UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) has proposed major revisions to Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act regulations that will affect concentrated animal operations, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and agricultural operations voluntarily participating in the state's nutrient management program.

At the same time, the Environmental Quality Board has proposed major changes to water quality regulations that will affect CAFOs and other agricultural operations. Specialists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences are urging farmers and all concerned citizens to comment on the proposed revisions.

The proposed revisions will change the way agricultural nutrients are managed, affecting important sectors of the state's agricultural economy, rural communities and water quality, says Alyssa Dodd, extension associate in agricultural economics and rural sociology.

"The public comment period for both the SCC and EQB proposed changes began on Aug. 7 and will close on Nov. 5, 2004," she says. "Now is the time to take action to shape these important agricultural-environmental regulations."

To help citizens quickly understand the proposed changes and participate in the public comment process, Penn State Cooperative Extension has developed two free guides titled "Shaping New Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Act Regulations: A Guide to the Proposal and Comment Process" and "Make Your Voice Heard: Commenting on Proposed Water Pollution Regulations for CAFOs and Other Agricultural Operations."

Individuals with Internet access can download both publications at Penn State’s Nutrient and Water Policy Web site, http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu. Single copies of the guides also are available free of charge by contacting your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or by calling the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center at 814-865-6713.

"Take action today," says Dodd. "In addition to submitting your individual comments on the proposed changes, tell other farmers, neighbors, and community members about the proposed rules and encourage them to take this opportunity to shape public policy before time runs out."

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Writer/Editor: Gary Abdullah Office 814-863-2708 FAX 814-863-9877