Pennsylvania Manure Hauling Regulations: What Haulers and Brokers Need to Know
Hauling and applying manure commercially in Pennsylvania comes with real regulatory requirements — certification, continuing education, seasonal restrictions, and recordkeeping. Whether you’re a custom applicator, a broker, or running your own dragline operation, staying compliant protects your business and keeps your operation running without interruption.
This guide breaks down what’s actually required, in plain language, with links to the official sources where you can get the full detail.
Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification
Pennsylvania requires commercial manure haulers and brokers to be certified under the Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Act. Certification involves completing a course and passing an exam that covers:
- Transport and land application of manure
- Interpretation and implementation of nutrient management plans and nutrient balance sheets
- Recordkeeping requirements
Certification courses are offered at locations across the state throughout the year, so there’s typically an option within reasonable driving distance no matter where your operation is based.
Act 38 and Act 49 Continuing Education Credits
Certification isn’t a one-time requirement — haulers and brokers maintain their credentials through continuing education credits, most commonly:
- Act 49 Manure Hauler & Broker Credits
- Act 38 Nutrient Management Credits
These credits are typically available at industry events throughout the year, including PennAg Industries Association’s annual Keystone Pork, Poultry, and Manure Expo, and Penn State Extension’s Ag Progress Days. Sessions usually cover topics like setback determination, spill response, road safety for ag equipment, and manure spreader calibration.
PAOneStop and Manure Management Planning Tools
PAOneStop is the state’s online mapping and planning platform, built to help farmers and haulers meet requirements for:
- Agricultural Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) Control Planning
- Manure Management Planning
- Nutrient Management Planning
If you’re managing land application records or building out a manure management plan, this is the tool the state expects you to be working from.
Winter and Seasonal Manure Spreading Restrictions
Pennsylvania restricts manure application during certain winter and high-risk periods to reduce runoff into waterways. These restrictions can shift year to year, so it’s worth confirming current dates and requirements each season rather than relying on last year’s calendar. Your local conservation district or an agronomic consultant can confirm what applies to your specific operation and location.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Certified haulers and brokers are required to maintain records of manure transport and application — this typically includes volumes hauled, application locations, and dates. Good recordkeeping isn’t just a compliance checkbox; it’s also the paper trail that protects you if a runoff or odor complaint ever gets raised near a field you’ve worked.
How the Right Equipment Supports Compliance
Regulations aside, the equipment you use has a direct effect on how easy compliance actually is in practice:
- Low-disturbance injection places manure below the soil surface, which reduces the odor and runoff risk that drives a lot of the seasonal restrictions above in the first place.
- Properly sized hose reels and pumps reduce the number of field passes needed to complete a job, which limits soil compaction and helps keep applications within planned field boundaries.
- Dragline systems in general reduce tanker traffic across fields, which is a meaningful factor in erosion and sedimentation control planning.
See our full lineup of manure dragline products, including injectors, hose reels, and pumps.
FAQs
We have the answers to your questions!
Do I need to be certified to haul manure in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if you’re hauling or brokering manure commercially. Certification requires completing a course and passing an exam on transport, application, and nutrient management planning.
How do I renew my certification?
Through continuing education credits — typically Act 38 and Act 49 credits — earned at approved courses and events held throughout the year.
Are there restrictions on when I can apply manure?
Yes, Pennsylvania restricts application during certain winter and high-risk periods. Requirements can change year to year, so confirm current guidance before each application season.
What records am I required to keep?
Haulers and brokers must maintain records of manure volumes, application locations, and dates. Check current DEP requirements for the specific recordkeeping format expected.
Where can I find help building a manure management plan?
PAOneStop provides state-supported planning tools, and independent agronomic consultants can help tailor a plan to your specific operation.
Sources & Further Reading
- PA Code, Chapter 130e — Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification
- PAOneStop
- PennAg Industries Association
- Penn State Extension — Ag Progress Days
- Rosetree Consulting — independent agronomic and regulatory consulting
Not sure how your equipment fits into your compliance plan?
Talk to Hoover Ag about dragline systems built to reduce odor, runoff, and field passes.