SPECIAL CAFO COMMITTEE TO HOLD FIRST MEETING Nov. 18

 Contact Information: Katherine Benenati / 501.682.0821 / benenati@adeq.state.ar.us

FOR RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2013

SPECIAL CAFO COMMITTEE TO HOLD FIRST MEETING

A special committee assigned with the task of developing a policy for public notification of permit applications involving concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) will hold its first meeting Nov. 18, 2013, at the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 10 a.m. in the ADEQ building’s Commission Room.

The committee, created by Act 1511 of the Arkansas General Assembly’s 2013 regular session, is charged with developing a policy for providing public notification for any notice of intent filed with the ADEQ for a general permit involving a proposed CAFO in Arkansas.

Act 1511 set the committee membership at one representative each from the ADEQ, Arkansas Agriculture Department, and Arkansas Farm Bureau, and two members appointed by the Governor. Committee members are Ryan Benefield, ADEQ deputy director; Jeff Marley, representing the Agriculture Department; Gene Pharr of the Farm Bureau; and gubernatorial appointees Dr. Eric Wailes, a University of Arkansas professor, and Ross Noland, an attorney.

The group is to report its recommendations to the Arkansas Legislative Council by Dec. 31, 2013.

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