LVEA Newsletter: Winter 2005 2006: Bill Exempts Manure

A bill, H.R. 4341, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to amend the "Superfund Act" of 1980 to provide that manure is not considered a hazardous substance.

The Superfund legislation provides for cleanup of toxic waste dumps and chemical spills. Some activists groups have suggested that manure from farming, ranching and cattle feeding operations fall into this category.

Congressman Ralph Hall sponsored H.R. 4341, co sponsored by 40 other Congressmen, that states manure shall not be included in the meaning of "hazardous substance" under section 101 (14) of the Superfund Act or "pollutant or contaminant" under section 101 (33) of this Act.

In this bill manure is defined as digestive emissions, feces, urine, urea and other excrement from livestock; associated bedding, compost raw materials or other materials commingled with such excrement; any process water associated with excrement; any byproducts, constituent or substances contained in, originating from or emissions relating to the items described above.

The passing of H.R. 4341 would insure that livestock operations where manure is utilized for fertilizer could not be subject to comprehensive and highly regulated cleanup under Superfund laws.

H.R. 4341 was referred to the House Subcommittee on Environmental and Hazardous Materials as of December 2, 2005. For more information about H.R. 4341 go to htt://Thomas.loc.gov.

Nevada Farm Bureau President Hellwinkel Retires

At the annual Nevada Farm Bureau meeting Fallon resident, Dennis Hellwinkel, retired as president of the organization. Mr. Hellwinkel served as president for the past seven years contributing greatly to the success of the Nevada Farm Bureau.

Mr. Hellwinkel's accomplishments include:

Nevada Farm Bureau installed new officers for the upcoming year that include: President, James ("Hank") Combs of Las Vegas; Vice President, Rich Capurro of Sparks; Women's Committee Chairman, Lina Sharp of Railroad Valley.