The latest on proposed and final regulations, the Environmental Quality Board agenda and your opportunities to get involved in the process.

August 17 EQB Meeting Features Water Quality, Lab, Clean Air Rules

Environmental Quality Board meeting agenda will include: Final - Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards; Proposed - Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Final - Small NOx, Stationary Internal Combustion Engines and Cement Kilns. Agenda and meeting packet items are posted on the EQB meeting page.

Final-Form Drinking Water Disinfection Byproducts Rule Published August 14.

DEP Asks for Comment on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Rules

The Environmental Quality Board proposed regulations to conform current Department of Environmental Protection regulations to the revised Federal regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) were published for public comment by November 5.

The proposed regulation makes substantive and organizational changes to existing regulations for agricultural operations in PA. Of note, the definition of ''CAFO'' was expanded to include all operations defined by Federal regulations as large CAFOs and a stream buffer/manure application setback provision was added in Chapter 91 (relating to general provisions). The proposed regulation also includes specific setback and buffer requirements for CAFOs.

The Department will hold two public informational meetings on this proposed regulation in conjunction with the meetings scheduled for the revised nutrient management regulations at 6:30 p.m., September 13, at the Holiday Inn, 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg and at 6:30 p.m., September 16, at the Ramada Inn, 191 United Road, DuBois.

The Board will hold two public hearings coordinated with the revised nutrient management regulations at 7 p.m. on October 13, at the Holiday Inn, 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg and October 14, at the Ramada Inn, 191 United Road, DuBois.

Persons wishing to present testimony at a public hearing are requested to contact the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477, (717) 787-4526 at least 1 week in advance of the hearing to reserve a time to present testimony.

Nutrient Management Rule Changes Adds Phosphorous to Program

The State Conservation Commission proposed changes to nutrient management regulations for public comment by October 6.

Nutrient management plans (NMP) are required to be developed by nutrient management specialists certified by the Department of Agriculture. Nutrient management planning responsibilities are set forth in detail in this proposed rulemaking, including minimum standards for the construction, location, storage capacity and operation of animal manure storage facilities on agricultural operations.

The proposed regulation will result in a cost increase (estimated at 50 percent) for the development of plans required under the act.

The Commission will hold two public informational meetings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., date presently unknown.

The Commission will hold two public hearings to accept comments on October 13, at the Holiday Inn, 5401 Carlisle Pike Mechanicsburg, and on October 14, at the Ramada Inn, Dubois. These hearings will begin at 6 p.m. Persons wishing to present testimony at a public hearing should contact Douglas Goodlander, (717) 787-8821 at least 1 week in advance of the hearing.

Comments may be sent to the State Conservation Commission, Agriculture Building, Room 405, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 by October 6, 2004. Interested persons may also submit a one page summary of their comments to the Commission.

DEP Proposes Exemption From Coating Regulation

DEP published a notice August 7 proposing to except certain swimming pool coatings from air pollution control regulations. Public comments are due October 18.

Pennsylvania Bulletin – August 7, 2004

Pennsylvania Bulletin – August 14, 2004

Comment Deadlines Open

Copies of Proposed Regulations

Status of Regulations, 6-Month Calendar

8/13/2004