CAFO Study (language only)

Item 428 #1h

Language
Page 326, after line 22, insert:
" The Department of Environmental Quality, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, shall create a pilot program to evaluate alternative approaches for operating intensive swine operations (confined animal feeding operations of 300 or more animal units) with particular focus on the effective reduction of odors and pollution without reducing profitability.  Notwithstanding the provisions of §10.1-2128, Code of Virginia, the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality is authorized to utilize up to $150,000 in the second year from the Water Quality Improvement Fund for costs associated with the study. The Department of Environmental Quality shall report the results of this pilot project to the Governor and the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture on or before December 31, 2003."

Explanation
(This amendment creates a pilot program to evaluate alternative approaches for operation of confined animal feeding operations of 300 or more animal units.)