Role of a Stakeholder Advisory Group in Developing C.A.F.O. Regulations in Georgia

Proceedings of the 1999 Georgia Water Resources Conference, March 30 and 31, Athens, Georgia.In June, 1998 the State Environmental Protection Division (EPD) convened a group of approximately 90 stakeholders with an interest in regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO's). The members represented public interest groups, producers, academia, and state and federal agencies. They were asked to consider revisions to the current requirements for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for CAFO's and the creation of several size categories with escalating requirements. Currently permits are required for animal feeding operations with more than 1,000 animal units (AU) and a wet manure system. Four subcommittees were formed consisting of 12-14 members each: 1) size classification and regulatory system, 2) location restrictions, odors, and setbacks, 3) nutrient management and monitoring, and 4) design and administration. There was consensus to require nutrient management plans, training and certification of operators, and riparian buffers for operations larger than 300 AU. There was no consensus on whether a smaller size category starting at 100 AU should be required to register, or a large category starting at 2,000 AU should require more stringent measures. There was agreement for location restrictions for recharge areas, deep sands and wet soils, endangered species habitat, the 11 counties of Coastal Management Area, impaired streams, and wild and scenic rivers.Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of TechnologyThis book was published by the Institute of Ecology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-2202 with partial funding provided by the U.S. Department of Interior, geological Survey, through the Georgia Water Research Insttitute as authorized by the Water Research Institutes Authorization Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-397). The views and statements advanced in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not represent official views or policies of the University of Georgia or the U.S. Geological Survey or the conference sponsors