But when inspectors smell a nuisance, they write violation notices. Critics say Texas has relaxed its rules to go easy on CAFOs, and citizen comments are no longer considered during permitting. The new rule is currently being challenged in court. Texas does have strict requirements in some categories. No disposal of waste is permitted on property except as a fertilizer, and only then at rates crops can take from the soil.
Rules Vary The rules on animal waste differ considerably from state to state.
Requires waste management plans and odor control for swine operations in excess of 1,000 animal units. Adopted emergency regulations to update swine permitting. A focal point for opponents of factory hog farms. Following widely publicized lagoon failures, the state placed a moratorium on new large hog farms and stepped up water-quality monitoring. Counties may zone large hog farms.