March 28

Public interest law firm Earthjustice has submitted formal comments to the U.S. EPA on behalf of more than 70 groups from 28 states that object to an agency plan to exempt large farms from reporting emissions of certain gases associated with decomposing waste.

Under the EPA´s proposed rule change, chicken, hog and cattle operations would no longer have to report releases of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and certain other gases.

"This ill-considered proposal may save polluters a toll-free phone call, but it will make it harder for local emergency responders to protect communities," Earthjustice attorney Keri Powell said.

Earthjustice and the groups it represent argue the change would pose a health risk to people living and working near the farms.

When the EPA unveiled its proposal in December 2007, it said the change would allow authorities to better focus their attention on hazardous substance releases that require emergency response while reducing reporting burdens on farmers. Release notifications would still be required to emergency response authorities when hazardous substances are released from sources other than animal waste -- such as a leak from an ammonia tank.

Earthjustice submitted its comments March 27.

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