November 4, 2008

The US Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a new regulation for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), a move lauded by the National Pork Producer Council (NPPC).

The new rule is a product of more than 10 years of work to overhaul the federal Clean Water Act rules applicable to livestock operations.

The regulation requires National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits only for CAFOs that discharge or propose to do so. The new rule will also set a "zero-discharge" standard for all livestock operations.

Operations have to use sound management practises to avoid discharges or face tough penalties. Violators will be fined up to US$32,500 per day.

These rules will raise the water quality bar but despite this challenge, producers are going to make this rule work, said Michael Formica, NPPC environmental policy counsel.

NPPC Environment Committee chairman Randy Spronk agreed, adding that pork producers are ready to comply with the new regulation.