Water Pollution Control - Discharge Permits - Animal Feeding Operations

Farm construction gets new approval rules

Effective immediately on April 28, 2026, Maryland removes the requirement to hold a discharge permit before building a new concentrated animal feeding operation. The Maryland Department of the Environment can approve construction only while it has administratively extended the general animal feeding operations permit. Before starting any part of construction, developers must show coverage under that extended permit through the Department’s approval process. They must also show compliance with all other applicable laws, regulations, and required construction permits. The Department cannot issue an operation’s discharge permit to anyone who violates these requirements. It can also require discharge permits for other activities by rule.