Dairylea, DFA Voice (Continued from Page 56) ards for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Dairylea and DFA’s Northeast Council joined the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) and National Milk Producers (NMP) in submitting comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlining their concerns that if enacted the increased federal regulation of animal feeding op erations (AFOs) will place significant burdens on farmers. The organizations continue to work together to pro vide their members with representation on legislative issues at all levels. “These new regulations put the burden of proof and the burden of cost on America’s already financially taxed agricultural operators/farmers,” said Dairylea’s President Clyde Rutherford. “We would like to see legislative policy that provides for expanded technical and financial assistance when more stringent regula tions are to be enacted.” The proposed changes to CAFO policy would be the first made since the passage of the Clean Water Act in the early 19705. Among the key changes are modifying the definition of a CAFO, elimination of the 25- year/24-hour storm permit exemption, land applica tion of manure and assessment of direct hydrological Building Agricultural Solutions! Make it Cover-All” for all your agricultural building needs... livestock, gram, hay, vehicles, equipment, animal waste, riding arenas or workshop! DuraWeave* covers provide a naturally bnght intenor that saves on costly lighting bills, are virtually maintenance free and are backed by al5 year pro rata warranty. Viper Steel” framework, clad with triple coated Gatorshield,' - provides a service life three times longer than conventional galvanized steel tubing. connection to surface water. Dairylea and DFA’s Northeast Council believe that the proposed legislation exceeds congressional author ity as outlined in the Clean Water Act (CWA) and is not justified by reliable water quality data. “The regulations currently proposed by the EPA have exceeded the intent of the CWA and are not needed,” said Lew Gardner, DFA’s Northeast Council chairman. . “The EPA needs to conduct further research to col lect reliable water quality data and to more accurately identify the economic costs associated with implemen tation of the proposed regulations.” Gardner added that the cooperatives support re taining the current method of defining a CAFO and full implementation of current rules before expanding the scope. “Our members and other operators have made sub stantial investments in environmental protection over the past decades,” said Gardner. “Many have done so through voluntary, incentive based programs. These successes can be attributed to regulations currently enforced.” The EPA will consider the input received during its comment period and is to release final regulations on December 15,2002. “We are grateful for the opportunity to comment on this important legislative matter,” said Rutherford. Cover-All Building Systems 1-800-268-3768 www.coverall.net XO¥ER-JUT
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