Earthen Pits (Basins) for Liquid Dairy Waste

Abstract

Storage structures for liquid dairy waste range from low-cost earthen basins and moderate-cost concrete pits and tanks to higher-cost, glass-lined steel tanks. This publication deals with earthen pits, with and without concrete liners. Earthen pits (basins) may be located above, below, or partially below grade. Below-grade pits are easy to fill by scraping, whereas above-grade pits may require pumps for filling. Open-storage structures should be located to minimize odor complaints and sight nuisances, but they should be located as convenient to the source of waste and polluted runoff as practical. Open pits should be fenced, as necessary, to exclude animals and children.