Swine & Dairy Assistance Program

Through S.L. 2021-180 (2021 Appropriations Act) the North Carolina General Assembly established the North Carolina Swine and Dairy Assistance Program, a one-time assistance program for swine and dairy producers who suffered a loss due to the shutdowns following the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant number of swine farms have lost contracts and dairies have been forced out of business due to the pandemic.

Thirty million dollars was appropriated to NCDA&CS to provide financial assistance for eligible swine and dairy producers for losses incurred as a result of termination of contracts or ceased milk production due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional information on eligibility and the application process can be found on NCDA&CS COVID Swine and Dairy Assistance Program page.

Swine & Dairy Assistance Program Closure - Waste Impoundments

Swine and dairy producers approved by NCDA&CS for assistance and elect to close their lagoon (s) or waste storage pond (s), will be eligible for 90% cost share (up to $100,000 per applicant) for closing their structure. An additional 90% cost share (up to $30,000 per applicant) is available to convert impoundment(s) to water supply ponds for agricultural water needs. Approved applicants will work with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to develop Agricultural Cost Share Program (ACSP) contracts. Closure contracts must be in place by 12/31/2024 and funds spent by 12/31/2026.

BMP Units	Each
Required Effects	Animal type Animal units N and P waste managed
JAA Breached Dam Closure	NRCS-ENG - 360 Closure of Waste Impoundments DSWC-WM - 360 Closure of Waste Impoundments Technical Specialist Designation WUP/NM Professional Engineer
JAA Agricultural Water Supply Pond Conversion Closure	Professional Engineer Technical Specialist Designation SD
CS2 Reference Materials	Waste Impoundment Closure Plan PLAT Ratings for each field Division Waste Impoundment Approval letter NC-ACSP-11 Signature Page Map with BMP location, fields, and roads. NC-ACSP-1C Form NC-ACSP-WMP Form Lagoon Specification Questions Two closure bid estimates Receipts (for RFP) DWR Closure Report Form (for RFP) Cooperator Acknowledge Form (Closure) For Conversion to Ag Water Supply Pond also include: Cooperator Acknowledge Form (Conversion) Division Engineering Approval Letter Water Balance Results Operation and Maintenance Plan Inventory and Evaluation Form (Irrigation or Livestock) Certification of Completion (for RFP)
NRCS Standards & Reference Materials	CPS – 360 Waste Facility Closure CPS – 590 Nutrient Management CPS – 342 Critical Area Planting CPS – 378 Pond Conservation NC Dam Safety Law (15a NCAC 02k .0100) Lagoon Closure Steps

Swine and Dairy Assistance Program Policy Summary

SDAP Closure – Waste Impoundment

Planning and Design Tools

Conversion to Agricultural Water Supply Pond Tools:

Trainings:

DSWC & NRCS Waste Impoundment Closure Training Material

To submit a closure plan or closure bid for approval, please use the forms below:

Requesting Technical Assistance:

If you would like to request assistance with a closure, please complete an online Technical Assistance Request.