EPA to study pollution caused by animal feeding operations

WASHINGTON, D.C.
June 14, 2007 11:08am

What is described as the first-ever nationwide study of air pollution that may be caused by poultry, dairy and swine animal feeding operations is being launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

With EPA watching what they do, researchers from eight universities will take part in the 21/2-year, $14.6 million study to measure levels of hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, ammonia, nitrous oxide, volatile organic compounds and other gases from livestock facilities.

The research officially begins today at 24 sites in nine states. California farms are being included in the study, but specific locations have not been announced.

EPA concluded in the late 1990's that it did not have sufficient air emissions data for animal feeding operations, making it difficult to determine compliance with existing air emissions requirements.

"There has never been an agricultural air emissions study this comprehensive or long term," claims Al Heber of Purdue University, the lead scientist for the study. "We don't know enough about what is being emitted into the atmosphere. This study will give the EPA the data it needs to make science-based decisions."

The eight universities participating in the study are: Purdue University; University of California-Davis; Cornell University; Iowa State University; University of Minnesota; North Carolina State University; Texas A&M University; and Washington State University.