What is a primary factor in determining if an operation qualifies as a CAFO?

Prepare for the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence before the test!

The number of animals is indeed a primary factor in determining if an operation qualifies as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). CAFO regulations established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focus on operations that confine a significant number of animals and generate large quantities of manure, which can pose environmental risks if not managed properly.

Specifically, the classification largely hinges on certain thresholds regarding animal numbers, which vary depending on the type of animal being raised. These thresholds are designed to ensure that operations that could potentially impact water quality through runoff or leaching are subject to stricter regulatory standards.

While the size of the farm, type of feed used, and the age of the operators may influence other operational factors or regulatory requirements, they are not direct criteria for categorizing an operation as a CAFO. Instead, it is the concentration and management of animal waste that is the central concern in the context of CAFO regulations.

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