STATEMENT BY MARYLAND AGRICULTURE SECRETARY ROGER RICHARDSON ON THE PROPOSED PERMIT FOR ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS

News Date January 16, 2008

          The Maryland Departments of Agriculture (MDA) and the Environment (MDE) have worked closely together over the past year to develop a draft permit for regulating large poultry operations. Our intent is to develop a process that addresses water quality concerns and is not overly burdensome for farmers. This has been a hot topic among poultry farmers since last May when we announced that we would pursue a permit in the absence of final guidance from EPA. We have a cooperative relationship with MDE staff who already regulate and inspect large dairy and hog operations--or CAFOs--under EPA regulations and anticipate that good relationship will continue as MDE begins implementing this general permit for poultry operations. The draft permit also modifies requirements for large animal operations permitted as CAFOs.

            While no one wants more rules, we believe this permit accomplishes what it needs to--addressing environmental concerns while keeping farmers' interests in mind. We estimate that about 200 of the largest poultry operations will fall within the Maryland Animal Feeding Operation permit (MAFO) requirements. This permit will be a new process, expanding on existing state nutrient management requirements. The MAFO permit will require a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP), additional record keeping, less flexibility in management of litter, and MDE inspection of permitted operations. The MAFO permit cost is still under consideration but is presently proposed to be $120. We expect that obtaining and implementing the required CNMPs could result in significant costs. MDA is looking for ways to assure adequate technical and financial assistance are available.

            MDA and MDE encourage everyone with an interest in this permit to go to the MDE website, http://www.mde.state.md.us, to get a copy of the proposed requirements and the process MDE will use to consider comments and finalize the permit. MDE plans to publish any revisions by February 1, 2008, and by March 31 will propose regulations to implement the permit. Comments are being accepted on this preliminary draft prior to February 1. There also will be a public review and comment period after regulations are proposed. (Contact: Sue duPont)