Stanford University study concludes high-yield farming, including confined animal feeding operations, is much better for planet than low-yield farming (i.e, organic farming, etc.) with respect to greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. See http://www.pnas.org/content/107/26/12052.full.
On July 29, 2010 the USEPA rejected claims of the use of flawed climate science in the agency’s “endangerment finding” related to greenhouse gases (GHGs) and denied ten (10) petitions challenging this determination.
As part of the ongoing federal response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the USEPA established a website to inform the public about the BP Gulf oil spill’s impact on the environment and the health of nearby residents. The website – http://www.epa.gov/bpspill - contains information from EPA’s ongoing air monitoring along with other information about the agency’s activities in the region related to the oil spill and cleanup activities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a final rule to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the largest stationary sources, while shielding millions of small sources of GHGs from Clean Air Act permitting requirements. The phased-in, common-sense approach will address facilities like power plants and oil refineries that are responsible for 70 percent of the greenhouse gases from stationary sources that threaten American’s health and welfare.
“After extensive study, debate and hundreds of thousands of public comments, EPA has set common-sense thresholds for greenhouse gases that will spark clean technology innovation and protect small businesses and farms,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “There is no denying our responsibility to protect the planet for our children and grandchildren. It’s long past time we unleashed our American ingenuity and started building the efficient, prosperous clean energy economy of the future.”
EPA’s phased-in approach will start in January 2011, when Clean Air Act permitting requirements for GHGs will kick in for large facilities that are already obtaining Clean Air Act permits for other pollutants. Those facilities will be required to include GHGs in their permit if they increase these emissions by at least 75,000 tons per year (tpy).
In July 2011, Clean Air Act permitting requirements will expand to cover all new facilities with GHG emissions of at least 100,000 tpy and modifications at existing facilities that would increase GHG emissions by at least 75,000 tpy. These permits must demonstrate the use of best available control technologies to minimize GHG emission increases when facilities are constructed or significantly modified.
Under the new emissions thresholds for GHGs that begin in July 2011, EPA estimates approximately 900 additional permitting actions covering new sources and modifications to existing sources would be subject to review each year. In addition, 550 sources will need to obtain operating permits for the first time because of their GHG emissions.
In April 2010, EPA set the first national GHG tailpipe standards for passenger cars and light trucks. When GHG emissions limits for these vehicles go into effect in January 2011, EPA is also required to address GHG emissions from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act’s permitting programs, which it is doing in the plan outlined today.
The final rule addresses a group of six greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
EPA issued a proposed rule in October 2009 and held a 60-day public comment period. The agency received about 450,000 comments, which were carefully reviewed and considered during the development of this final rule.
On May 28, 2010 the USEPA released a new guidance document to assist with implementation of the 2008 revisions to the NPDES regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). In 2008, EPA promulgated revised regulations for CAFOs to require that CAFOs that discharge or propose to discharge must seek coverage under an NPDES permit. The rule also clarifies that a CAFO proposes to discharge if it is designed, constructed, operated, or maintained such that a discharge will occur. This guidance is suppose to assist EPA and States with program implementation and assist CAFOs in evaluating whether they discharge or propose to discharge. The guidance document is availabe at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/cafo_implementation_guidance.pdf
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Antitrust Division and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will hold a series of joint public workshops to explore competition issues affecting the agricultural sector in the 21st century and the appropriate role for US antitrust and regulatory enforcement in this industry. These workshops will include poultry, meat and pork industries and associated contract grower issues. The first workshop related to livestock production will be held on May 21, 2010 in Normal, Alabama with a focus on the poultry industry. See http://www.justice.gov/atr/public/workshops/ag2010/index.htm for additional information.
On January 14, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proposed water quality standards for nutrients for Florida’s lakes and flowing waters.These standards have been proposed “to protect people’s health, aquatic life and the long term recreational uses of Florida’s waters, which are a critical part of the state’s economy.” In 2009, the EPA entered into a consent decree with the Florida Wildlife Federation to propose limits for nutrient related to water pollution. The proposed action, released for public comment and developed in collaboration with the state, defines a series of numeric limits on the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen, also known as “nutrients,” that would be allowed in Florida’s lakes, rivers, streams, springs and canals.For details see:
On January 5, 2010, Under 40 CFR Part 63, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Area Source Standards for Prepared Feed Manufacturing; Final Rule was published in the Federal Register.This new Federal Rule applies to prepared feeds manufacturing area sources (i.e., Feed Mills) that produce animal, excluding cat and dog, feed products that contain chromium (≥ 0.1%) or manganese (≥ 1.0%).These new regulations require applicable facilities to implement various management practices in areas where materials containing chromium and/or manganese are stored, used, or handled.In addition, Feed Mill facilities with an average daily feed production level of more than 50 tons per day are required to implement emission control equipment on pelleting/pellet cooling systems which provides a particulate matter (PM) removal rate of 95% or greater.These facilities are also required to establish and maintain key operating parameter(s) for emission control systems to ensure compliance with the 95% PM removal requirement.Applicable facilities are required to submit an Initial Notification to the USEPA and applicable state regulatory agencies that the facility is subject to these regulations (see http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/area/arearules.html) no later than May 5, 2010, and a subsequent Notification of Compliance Status must also be submitted to regulatory agencies for each applicable Facility by May 4, 2012.
