If an operation has 4 AEUs/Acre, what designation does it have under Act 38?

Under Act 38, which governs nutrient management in Pennsylvania, the designation of concentrated animal operations (CAOs) is relevant when the operation exceeds certain thresholds of animal equivalent units (AEUs). Specifically, if an operation is registered with 4 AEUs per acre, it has surpassed the threshold that categorizes it as a CAO.

This classification implies that the operation must adhere to more stringent regulations regarding nutrient management plans, manure handling, and environmentally sound practices to mitigate potential impacts on water bodies and soil health.

In contrast, falling within normal farming operations does not impose the same level of regulatory requirements; being exempt from regulations would indicate no significant impact from farming practices; and being classified as a small farm would typically refer to operations with fewer AEUs or a different scale of livestock management. Thus, by having 4 AEUs per acre, the operation is correctly identified as a CAO under Act 38, necessitating compliance with specific regulations aimed at protecting environmental integrity.