The areal loading rates associated with climatic conditions across the United States as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. This map seems to be based mainly upon climatic conditions, with temperature being dominant. Figure 1. Aerobic lagoon loading rate, lbs. BOD5/acre/day, (USDA, National Resources and Conservation Service, 1995). As one can see, the application and reliability of the areal loading method is site specific. For example, the original North Dakota recommendations for complete treatment were based on an equivalent loading of 100 persons per acre of pond surface area or about 20 lbs. BOD/acre/day. With more experience, loadings of 200 persons per acre have been approved, and up to 68 lbs. BOD/acre/day have been employed successfully. The current Minnesota loading guide is 22 lbs. BOD/acre/day, while Texas recommends a maximum loading of 50 lbs. BOD/acre/day. Provided the more precise dimensions are used, the areal loading equation (10) taken together with the recommended “zones” shown in Figure 2, provide a reliable “short cut” to predicting what nature can do (without mechanical assistance) in facultative pond in terms of BOD removal.