By Wally Kennedy

wkennedy@joplinglobe.com

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is seeking comments on recently proposed changes to the rules for concentrated animal feeding operations.

The changes would incorporate federal rule changes into the state regulations.

The main change in the proposed regulation addresses manure management to protect water quality. The updated federal rules place more emphasis on proper management of animal manure both at the production site and on farmland where it is applied.

The changes would modify requirements for certain best-management practices, including setbacks for land application and requirements for nutrient-management plans. A nutrient-management plan includes strategies producers will use to ensure that manure storage and manure application on farms do not adversely affect surface or groundwater quality, and will help to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen runoff into streams.

The proposed changes also include lowering the animal threshold number for swine weighing less than 55 pounds for Class 1C operations from 15,000 to 10,000 swine, and expanding the inspection, record keeping and annual reporting requirements. Lowering the number of swine necessary for Class 1C designation would require some existing swine operations to obtain a permit. Inspection, record keeping and annual reporting requirements would be expanded to include all of the current federal requirements.

The proposed changes, published in the Missouri Register on June 16, may be viewed at www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/moreg/current/2008/v33n12/v33n12a.pdf#Page=8.

During the public comment period, the Missouri Clean Water Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed rule changes at its Sept. 7 meeting. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at The Q Hotel and Spa, 560 Westport Road, Kansas City.

The department will accept written comments on the proposed rule changes through Sept. 17. Parties may submit comments to the Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, Attention: Darrick Steen, Agricultural Unit Chief, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102.