July 20, 2011

US Idaho agriculture officials to settle new poultry rules

The US' Idaho State Department of Agriculture is prepare to decide on the rules encompassing new poultry processing facilities expected to launch operations in the state.

Last week, the agency held the first in a series of public hearings to determine what regulations should be in place to best manage animal waste management practices once the facilities open for business. The Idaho legislature this spring transferred oversight for inspecting poultry operations from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to the ISDA.

At least one environmental group, the Idaho Conservation League, wants to make sure that rules on groundwater use and disposal are in place before poultry processors build their facilities, especially since there currently are no groundwater regulations covering beef and dairy operations in Idaho.

The group is concerned about potential contamination of the Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer, which is the primary source of water in eastern Idaho. That area was under consideration last fall as a potential site for as many as five chicken farms.

Just five months ago, Poultry Products International announced plans to open a US$2.75-million poultry plant in Southern Idaho that would bring 1,000 jobs to the area.