The Department of Agriculture has extended the public comment period for the proposed commercial manure haulers and brokers regulations. The deadline for comment is now February 16.

The Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Law (Act 49 of 2004) requires all owners and employees of commercial haulers, applicators or brokers to be certified by the Department of Agriculture. The law also provides new requirements for concentrated animal operations and concentrated animal feeding operations.

The Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with Penn State’s Cooperative Extension Service, has developed a certification program for haulers and brokers. Training will be available for individuals seeking certification as a Hauler 3 or Broker 1 or 2.

For more information, visit the Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification webpage or contact the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry at 717-787-3568 or 717-772- 5218.

1/20/2006