The purpose of the Task Force was to examine the critical environmental, economic, regulatory and social aspects of agricultural animal waste issues. Having identified key problem areas, the Task Force drew upon their various academic backgrounds to formulate implementable policy recommendations. Swine, poultry and dairy products are among the most significant agricultural commodities in North Carolina. All of these industries are well established and have long been significant contributors to the state's economy. However, the recent explosion in the growth of the swine industry and the change in its structure have caused many concerns about the environmental sustainability of the industry.
Neighbors find odor from animal waste lagoons, confinement houses and spray fields to be a nuisance.
Scientists have identified the potential for ground and surface water contamination from stored waste and spray field runoff. Lagoon breaks are also a significant threat, one that was realized during the summer of 1995 when heavy rains, combined with poor management, caused several lagoons to burst. This report is the result of extensive research into these issues. Recommendations address these problems and are based on the following criteria. The analysis of alternatives and subsequent recommendations presented here are intended to assist policy makers in designing rules, regulations, and incentives to address problems attributable to confined animal feeding operations in North Carolina.