A petition was filed by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia asking for an extension in the implementation of mandatory reporting by poultry farms in regards to low levels of ammonia.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) poultry and egg producers would be required to notify first responders when low levels of ammonia occurred on their farms. The request by EPA follows the release of guidelines through CERCLA and EPCRA on Oct. 27.
In the petition the EPA said “estimating emissions is complex given the numerous variables involved” and more time is needed for the agency to review information from stakeholders, like farmers, to increase accuracy for emission estimates. EPA has requested two more months, or until Jan. 17, 2018, whichever is later to continue looking at these rules.
Both U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) plan to file briefs supporting EPA’s motion.
“We appreciate EPA’s thoughtful review of the reporting requirements and their recognition that the low-level emissions that may result from the natural breakdown of manure are highly irregular and differ from one farm to the next,” says John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY.
A current stay exist in the appeals court, but is set to expire on Nov. 15. Should the court deny EPA’s motion for additional time, then mandatory reporting would begin for poultry and egg farmers on Nov. 15.
