The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is extending the sign-up period for the Animal Feeding Operation Air Compliance Agreement, until August 12.

EPA granted the extension in response to requests to provide interested operators adequate time to complete the paperwork necessary to participate in the agreement. This agreement is part of the agency's ongoing effort to minimize air emissions from certain animal feeding operations, also known as AFOs, and to ensure that they comply with the Clean Air Act and other laws.

To date, more than 1,000 operators have signed agreements. The participants represent a cross-section of the animal industry sector, including swine, egg-layers and meat birds, and dairy operations.

Over the past two years, EPA has worked extensively to hear and address the concerns of all the major stakeholders on these issues, including state and local governments, citizen groups, national environmental groups, and the AFO industry.

Instructions on how to sign up and related materials on the Animal Feeding Operation Air Compliance Agreement webpage.

7/29/2005