Regulations
• Regulations for Cow/Calf Producers
• Wintering Sites and Livestock Corrals
• Municipalities and the AOPA

• The Application of the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) for Siting Confined Feeding Operations in Alberta

• Agdex 096-9: AOPA Application Process - Where Neighbours Fit In
• Agdex 096-10: AOPA Complaint Process - Where Neighbours Fit In

• AOPA & Practice Review Committee
• Peer Review Committee Overview

• NRCB Application Process for Confined Feeding Operations
• How to Complete Part 1 – General Information & Disclosure
• How to Complete Part 2 - Technical Requirements - General Information Section
• How to Complete Part 2 – Liquid Manure Storage Section
• How to Complete Part 2 – Solid Manure, Compost and Composting Materials Section
• How to Complete Part 2 – Runoff Control Catch Basins Section

• Part 1 – General Information & Disclosure
• Part 2 - Technical Requirements General Information
• Part 2 - Liquid Manure Storages
• Part 2 - Solid Manure, Compost and Composting Materials
• Part 2 - Runoff Control Catch Basins
• Application for an Amendment

• Handwritten
• Typed

• Handwritten
• Typed

• Temporary Operating Suspension of a Confined Feeding Operation
• Leak detection monitoring review program
• Leak detection program and permit amendment process

• A Guide for the Control of Flies in Alberta Confined Feeding Operations (CFOs)
• Canada Plan Service -provides engineered plans for a variety of agricultural structures
• Confined Feeding Operations Service Providers
• Manure Management Information
• Minimum Setbacks for Manure Application

• Affected parties radius calculator
• Catch Basin Calculator
• Earth Manure Storage Calculator
• Minimum Distance Separation Calculator
• Land Base Calculator
• Water Requirements Calculator

• Ag-Info Centre
  310-FARM (3276)

• Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Publications/DVDs/CD-ROMs
  1-800-292-5697 (toll-free in Canada) or 780-427-0391.

• CFO Extension Services
  Extension Specialists with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development are available to provide information on AOPA to livestock producers, consultants, municipalities and other interested parties.

• Confined Feeding Operations Service Providers List

• Farmers' Advocate Office (FAO)
  305, 7000 - 113 Street
  Edmonton AB T6H 5T6
  Telephone 310-FARM (3276)
  Fax 780-427-3913
  Email: farmers.advocate@gov.ab.ca

• NRCB
  Toll-free, 24 hour response line: 1-866-383-6722
  Email: info@nrcb.gov.ab.ca
  
  
• NRCB Offices