Executive summary

The cover of The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Document - Formulae and Guidelines for Livestock Facility and Anaerobic Digester Odour Setbacks

Publication 853: The Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Document replaces all prior versions of the MDS formulae and guidelines.

It provides guidance on determining setback distances between livestock barns, manure storages or anaerobic digesters and surrounding land uses in Ontario’s prime agricultural areas and rural lands.

It supports implementation of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, which requires new development and new or expanding livestock facilities to comply with MDS formulae and guidelines to reduce land use conflicts and odour-related nuisance concerns.

The document outlines 2 complementary formulas used in different situations, depending on what is being proposed:

  • MDS I (new development near existing livestock barns, manure storages or anaerobic digesters)
  • MDS II (new or altered livestock facilities or anaerobic digesters near existing or approved development, lot lines and road allowances)

The document includes:

  • the formulae
  • definitions
  • factors used to calculate setbacks
  • implementation guidance
  • calculation forms
  • examples and explanatory materials

The guidance also provides direction for municipalities, who are responsible for ensuring that MDS setbacks are met when reviewing applications for land use planning changs or building permits. Municipalities are the primary point of contact for questions on local implementation of MDS setbacks. If you are a farmer or landowner with questions related to MDS contact your local municipality.

To order a copy of this, or other Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) publications, please visit Publications Ontario.

Agrisuite

The MDS Document supports the use of AgriSuite which provides digital tools to calculate MDS setbacks. It identifies the inputs required to complete a calculation, such as:

  • livestock type housed and number
  • manure system
  • operation size or expansion
  • surrounding land use
  • lot or farm size

It explains how these are applied within the MDS formulae.

Disclaimer

If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca. We will:

  • acknowledge your request within 3 business days
  • provide you with the content within 15 business days