March 27, 2009, Dallas, Tx – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) based in Region 6 is proposing a general permit regulating
concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) located on state lands
in Oklahoma.
March 27, 2009, Dallas, Tx – Region 6 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a general permit regulating concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) located on state lands in Oklahoma.
This National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit is required by the Clean Water Act if pollutants will be discharged or are proposed to be discharged from CAFOs into U.S. waterways. These permits explain the types of allowable discharges and are written to protect public health and the environment.
The proposed CAFO general permit continues many requirements already in place. These include nutrient management plans, manure and wastewater storage design and waste storage closure provisions. It also incorporates new requirements established in 2008.
The EPA will continue its coordination with the CAFO industry, Oklahoma regulatory agencies, tribal and local governments, environmental groups and other interested parties to ensure the permit will be both effective and viable.
The EPA will accept comments for 30 days on the proposal, then review and respond to comments and make any appropriate changes before the permit is reissued.
The proposed general permit and a fact sheet can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/index.htm.
