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EPA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Permits for Animal Feeding Operations

Release Date: 8/26/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 has extended the public comment period until October 12 for proposed permits regulating concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and all tribal lands in these states.

      Comments may be mailed to Ms. Wilma Turner (6WQ-CA), EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Ave., Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. Concerns raised through public comments will be addressed when the final permits are issued.

      A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required by the Clean Water Act if pollutants will be discharged into our nation's waterways. These permits spell out the types and amounts of allowable discharges and are written to protect human health and preserve aquatic life.

      EPA has proposed to reissue the CAFO general permit which prohibits discharges from CAFOs except during catastrophic rainfall. Also a new permit is being proposed for CAFOs located in watersheds which have been affected by excessive nutrient runoff. In addition to prohibiting discharges, this permit also restricts how manure from these operations is spread on land.

      A summary of the proposed permits as well as the complete text may be found on the Internet at https://www.epa.gov/region6/6wq/npdes/publicnotice.htm. Hard copies may be obtained by contacting Ms. Wilma Turner at EPA Region 6 at (214) 665-7516.