Dairy producers urged to speak out Thursday on proposed VOC rule

Oct. 15, 2010 - - Western United Dairymen members are being urged to attend a public hearing on Thursday, October 21 on a proposed air quality rule governing Volatile Organic Compounds that could require significant management changes for Central Valley dairies. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Fresno office of the San Joaquin Valley Air pollution Control District at 1990 East Gettysburg Avenue. The public hearing may also be attended via video teleconferencing at the district’s regional offices at 34946 Flyover Court, Bakersfield, and at 4800 Enterprise Way, Modesto.
At the hearing the air board will consider amendments to Rule 4570, which governs air quality emissions from confined animal facilities. “The proposed amendments will make significant changes in these regulations,” said Paul Sousa, WUD environmental specialist. “The proposed changes will make some mitigation measures mandatory that in the past dairymen have been able to choose from a list of options,” explained Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist. “We have let the air district know about our concerns.” Members who want additional information about the hearing can contact Sousa at the WUD office at (209) 527-6453 or by email to psousawud@yahoo.com.