Source: N.C. PORK COUNCIL, 11/11/11
 

Swine farmers in eastern NC should have recently received a letter from the NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ) regarding an upcoming study of water quality in waters near swine farms.  

The study was accepted by the NC Environmental Management Commission as a reasonable alternative to a proposed mandatory monitoring rule that would have required all permitted animal operations to collect water samples from streams adjacent to the farm and pay for analysis of those water samples. Adoption of this less burdensome, more scientific approach was supported by farmers, NCPC, and other agricultural organizations.

The study will be jointly conducted by DWQ and the US Geological Survey (USGS).  USGS is expected to begin taking water quality samples in February, 2012, from streams adjacent to a number of swine operations.  The farms will be selected at random based on site characteristics such as farm size and available acreage and samples collected will be analyzed by the USGS.

If a stream adjacent to your farm is chosen, you will be contacted by DWQ staff in the coming months. Please note that sample results will not be used for determination of compliance with your permit.

A copy of the study plan prepared by the USGS can be obtained here. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the NCPC office at 919/781-0361 or email Tommy Stevens .