EPA Proposes to Collect Information about Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

On October 14th, EPA proposed that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) submit a specific set of basic operational information 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, which is part of a settlement agreement reached with the Natural Resources Defense Council, Waterkeeper Alliance, and the Sierra Club, will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.  The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), a part of the Clean Water Act, requires that CAFOs obtain a permit from EPA or authorized states before discharging any pollutants from their operations into a water of the United States. CAFOs that do not discharge pollutants do not need an NPDES permit.  EPA’s proposal does not change which CAFOs need permits under NPDES.

For more information: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/aforule.cfm.