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Richardson: Permits for Md. poultry a necessity

1.15.2008

By STEPHANIE JORDAN
Associate Editor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland poultry growers, in the next few months, will have to obtain a permit for their operation if it houses more than 125,000 birds or is larger than 75,000 square feet.
Gov. Martin O’Malley announced the permit proposal on Jan. 4. The permit comes from the collaboration of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Department of Environment (MDE).
“Our intent is to develop a process that addresses water quality concerns and is not overly burdensome for farmers,” said Roger Richardson, Maryland secretary of agriculture. “While no one wants more rules, we believe this permit accomplishes what it needs to — addressing environmental concerns while keeping farmers’ interests in mind.”
Staff from MDE all ready regulate and inspect large dairy and hog operations that are permitted as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) under the Environmental Protection Agency, and they will be implementing the permit procedure poultry operations.
The permit will be known as a Maryland Animal Feeding Operation (MAFO), and is estimated to affect about 200 of the state’s largest poultry operations.
The MAFO permit will require that growers complete a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP), as well as additional record keeping, stricter guidelines regarding litter and inspections by MDE.
Costs of the permit have not yet been determined, although as it stands under the proposal, it would be $120.
“We expect that obtaining and implementing the required CNMPs could result in significant costs,” Richardson said. “MDA is looking for ways to assure adequate technical and financial assistance are available.”
MDA and MDE are posting a copy online of the proposed requirements and the process MDE will use to consider comments and finalize the permit.
These can be reviewed at www.mde.state.md.us.
MDE will publish revisions to the permit program by Feb. 1, and then by March 31 will propose regulations to implement the permit.
Comments on the preliminary draft will be accepted prior to Feb. 1.
After the regulations are proposed, there will be a public review and comment period.