KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

December 18, 1997

Contact: Don Brown 785-296-1529

KDHE Proposes Updated Regulations for Livestock Industry

As part of the state's ongoing regulatory review process, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is proposing a series of changes and updates to its published regulations on Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

"Kansas has had regulations on the books regulating feedlots for 30 years," said KDHE Secretary Gary R. Mitchell. "Our regulations are comprehensive and effective, but they need to be updated and compiled in one place for the benefit of both the animal feeding industry and the citizens of Kansas."

Mitchell has worked with the Division of Environment at KDHE on a regulatory approach

that is now ready for review and comment from interested citizens. The proposed CAFO regulations are published in the December 18, 1997 edition of the Kansas Register. That official state publication is available for review at county clerk offices and some libraries across the state.

Many of the proposed regulations simply codify existing procedures. But others call for new safety features that will apply to the handling of animal waste at large feeding facilities. These include:

• requiring operators of facilities with 1,000 or more animal units to be trained in waste management techniques and become licensed waste managers;
• requiring soil testing for nutrient overload and contaminants where animal wastes are applied repeatedly to the same parcel of land;
• giving the Secretary of KDHE clear authority to require groundwater monitoring wells;
• allowing the Secretary to deny a permit to anyone who has a poor track record when it comes to protecting the environment;
• defining in regulation a "significant water pollution potential."

Mitchell said there are several steps to complete before the draft regulations can be finalized, "I want to make sure everyone knows what we're doing and how we plan on doing it. That's why we're publishing the proposals early in the process."

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed regulations should direct their written comments or request to: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Bureau of Water, Industrial Programs Section, Building 283 - Forbes Field, Topeka, KS 66620.