BOISE -- Idaho dairies and cattle feedlots that discharge manure and other waste to streams, lakes or other surface waters will likely have to apply for a new Environmental Protection Agency permit as early as next summer.
The EPA is taking public comment on the proposed permits for the next 60 days, including at meetings in Pocatello on Dec. 8, Jerome on Dec. 9 and Nampa on Dec. 10.
Among the changes in the new permits, livestock operators would have to submit their waste management plans for public review and comment.
Those whose facilities don't put harmful discharges into nearby waterways aren't required to get a permit.
James Werntz, director of the EPA's Idaho office in Boise, says enforcing discharge rules at feedlots are a national priority for his agency.
He says new permits will help reduce threats to waterways from poorly managed facilities.
On the Net:For the EPA's final CAFO rule: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/cafofinalrule.cfm
