Free Guides Explain How To Comment On Proposed Nutrient Management And Water Quality Regulations
Posted: Aug 02, 2004
Two free guides from Penn State Cooperative Extension will help farmers and concerned citizens understand new proposed environmental regulations which will affect Pennsylvania livestock and poultry operations.
Two free guides from Penn State Cooperative Extension will help farmers and concerned citizens understand new proposed environmental regulations which will affect Pennsylvania livestock and poultry operations. The Environmental Quality Board is seeking public comment through November 5, 2004 on proposed changes to water quality regulations affecting large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as well as smaller operations. At the same time, the State Conservation Commission (SCC) is seeking public comment (through November 5, 2004) on proposed revisions to state Nutrient Management Act regulations. Now is the time to have your voice heard and contribute to improving the final policies that will affect agriculture and water quality in Pennsylvania.
The Environmental Quality Board proposed regulations are in response to new federal requirements for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Last year, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established new nation wide standards for CAFOs. Pennsylvania must update state CAFO regulations to reflect these new requirements. The proposed changes to Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management regulations are the result of a comprehensive assessment of the nutrient management program by the State Conservation Commission, which began in 2001.
To help citizens quickly understand the proposed changes and participate in the public comment process Penn State Cooperative Extension has developed two free guides:
- "Make Your Voice Heard: Commenting on Proposed Water Pollution Regulations for CAFOs and Other Agricultural Operations."
- "Shaping New Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act Regulations: A Guide to the Proposal and Comment Process"
Individuals with internet access can download both free publications at Penn State's Nutrient and Water Policy Web site: agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu. Single copies of the guides are also available (after September 1, 2004) free of charge by contacting your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or by calling the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center at (814) 865-6713.
Take action today! Comment on the proposed changes and share your thoughts with the Environmental Quality Board and the State Conservation Commission. In addition to submitting your individual comments on the proposed changes, tell other farmers, neighbors, and community members about the proposed rules and encourage them to take this opportunity to shape public policy before time runs out!
Alyssa Dodd, Charles Abdalla, Doug Beegle, and John Becker
Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology and Crop and Soil Sciences
