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Compliance and Enforcement Annual Results:
FY2007 Important Environmental Problems/National Priorities
Priority: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
FY2007 Annual Results Topics
Annual Results for
National Enforcement Priorities
On this page:
Problem:
Photo of concentrated animal feeding operation
Concentrated animal feeding operations are a national priority for the Environmental Protection Agency's enforcement and compliance assurance program due to the impact of large animal feedlots on water quality. During wet weather events, water flows from animal feedlots transporting nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as other pollutants including bacteria, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and trace elements including metals to local waterways. Impacts on ecosystems and human health include contamination of public drinking water sources and private well water, recreational and commercial fish kills and advisories, and beach closings.
The estimated 500 million tons of manure discharged each year from large agricultural operations are one of the leading causes of water quality impairment in rivers, lakes, streams, estuaries, and the ocean as rain and snow carry nutrients into waterways throughout the watershed.
Key Results:
| Fiscal Year | Pollutants Reduced (lbs) |
Investments in Pollution Control ($) |
Civil Penalties ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2006 | 12,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $400,000 |
| FY 2007 | 15,000,000 | $30,000,000 | $875,000 |
| FY 2006-2007 | 27,000,000 | $40,000,000 | $1,275,000 |
*FY 2005 Annual Results Data Not Available
Highlights:
- In FY 2006-2007, EPA’s CAFO priority has reached settlements with farms which will prevent an estimated 27 million pounds of bacteria and nutrient laden manure from going into the water. These pollution reductions protect drinking water, ensure adequate oxygen levels for healthy populations of aquatic species, protect public access to safe recreational waters and fishing grounds, and will substantially improve water quality.
- Through compliance assistance to farms and states in FY 2006-2007, EPA helped 2,742 regulated entities understand legal requirements to reduce nutrients and pathogens under the Clean Water Act.
- Another significant CAFO case in FY 2007, the U.S. v. M.G. Waldbaum case, requires construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for an egg processing facility, development and implementation of manure management plans at six poultry farms, and expenditure of $16 million in injunctive relief and $525,000 in penalty.
- EPA took FY 2006 enforcement action under the Clean Water Act that will reduce pollutants flowing into the Red River by 3 million pounds of nutrients per year in response to numerous citizen complaints against the Alan Ritchey Dairy in Oklahoma.
Annual Results by Fiscal Year:
FY2010 | FY2009 | FY2008 | FY2007 | FY2006 | FY2005 | FY2004 | FY2003 | FY2002 | FY2001 | FY2000 | FY1999