From field to shore: Policy improvements to better protect ecosystem and human health from poultry wastes in Virginia

Commercial poultry production is a large industry with economic importance in Virginia. However, mismanagement of manures and wastes generated from the poultry industry can be a serious threat to ecosystem and human health. Primarily, there is a concern about nutrient pollution related to runoff and infiltration of poultry wastes. High nutrient loading can cause groundwater contamination, eutrophication, and harmful algal blooms (HABs). Additional concerns include metals, antibiotics, and pesticides that can be found in poultry wastes. To determine existing threats to ecosystem and human health from the poultry industry, Virginia policies regulating the industry are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses are identified. These policies are compared to Maryland state policies to further determine strengths and weaknesses. Potential policy recommendations to improve regulation are offered to a stakeholder panel and final recommendations are provided at the end of this document. Recommendations include improved nutrient tracking, improved litter transportation tracking, offering safe transportation guidelines, improved application guidelines, and standardized nutrient testing