NCBA Asks EPA to Clarify CAFO Rule

NCBA submitted comments Aug. 14 to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Clean Water Act Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Rule.  EPA requested comments by Aug. 29 on its proposed rule and draft Nutrient Management Plan template.

NCBA’s comments say, “We support the adoption of reasonable measures that protect our nation’s waterways. The unfortunate reality is, however, that the 2003 CAFO rule and the modifications proposed to the rule required by the Waterkeeper decision have, and will continue to, force a large number of smaller operations to go out of business.”

A major concern for CAFO operators is that the 2nd Circuit Court (Waterkeeper) decision leaves many unanswered questions that the EPA must address before producers can know if the rule actually affects them, and if it does, how to comply.

NCBA requests that the EPA clarify the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program for CAFO owners and operators.  That way, they will be able to make informed decisions about financial and liability realities associated with their CAFO operation.