Manure Storage Facility: Geomembrane or Concrete Liners
alternative practice names:
Geosynthetic-Lined Storage
Lined manure storage facilities are necessary in cases where natural soil has excessive seepage rates, constructing a compacted soil liner is not feasible with available soils, or when karst bedrock makes earthen-lined storage unsuitable. In such scenarios, liners help prevent contaminants from seeping into groundwater and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Two increasingly common liner options are concrete and geomembranes, both of which provide effective containment and protection for manure storage facilities:
Concrete: This is a common material for animal manure storage tanks, and its durability has led to its use as a liner for manure storage ponds. Both reinforced and non-reinforced concrete systems can be installed. The choice between reinforced and non-reinforced concrete depends on how the manure will be handled and regulatory requirements. Typically, the holding pond floor is reinforced to allow equipment to remove accumulated solids, while the side walls are not. Concrete liners are also durable enough to withstand the forces from agitation equipment.
Geomembranes: These are synthetic liners that serve as a barrier preventing the movement of contaminants from the designed storage area. Various geomembrane liners are suitable for use in storage ponds, including High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).
When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found:
Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast
FARM SIZE
When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:
All Sizes

Practice Benefits
For geomembrane-lined storage:
Lower cost option to comply with environmental regulations: Geomembrane liners have very low permeability, significantly reducing groundwater leaching compared to earthen liners, thus helping to meet environmental regulations more cost-effectively.
Facilitates biogas collection: A geomembrane liner can be welded to a geomembrane cover, creating a simple and low-cost mechanism for biogas collection. Farmers will also need to consider how a manure conveyance system could be incorporated in the future.
For concrete-lined storage:
Reduced maintenance: Concrete is a highly durable material that minimizes maintenance needs. When operated properly, a concrete liner can last for 25 years or more.
Improved access to accumulated solids: Concrete liners allow equipment to remove accumulated solids from the bottom of the pond without damaging the liner. Agitation equipment can access the manure storage area without risk of liner damage. Multiple access points improve agitation efficiency.
Low-risk agitation: The durability of concrete ensures that agitation equipment will not damage the liner during manure management.

Implementation Insights
Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements

Sand separation: For dairies that use sand bedding, sand should be separated prior to the manure entering a geomembrane-lined storage pond. While not necessary, separation is still recommended for dairies using a concrete liner, as equipment can drive on the bottom of the pond to remove accumulated solids.
Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

For any manure storage, regardless of liner type:
State requirements: A permit and engineered design may be required for the construction and operation of the storage building in accordance with state law and regulations.
Engineering: Geologic investigations and engineering designs need to be prepared. Soil investigations are necessary so that the foundation and subgrade can handle the weight of the liner and manure in the holding pond and do not have material that could puncture the liner. Some states may have regulatory requirements that a drainage system under the liner be installed.
Pond location: The manure storage pond should be constructed above the water table for both types of lining to prevent failer of the lining due to "floating" (concrete-lined) or "ballooning" (geomembrane-lined). If necessary, the water table can be lowered with a subsurface drainage system.
Safety: It is important to install appropriate safety devices such as fencing, signage, and life-saving stations.
For geomembrane-lined storage:
Cover: Some liners, such as PVC, may require a soil cover to protect from ultraviolet light. The liner must be attached or anchored according to the manufacturer’s requirements to prevent uplift or movement from wind or slippage.
Agitation and pond access: If agitation equipment is used, concrete access ramps and an agitation pad (bottom of holding pond) should be installed to maintain the liner integrity.
Lining integrity: The earthen foundation should be properly compacted to prevent differential settling, which could impact the liner's integrity. All organic material should be removed from the foundation to prevent gas generation from anaerobic activity breaking down the organics. A gas venting system may be required to remove any gas produced under the liner.
Venting systems: Proper venting of the geomembrane liner is crucial, particularly for retrofits, to prevent biogas from accumulating beneath the liner.
Landscape felts: Heavy-duty landscape felt may be required beneath the liner to protect it from punctures caused by sharp rocks or other debris in the underlying material.
Manure conveyance systems: When planning to install a geomembrane liner, an operation should also consider future upgrades, such as covering the storage. This may require additional infrastructure, including manhole culverts for loading, appropriate siting for solids-liquid separation (SLS) buildings, and flare systems for biogas management.
For concrete-lined storage:
Reinforced concrete: Concrete installation is expensive, and reinforcement is an additional expense. Access to the manure storage pond will dictate whether reinforced or non-reinforced concrete will be used. If equipment, such as a skid steer, is used, reinforced concrete for the liner bottom is encouraged.
Pond access: Access ramps may also need to be included in the facility design.
Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)

