Tennessee Clean Water Network

"Cesspools of Shame" focuses on the environmental and public health violations of six of the largest multi-million dollar companies that own or control factory farms, details the clean water and public health effects of lagoons and spray field systems, and offers alternative solutions to CAFOs as well as federal policy recommendations. To view the report, go to http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/cesspools/cessinx.asp. A limited number of free hard copies are available to Network members. Please e-mail the Feedlots Coordinator, Melanie Shepherdson Flynn with NRDC, at [email protected] or 202-289-2393 to order your free copy today!

March 1, 2001

CAFO Proposed Rule Public Meetings:

In the News: “New Factory Farm Legislation Considered by Legislature” in the Memphis Commerical Appeal (April 13, 2001)

CAFO Comment Period Extended
On March 26, 2001, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman announced an extension of the public comment period on a proposal to reduce water pollution from large animal feedlot operations. The 75-day extended comment period will allow the public to comment through July 30. EPA proposed new water pollution permitting controls in January that would apply to large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), typically defined as having 1,000 cattle or comparable "animal units"of other livestock. Throughout March, EPA held eight public meetings across the country to provide additional information and encourage public comment on the proposal. EPA is providing the additional public comment opportunity based on comments received at these meetings asking for more time to study and comment on the proposed Clean Water Act permitting requirements and CAFO definitions.

The Division of Water Pollution Control will hold public hearings on the issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for the operation of a waste retention structure at a CAFO to the following applicants on May 4, May 9, and May 11 at the following times and locations:

Turbeville Finishers (TN0074900) and R.D. Robinson Farm (TN0074942), both in Dresden, TN.

Written testimony will be accepted at the hearings and for ten days following the hearings, and will be considered part of the hearing record. You can obtain additional information, a copy of the draft permit, the fact sheet, and inspect and copy forms and related documents at the Divisionâ*™s Central Office at any of the Environmental Assistance Centers (EAC) (Please call 1-888-891-8332 for the nearest EAC). For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation website wwww.state.tn.us/environment/wpc/wpcppo/index.html

CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS

"FACTORY FARMS"