11/16/09

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Idaho dairies and cattle feedlots that
discharge manure and other waste to streams, lakes or other surface
waters will likely have to apply for a new Environmental Protection
Agency permit as early as next summer.

The EPA is taking public comment on the proposed permits for the
next 60 days, including at meetings in Pocatello on Dec. 8, Jerome
on Dec. 9 and Nampa on Dec. 10.

Among the changes in the new permits, livestock operators would
have to submit their waste management plans for public review and
comment.

Those whose facilities don't put harmful discharges into nearby
waterways aren't required to get a permit.

James Werntz, director of the EPA's Idaho office in Boise, says
enforcing discharge rules at feedlots are a national priority for
his agency.

He says new permits will help reduce threats to waterways from
poorly managed facilities.


On the Net:


_For the EPA's final CAFO rule:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/cafofinalrule.cfm


(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-11-16-09 1526MST<