Chicken farmers face strict EPA rules

Move seen as good for bay, 'red tape' for Md. growers

In addition, the Maryland Department of the Environment had proposed to charge an annual fee of up to $1,200 to oversee large poultry farm compliance with the federal rules. That fee has been waived for now and is being reconsidered, said Robert Summers, deputy environment secretary.

Bill Satterfield, executive director of the trade group Delmarva Poultry Industry, argues that the state should drop its rules for chicken farms in light of the federal crackdown.

Edwards, of the Waterkeeper Alliance, said he hoped the large poultry companies for whom farmers raise chickens under contract would help them comply with the new requirements.

The companies "need to step up and take responsibility for what ultimately is their waste, not the farmers,' " he said.

tighter permit requirements

* EPA rules apply to more than 400 farms. State covered about 200.

* EPA rules allow open storage of manure for 14 days. State rules allowed 90 days.

* EPA requires 35-foot buffer from ditches or streams. State buffer was 10 feet.