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November 21, 2024 Issues & Insights

Installing RCC in your feedlot pens? Here are some things to consider

Are you thinking about installing roller compacted concrete (RCC) as a liner at your feedlot? You may need a permit under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA).

RCC as a secondary liner (over an existing liner)

If you are planning to install RCC over an existing liner for which you have a permit under AOPA (including a deemed or grandfathered permit), you do not need to apply for a new permit from the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB).

Be careful not to damage or modify the existing liner when installing the RCC. If damage occurs to the existing liner, you should contact the NRCB as you may need to apply for a new permit. You may also wish to ask the NRCB whether your operation is grandfathered.

RCC as a primary liner (not over an existing liner)

The NRCB discourages installation of RCC as a primary liner for groundwater protection. Technical guidelines for using RCC as a primary liner are under development. Without technical guidelines in place to inform the use of RCC as an AOPA liner at a CFO, the NRCB has adopted a cautious approach.

If you plan to go ahead with RCC installation as a primary liner, here’s what you need to know:

  • You will need an AOPA permit.
  • You must follow the interim guidance describing the NRCB’s requirements for the RCC base, design, installation, and ongoing inspection, monitoring, and repair.
  • Failure to follow this guidance may delay your permit or lead to additional costs for you.

Click here to read the NRCB’s full Interim guidance on the use of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) as a potential liner at confined feeding operations (CFOs).

If you have already installed RCC as a primary liner and aren’t sure if it meets the interim guidance, contact the NRCB and we will help bring you into compliance.

Additional considerations

Runoff

The addition of RCC, whether as a primary or a secondary liner, can have implications for runoff. More water will run off from a pen floor with RCC so you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient surface runoff storage. This could mean that you also need to adjust the size of your catch basin(s). The NRCB can help you recalculate your runoff capacity and determine whether new permits are required

Livestock Numbers

If you are planning to increase your livestock numbers after installing RCC, then you may also need to apply for a new permit. Permits for an increase in livestock numbers would likely involve public notification and the NRCB would send letters to your neighbours inviting them to submit responses.

The above information details situations where the installation of RCC can have consequences for your CFO permit. If you have questions, please contact an NRCB approval officer or inspector at your nearest regional office.

Peace/North Central

Provincial Building
201, 10008 – 107 Street
Morinville, Alberta, T8R 1L3
Phone: 780-939-1212

Central

Provincial Building
303, 4920 – 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 6K8
Phone: 403-340-5241

Airdrie Agriculture Regional Centre
97 East Lake Ramp NE
Airdrie, Alberta T4A 0C31
Phone: 403-340-5241

South

Agriculture Centre
100, 5401 1st Ave S
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V6
Phone: 403-381-5166

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About the Author

The NRCB is responsible for reviews of proposed major natural resource projects under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act (NRCBA), and for the regulation of confined feeding operations (CFOs) in Alberta under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA).

Cattle Report

Updated: 05/12/2024

Steers

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Rail: 415.00 del

Heifers

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Rail: 415.00 del

Choice Steers

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Choice Heifers

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Over 500 lbs: 223.55

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Expiry Fed Feeder Calf
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12-May-25 246 338 --
9-Jun-25 254 338 --
7-Jul-25 246 -- --
4-Aug-25 240 -- --
Last Updated on November 21, 2024

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