On December 7, 2009, the USEPASA Administrator signed two distinct findings regarding greenhouse gases (GH) under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act:
·Endangerment Finding: The Administrator finds that the current and projected concentrations of the six key well-mixed greenhouse gases--carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)--in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.
·Cause or Contribute Finding: The Administrator finds that the combined emissions of these well-mixed greenhouse gases from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines contribute to the greenhouse gas pollution which threatens public health and welfare.
These findings are prerequisites for the USEPA instituting regulatory controls for GHGs.
On November 5, 2009, the USEPA issued new rules amending certain requirements of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule in order to address additional areas of regulatory reform that have been raised by the regulated community. The November 2009 amendments revise the December 2008 amendments. These amendments modify the December 2008 rule by removing the provisions to: exclude farms and oil production facilities from the loading/unloading rack requirements; exempt produced water containers at an oil production facility; and provide alternative qualified facilities eligibility criteria for an oil production facility. This rule is effective January 14, 2010, and ammendments to SPCC Plans for existing facilities must be completed no later than November 10, 2010.
On July 6, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would develop an action plan to enhance public transparency regarding clean water enforcement performance at federal and state levels, to strengthen that performance, and to transform EPA’s water quality and compliance information systems. This plan includes significant emphasis on alleged water pollution from animal feeding operations (AFOs) and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). See http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/cwa/cwaenfplan.html for details.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a response to members of Congress disputing the Pew Commission’s report on Industrial Farm Production “Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America.”The AVMA, which represents 86% of U.S. veterinarians, identified various areas of concern with the Pew Commission’s Report, including a bias of the experts assembled and failure to take into consideration all the various technical reports, etc. concerning livestock production and the use of antibiotics in the industry.AVMA indicated:
“Both in substance and in approach” “the Pew report contains significant flaws and major dalliances from both science and reality. These missteps lead to dangerous and under-informed recommendations about the nature of our food system – and shocking recommendations for interventions that are scarcely commensurate with risk.”
On July 1, 2009 retailer Wal-Mart announced plans to develop a worldwide sustainable product index in a meeting with 1,500 of its suppliers, associates and sustainability leaders. According to Wal-Mart, "the index will establish a single source of data for evaluating the sustainability of products." “Customers want products that are more efficient, that last longer and perform better,” said Mike Duke, Wal-Mart’s president and CEO. As reported, the company will introduce the initiative in three phases, beginning with a survey of its more than 100,000 suppliers around the world. The survey includes 15 questions that will serve as a tool for Wal-Mart’s suppliers to evaluate their own sustainability efforts. The questions will focus on four areas: energy and climate; material efficiency; natural resources, and; people and community. For details see http://walmartstores.com/FactsNews/NewsRoom/9277.aspx
Woodruff & Howe Environmental Engineering (WHEE), Inc. is gearing up to provide “Sustainability Index” assistance to various food and agricultural product producers supplying retail giant Wal-Mart.Wal-Mart recently announced a new initiative to develop a “Sustainability Index” for the various products it sells at its stores, and Wal-Mart will be, and has been, requesting sustainability and corporate responsibility information from its suppliers.WHEE, Inc. has been receiving calls from food and agricultural products producers requesting assistance in the development and evaluation of sustainability programs; development of related metrics; calculation of impacts; and development of reports and presentations for customers.Since inception in 2000, WHEE, Inc. has provided comprehensive sustainability and EMS program assistance to various food and agricultural products producers for customer and consumer reporting purposes.
On July 28, 2009 the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new national initiative (Chemical national emphasis program – Chemical NEP) to focus inspections on facilities that could release highly hazardous chemicals resulting in toxic fire or explosion hazards.The Chemical NEP will include inspectors asking detailed questions related to OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program requirements.According to the acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab “several catastrophic incidents have been caused by failure to comply with the requirements of the PSM standard,” and “this situation has resulted in loss of workers’ lives.”The Chemical NEP will randomly identify sites for inspection based on the likelihood they have hazardous chemicals in quantities subject to the PSM standard.Many food and agricultural product processing plants use anhydrous ammonia in refrigeration systems and in quantities that exceed the threshold for PSM rule applicability.Accordingly, applicable facilities need to be adequately prepared for an inspection under the Chemical NEP initiative.See http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=16119 for details.
