|
EPA overestimates chicken waste pollution in Chesapeake: study
Story Date: 2/9/2012
| |
Source: MEATINGPLACE, 2/8/12
A new University of Delaware study challenges the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimates of how much chicken manure and nutrient pollution is in the Chesapeake Bay, suggesting the EPA data are overstated and outdated, according to local media reports.
The EPA estimated in the 1980s that poultry growers in the region contributed 6 percent of all nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay, according to an article on www.MarylandReporter.com.
The University of Delaware study conducted by James Glancey calculates that the amount of chicken manure as well as nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations are less than what the EPA estimates. The study factored in new management practices, feed technology, and genetics that improved efficiencies over the last 30 years, according to the article.
Poultry industry representatives brought the study to the attention of lawmakers last week. They argue new methods for calculating nutrient pollution from poultry are needed. The old EPA estimates were used in determining an EPA mandated Watershed Implementation Plan to reduce nutrient runoff into the bay by 2020.
For more stories, go to http://www.meatingplace.com/.
|
|
|
|
