On Oct. 31, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule helping to protect the nation’s water quality by requiring concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to safely manage manure.
The final rule responds to a February 2005 federal court decision that upheld most of the agency’s 2003 CAFO rule but directed further action or clarification on some portions. The regulation requires that an owner or operator of a discharging CAFO must apply for a permit under the Clean Water Act. The EPA is also providing an opportunity for operators of non-discharging CAFOs to obtain certification as zero dischargers. The final rule also requires that a nutrient management plan must be submitted as part of a CAFO’s permit application. In addition, the final rule includes clarifications regarding water quality-based effluent limitations and use of best management practices to meet zero discharge requirements, as well as affirming the 2003 rule requirement for reducing fecal coliform through the use of best conventional technology.
The EPA is hosting a webcast on Nov. 19 at 12:00 p.m. EST. This webcast will introduce CAFO owners and operators, members of the public and state and tribal permitting authorities to the new requirements of the final CAFO regulations. There will be an opportunity during the webcast for the public to submit questions to the EPA presenters about the final rule.
To sign up for this free webcast, visit www.epa.gov/npdes/training.