A recently released Economic Impact Study by the American Meat Institute (AMI) indicates the meat and poultry industry directly and indirectly contributes $832.4 billion dollars per year to the US economy, or approximately 5.8% of the total GDP. This study also indicated the industry provides nearly 6.2 million jobs (i.e., direct, supplier and induced jobs), which generate almost $200 billion in annual wages and benefits. See http://www.meatfuelsamerica.com/ for detailed information and breakdown of economic impacts by US State.
A new online tool released by the National Pork Board helps pork producers develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for their operation(s). EAPs are required for certain facilities by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This tool walks the user through development of a site specific EAP for their operation. See http://eap.pork.org/ for details.
On Wednesday March 31, 2009 the US Supreme Court ruled that federal regulators may consider costs when deciding whether or not to order the operators of power plants to install protections for fish.By a 6 to 3 margin, the court overturned a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in Manhattan, which had ruled that the Clean Water Act (CWA) barred the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) from engaging in the kind of cost-benefit analysis that it had proposed.Writing for the majority, Justice Scalia said it was “well within the bounds of reasonable interpretation for the E.P.A. to conclude that cost-benefit analysis is not categorically forbidden.”
Woodruff & Howe EnvironmentalEngineering, Inc. (WHEE, Inc.) has been selected as a Technical Service Provider (TSP) under the Comprehensive Livestock Environmental Assessment and Nutrient Management Plan Program supporting owners and operators of livestock and poultry operations in the Eastern United States (CLEANEAST).
CLEANEAST provides confidential, no-cost technical support to farms including beef, dairy, swine, or poultry operations located in 27 eastern states.Under this program, livestock producers can requeston-site support services from a qualified Technical Assistance Professional (TAP), like WHEE, Inc., to:
Conduct an Environmental Assessment
Update an existing Nutrient Management Plan
Prepare a new Nutrient Management Plan
See http://livestock.rti.org for additional information on this program and to obtain forms for growers interested in signing up participation in program.
A recently released U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) identifies the top 150 watersheds in the Mississippi River Drainage Basin contributing the nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, linked to the annual 8,000 square-mile “Dead Zone” condition in the Gulf of Mexico. This report indicates:
"66 percent of nitrogen originates from cultivated crops, mostly corn and soybeans, with animal grazing and manure contributing about 5 percent. Atmospheric contributions also are important, accounting for 16 percent of nitrogen."
"Animal manure on pasture and rangelands and crop cultivation are the largest contributors of phosphorus, accounting for 37 and 43 percent, respectively. Findings suggest that phosphorus associated with the wastes of unconfined animals is a much larger source of phosphorus in the Mississippi River Basin than previously recognized. Current animal manure management emphasizes controlling nutrients primarily from confined animal facilities.
"In total, agricultural sources contribute more than 70 percent of the nitrogen and phosphorus delivered to the Gulf, versus only 9 to 12% from urban sources."
The Center for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) has released a new tool for measuring and reporting the sustainability of water use. The Corporate Water Gauge™ provdes a tool that can be used to measure the ecological sustainability of an orgnization’s water use. This new tool can be used to measure and report single and enterprise-wide facility-based levels of water use and compares it against local preciptation and population conditions. See http://www.sustainableinnovation.org/Corporate-Water-Gauge.pdf for additional details.
WHEE, Inc. assisted the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPEA) in the development of Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP) training video for poultry production facilities. This training tool will assist poultry industry facilities stay in compliance with the industrial storm water permitting provisions of the Clean Water Act. The SWPP training video can be ordered at http://www.poultryegg.org.
On November 26, 2008, the Federal Register published USEPA’s direct final rule to amend a Clean Water Act (CWA) section 311 regulation (Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure - SPCC Rule) that defines the term "navigable waters." In this action, EPA announced the vacatur of the July 17, 2002, revisions to the definition of "navigable waters" in accordance with an order, issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (D.D.C.) in American Petroleum Institute v. Johnson, 571 F.Supp.2d 165 (D.D.C. 2008), invalidating those revisions. The court decision also restored the regulatory definition of "navigable waters" promulgated by EPA in 1973; consequently, EPA is amending the definition of "navigable waters" in part 112 to comply with that decision. This final rule does not amend the definition of "navigable waters" in any other regulation that has been promulgated by EPA. See http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/spcc_nov08waters.htm for additional details.
