New Emission Regulations To Cost California Dairies Millions
California dairies could be facing millions of dollars in additional equipment costs since the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District raised the bovine Emissions Factor used to calculate the amount of smog caused by cow-related activities. The increase from 12.8 lb of volatile organic compounds (VOC) per cow per year to 19.3 lb VOC per cow per year is the first step in meeting a state requirement to end air-quality environmental exemptions for farmers.
The previous factor was based on studies conducted in the 1930s. The new factor was determined in conjunction with a Diary Permitting Advisory Group (DPAG) of interested parties that looked at 15 studies from California and the world to come up with the most accurate measurement of gases emitted by chewing of cud, feed and manure storage. DPAG considered studies of housing, waste lagoons, milking centers and manure land applications. The numbers are being disputed by scientists and dairy operators, who think it should be as low as 3 lb VOC per cow per year, but they will be the basis for mitigation efforts until better studies are conducted.