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9. Manure Issue Mitigation <br />In livestock farming operations, one concern that often arises concerns smells and insects <br />related to the volume of manure generated by the animals. The primary cause of smell and <br />insects is poorly managed systems creating wet and stagnant holding pens for the waste. The <br />intent of the manure management system proposed below is to greatly reduce these concerns: <br />Horse stalls <br />Stalls will be cleared of manure daily. This is for the welfare of the horses as well as <br />previously stated concerns <br />Paddocks <br />Paddocks are areas which horses can be turned out for exercise from stalls as well as <br />living space for horses. These will be cleared of excess manure on a regular basis as <br />needed to prevent smells and insects. This manure will be transferred to the composting <br />area. <br />Temporary Holding Area <br />A new temporary holding area for manure will be located between the two indoor riding <br />arenas. This area will have a concrete bottom approximately three feet in ground and be <br />covered. It will slope up to ground level raising slightly above the grade with a roof <br />covering extending beyond the high point. This will prevent any potential run off to the <br />surrounding area as well as rain intrusion. This area will be cleared regularly and <br />transferred to the composting area. <br />Composting area <br />Horse manure can be difficult to manage because horses do not fully digest seeds that <br />they ingest. As a result, when the manure is spread those seeds will germinate and <br />grow where spread. Consequently, many crop farmers do not want to fertilize with horse <br />manure as these seeds can contaminate the crop planted. Composting is often the most <br />desirable way to manage manure and protect our environment. When manure is <br />composted properly the seeds burn and will no longer germinate. Additionally, the <br />volume of the manure will reduce by as much as 50%. <br />Proper composting requires the ability to regulate moisture content. The composting <br />area will be located on the north east side of the property, east of the bend in the existing <br />driveway. This area will have a concrete bottom and covering to prevent runoff and rain <br />from infiltrating. Once the manure is properly composted it is then a desirable fertilizer <br />and will be removed for the benefit of local farmers and gardeners. <br />