ANRC reminds poultry operators to register

The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and the Union County Conservation District remind all owners of Poultry Feeding Operations (PFOs) that the annual registration for PFO's began Jan. 1 in accordance with the Arkansas Poultry Feeding Operations Registration Act (Act 1060 of 2003). Registration dates will run through March 3 and affect any PFO with 2,500 or more confined fowl.

The ANRC administers the registration program for the purpose of collecting information on the number and type of poultry, and practices of poultry-feeding operations in the state. The program is designed to preserve Arkansas's economy and water quality through registration, training and research. The goal of this program is to reduce the overabundance of phosphorus and nitrogen that threaten water resources, while minimizing the impact on fertilizer users.

Each poultry producer should register their operation through the Union County Conservation District. There will be an annual $10 registration fee per operation payable to the district. Under Arkansas law, persons in the state of Arkansas who own or operate Poultry Feeding Operations where 2,500 or more poultry are housed or confined on any given day will be required to register annually with the Commission and pay a $10 fee for each operation. Failure to do so will result in the following penalties: first offense will result in a written notice of non-compliance with the Arkansas Poultry Registration Act; for a second offense violators may be fined up to $50; and up to $500 for a third offense.

For information, contact the local conservation district or call the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission in Little Rock at 501-682-3968.