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New Permit Proposed for Animal Feeding Operations

Release Date: 12/7/2004
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to reissue the general permit regulating concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit continues many requirements already in place and incorporates new requirements established in 2003 regulations including nutrient management plans, minimum manure and wastewater storage design and waste storage structure closure provisions.
“Precious water resources in New Mexico and Oklahoma deserve the best possible protection from pollution,” EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said. “This permit will protect these valuable resources for future generations, while encouraging businesses to flourish today.”
CAFOs can include cattle, dairy, chicken, or swine production facilities. Currently, CAFOs are regulated under a permit established in 1993 that expired in 1998. The general permit establishes reporting requirements, sets pollution limits and outlines potential penalties for noncompliance, among other provisions.
EPA will continue its extensive coordination with the CAFO industry, state regulatory agencies, tribal and local governments, environmental groups and other interested parties to ensure the permit will be both effective and viable.
EPA will accept comments for 60 days on the proposal, then review and respond to comments and make any appropriate changes before the permit is reissued.
The proposed permit was published today in the Federal Register at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-26817.pdf. More information is available at EPA’s web page at https://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/6wq.htm (under “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits,” click on “Public Notices,” then “Public Notices – General Permits Drafts”).