The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule that would require concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to submit basic operational information to EPA so the Agency can more effectively carry out its CAFO permitting programs on a national level and ensure that CAFOs are implementing practices to protect water quality and human health. The proposal is part of a settlement agreement reached with the National Resources Defense Council, Waterkeeper Alliance, and the Sierra Club.Under the proposed rule, EPA is proposing two regulatory options regarding which CAFOs would be required to submit information to EPA, unless states with authorized NPDES programs choose to provide this information on behalf of the CAFOs in their state. A second option would require CAFOs in focus watersheds that have water quality concerns associated with CAFOs to report information to the EPA.
EPA is requesting public comment on both options as well as alternative approaches to gather information. The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. The Agency plans to take final action on this proposal by July 2012.
To view more information about the proposed rule click on the links below:
Posted 10/24/2011
