DISPOSAL PITS
Locate the pit conveniently to poultry houses. For a large poultryman, it might be best to build two smaller pits rather than one large one. This would allow closer placement of pits to different houses. Locate the pit on ground with surface drainage away from the pit and at least 200 feet away from a water supply. If there is a chance of contaminating your local water supply, use an incinerator. Details of pit construction and size are attached.
In some soils, pit will need walls to prevent the sides from caving in and this can be constructed with cheap lumber. If heavy clay soils where a support wall is not necessary, slope the sides, making the pits a little wider at the top than it is at the bottom.
It is important that the cover fits tightly on the pit opening that is made from tile or an old milk can. Also cover the pit with at least 12 inches of dirt, and slope the dirt with drainage away from the center. The above precautions will prevent odors and drain water away from the pit.
Be sure that the pit is six feet deep or deeper to ensure decay in the winter. The addition of decomposing agents in the pit is not necessary. If the pit fills up, remove the top and use it on a new pit. Fill the old pit with dirt.
Author: Robert J. Russell
Ala. Admin. Code r. 80-3-20-.05
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 2-16-41.