| Description |
iii, 79 p. : digital, PDF file |
| System Details |
Mode of access via the GAO web site. |
| Note |
Title from title screen (viewed on Sept 25, 2008). |
|
"September 2008." |
| Summary |
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) are large livestock and poultry operations that raise animals in a confined situation. CAFOs can improve the efficiency of animal production but large amounts of manure produce can, if not properly managed, degrade air and water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating CAFOs and requires CAFOs that discharge certain pollutants to obtain a permit. This report discusses the (1) trends in CAFOs over the past 30 years, (2) amounts of waste they generate, (3) findings of key research on CAFOs' health and environmental impacts, (4) EPA's progress in developing CAFO air emissions protocols, and (5) effect of recent court decisions on EPA's regulation of CAFO water pollutants. GAO analyzed U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) data from 1982 through 2002, for large farms as a proxy for CAFOs; reviewed studies, EPA documents, laws, and regulations; and obtained the views of federal and state officials. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Note |
"GAO-08-944." |
| Subject |
United States. Environmental Protection Agency -- Rules and practice.
|
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Feedlot runoff -- United States.
|
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Feedlots -- Environmental aspects -- United States.
|
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Agricultural pollution -- United States.
|
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Water quality management -- United States.
|
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Air quality management -- United States.
|
| Added Title |
Concentrated animal feeding operations : Environmental Protection Agency needs more information and a clearly defined strategy to protect air and water quality from pollutants of concern |
|
EPA needs more information and a clearly defined strategy to protect air and water quality from pollutants of concern |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-08-944 |
|
