The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the comment period until Aug. 29 regarding the proposed rule revising the 2003 Clean Water Act for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The proposed rule would require owners and operators of CAFOs that discharge, or propose to discharge, to obtain a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and would require CAFOs seeking a permit to submit nutrient management plans (NMPs). The original comment deadline was Aug. 15. Additional info is available at: www.epa.gov/npdes/regulations/cafo_revisedrule.pdf
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C., correspondent