search our site     home > key topics > natural resources, environment, & conservation   manure management Properly managed manure is a valuable resource, but manure waste from confined animal feeding operations can jeopardize water quality and public health. As market forces and other factors have spurred a trend toward larger confined production units, policymakers have sought to enact measures to reduce nutrient loadings from these operations. ERS experts analyze the extent of manure problems, their economic and environmental implications, and the economics of management practices. related briefing rooms - offer an indepth discussion synthesizing ERS research Ag Chemicals and Production Technology Conservation and Environmental Policy feature Managing Manure:New Clean Water Act Regulations Create Imperative for Livestock Producers—New Clean Water Act Regulations Create Imperative for Livestock Producers-Nutrients from livestock and poultry manure are key sources of water pollution. Ever-growing numbers of livestock and poultry per farm and per acre have increased the risk of water pollution, with manure being disposed of in ways not adequately addressed in the original 1972 regulations. The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA signed new regulations on December 15, 2002 that would compel operations with the largest number of animals to manage their manure according to a nutrient management plan. Amber Waves (2/03). web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov updated: March 11, 2003  Also at ERS... latest publications (all) • Amber Waves, September 2004 • Measuring the Success of Conservation Programs • Amber Waves, September 2003 latest data products (all) • Crop Production Practices • Environmental Quality Incentives Program Data • Confined Animal and Manure Nutrient Data System resources • Contact an ERS Expert • Calendar of Releases services • Receive E-mail Updates • E-mail This Page • Translate This Page

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