Availability of Interim Policy--Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) [28 Pa.B. 563] The Department of Environmental Protection announces the availability of an Interim Policy for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations, 40 CFR 122.23, require states to issue NPDES permits for CAFOs. A draft CAFO strategy for Pennsylvania will be published in the near future for public comment. Upon consideration of the comments received, DEP will finalize and initiate steps to implement the strategy. This process is expected to be completed within about 12 months, except amendments to state regulations in support of the strategy may take somewhat longer. Until the strategy is finalized and supporting regulations and permits are in place, DEP has established administrative procedures to coordinate an interim program for newly proposed CAFOs.
This interim policy applies to all proposed CAFOs that require the construction of manure storage or animal housing facilities and will have either (1) more than 1,000 animal equivalent units (AEUs), or (2) more than 300 AEUs and the operation is a concentrated animal operation (CAO). The Nutrient Management Act (3 P. S. § 1701 et seq.) defines AEU as 1,000 pounds of live weight, and a CAO as an operation where the animal density exceeds two AEUs per acre on an annualized basis. The Department will coordinate with County Conservation Districts to help operators know if they are covered by the interim policy.
The interim policy may be obtained from Ratilal Patel, Division of Wastewater Management, Bureau of Water Quality Protection, 11th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P. O. Box 8774, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774, (717) 787-8184 (express mail: Rachel Carson State Office Building, 11th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301. Persons with a disability may use the AT&T Relay Service by calling 1 (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or 1 (800) 654-5988 (voice users) and request that the call be relayed. The interim policy is also available electronically through the DEP Web site (http://www.dep.state.pa.us).
JAMES M. SEIF,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 98-179. Filed for public inspection January 30, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]
