The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. has granted the Environmental Protection Agency’s request to delay air emissions reporting requirements for livestock operations until May first. Nebraska Pork Producers Association Executive Director Al Juhnke says he’s glad the extension was granted so producers have time to figure out how to comply with CERCLA or Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility and Compensation Act rules.

He says one problem with the rule is the “hazardous” emissions data was required to be reported to the U.S Coast Guard under federal emergency response laws. This created confusion for those reporting emissions, and the Coast Guard was not equipped to handle calls from some 100,000 livestock operations that their animals are producing manure that stinks.

Juhnke says most pork operations have no emission problems, largely due to new technology producers have incorporated into their operations.

Part of the reason the EPA asked for the rule reporting delay is because there is no scientifically accepted method for monitoring emissions requirements from livestock operations.