Training: Staff should be trained adequately for the operation of the facility as well as inspection and maintenance of the facility and its surrounding area.
Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance includes removal of any trees or shrubs from the area to maintain the integrity of the liner and holding pond. Rodent damage should be addressed immediately to prevent damage to the concrete or geomembrane subgrade. For geomembrane liners, it may be necessary to repair puncutres that could cause leaching. Cracks in concrete liners may also require maintenance to prevent leaching.
Implementation Considerations

Solids and sand separation: For dairy operations utilizing sand bedding, sand should be separated prior to the manure entering the geomembrane-lined manure storage pond.
Agitation: Caution should also be taken when agitating a manure holding pond with a geomembrane liner. If agitation equipment is used, access areas and bottom pads should be made of concrete or other material to provide for a rigid surface to prevent puncturing of the liner. If a rigid pad is not available, agitation should be high enough above the holding pond bottom to prevent puncturing of the liner and meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
Worker safety: Geomembrane surfaces are slippery, especially when wet. Use caution when working around a geomembrane-lined animal manure storage facility.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams
FEDERAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM
Funding is available for this practice through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Related EQIP Practice Standard: Pond sealing or lining - concrete (522), Pond sealing or lining - geomembrane or geosynthetic clay liner (521).
Notes:
Check with the local NRCS office on payment rates and crop rotations relevant to your location.
To quality for EQIP funds, the dairy is required to obtain a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) to guide practice implementation.
Additional Resources
Article: Part 1: Controlling Uplifting Gas Bubbles in Exposed Geomembrane-Lined Ponds (Geosynthetics)
Article: Part 2: Controlling Uplifting Gas Bubbles in Exposed Geomembrane-Lined Ponds (Geosynthetics)
Engineering Practice: Manure Storages (ASABE)
Lesson: Sizing Manure Storage, Typical Nutrient Characteristics (University of Missouri)

Environmental Impacts
IMPROVES WATER QUALITY
When properly operated and maintained, synthetic liners such as geomembranes or concrete liners are more effective at preventing groundwater leaching compared to earthen liners. Synthetic liners provide a higher level of impermeability and durability, significantly reducing the risk of seepage and protecting groundwater from contamination.
REFerences

Alignment with FARM Program
This practice is not included in the FARM program.
Contents
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We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights.
Lined manure storage facilities are necessary in cases where natural soil has excessive seepage rates, constructing a compacted soil liner is not feasible with available soils, or when karst bedrock makes earthen-lined storage unsuitable. In such scenarios, liners help prevent contaminants from seeping into groundwater and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Two increasingly common liner options are concrete and geomembranes, both of which provide effective containment and protection for manure storage facilities:
Concrete: This is a common material for animal manure storage tanks, and its durability has led to its use as a liner for manure storage ponds. Both reinforced and non-reinforced concrete systems can be installed. The choice between reinforced and non-reinforced concrete depends on how the manure will be handled and regulatory requirements. Typically, the holding pond floor is reinforced to allow equipment to remove accumulated solids, while the side walls are not. Concrete liners are also durable enough to withstand the forces from agitation equipment.
Geomembranes: These are synthetic liners that serve as a barrier preventing the movement of contaminants from the designed storage area. Various geomembrane liners are suitable for use in storage ponds, including High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).
Practices and technologies
Manure Storage Facility: Geomembrane or Concrete Liners
alternative practice name:
Geosynthetic-Lined Storage