AEM AIR POLLUTION

A.10685 (Alessi, Magee)

Summary

This bill would clarify that Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Plans may also include measures to control air pollution, reduce the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, abate and control other adverse environmental impacts from farm operations, and promote the use of renewable energy.

Explanation
Farming is changing in New York State. The small family farms of the past are evolving into Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)—large factory farms where hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of animals are utilized for dairy and meat. New York is home to roughly 600 CAFOs, and their water and air quality impacts are significant.

Depending on weather conditions, odors from CAFOs can be detected from as far as five to six miles. More than 160 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gases have been identified as coming from CAFOs, some of which are known to have dangerous health effects. 

Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are two of the main air pollutants emitted from CAFOs.  Exposure to these air-borne pollutants in concentrations as little as 20 parts per billion (ppb) can irritate the eyes and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to higher concentrations of these pollutants, as experienced by the neighbors of these factory farms, can lead to serious and chronic health problems. 

While the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates water pollution from CAFOs through the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program, there are no New York State or federal programs to control air pollution caused by CAFOs. According to the State Environmental Resource Center, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Carolina have state programs for controlling CAFO air pollution.

AEM is a voluntary program that helps farmers develop plans and take action to reduce a farm’s negative environmental impacts. While voluntary, AEM claims that 600 of New York’s CAFOs are participating.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.