2.  Co-mixing: is the direct piping of human sewage into a manure storage basin.  Human Sewage: is defined as any waste from toilets, bathing, laundry, food preparation operations and any floor drains associated with these activities.

3.  What is black water? “Black water” is used to describe sewage that comes from a toilet. This waste water will be high in “fecal content” and will contain a higher percentage of pathogens.  What is grey water? “Grey water” is other waste water which does not come from a toilet. Examples of grey water includes waste water from laundry, sinks, showers and baths. This waste water may contain “fecal content” but the pathogen levels will be less than those found in black water.

4.  Co-mixing should be viewed as the last possible alternative.

5.  It can be done in a total confinement barn for one employee with one shower and one toilet.  The manure basin shall be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with MPCA requirements  Before starting to co-mix any waste, the feedlot permit must be amended to include conditions that allow co-mixing  Co-mixing shall only be done in areas zoned for agricultural use  Co-mixing can only be done on non-dairy farms.  Dairy farmers wishing to co-mix should contact the MN Dept of Agriculture

6.  The co-mixed waste shall be land applied in accordance with the most restrictive elements of the MPCA’s land application of Septage Guidelines and Land Application of Manure.  Septage guidelines define the handling and application of human waste. You will need to contact your local septic authority of the county you are intending to spread the waste in for their specific requirements.

7.  Farmers often have concerns about the potential for spread of human disease to livestock from co-mixing of waste  Research shows that co-mixed waste within the storage structure does not represent an increased hazard to livestock.  There is also evidence that human pathogens are inactivated when co-mixed.

8.  The issue is this: If the co-mixed waste is land applied improperly  there is potential for the spread of diseases to humans  There is potential for the spread of livestock diseases to other livestock

9.  If you have more than one employee, shower, toilet, or sink; consider installation of a septic system.  If your county allows for the use of a holding tank, if you have low water flows, you may be able to take advantage of a holding tank. Be sure to check with your local septic authority to see if this alternative is possible.  If you do not have low water use; this can be a more- expensive, high maintenance, alternative than a standard septic system.

10.  To be in compliance with MPCA standards regarding co-mixing domestic or sanitary waste with animal waste: means that injection or incorporation of manure from a facility must occur within 6-hours of the land application of the animal manure in order to satisfy the most restrictive element.  If injection or incorporation cannot be accomplished within that 6-hour time frame; then human septage requirements shall apply which may include the following:

11.  Lime Stabilization Treatment: The pH of septage must be raised to 12.0 or greater by alkali addition and without the addition of more alkali must remain at 12.0 or higher for 30- minutes.  Additional record keeping requirements which may be subject to county/state review.  Other requirements of counties – check with the septic staff or review the septic ordinance for details in the county for which you are applying waste.