2011 Proposed NPDES CAFO Reporting Rule

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2011 Proposed NPDES CAFO Reporting Rule

EPA is proposing a rule that would require concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to submit basic operational information to EPA 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 is part of a settlement agreement reached with the Natural Resources Defense Council, Waterkeeper Alliance, and the Sierra Club. Under the proposed rule, EPA is co-proposing two regulatory options regarding which CAFOs would be required to submit information to the EPA. One option would require every CAFO to report this information to EPA, unless states with authorized NPDES programs choose to provide this information on behalf of the CAFOs in their state. A second option would require CAFOs in focus watersheds that have water quality concerns associated with CAFOs to report information to EPA.

EPA is requesting public comment on both options as well as alternative approaches to gather information. The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. The Agency plans to take final action on this proposal by July 2012.

More information and a copy of the proposed rule can be found at:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/aforule.cfm

EPA will hold two webcast sessions on November 9 and November 17, 2011, to present the proposed rule requirements to the public and to answer questions. The EPA plans to take final action on this proposal by July 2012. Information on the webcast is also available at the above link.


Bill Reck, P.E.
Environmental Engineer
USDA NRCS
East National Technology Support Center
2901 East Lee Street, Suite 2100
Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 370-3353