Poultry waste regulations to take effect Jan. 12

BALTIMORE – (AP) Maryland officials have released the final version of regulations intended to curb the amount of poultry waste that ends up in the Chesapeake Bay.

Under regulations that take effect Jan. 12, about 200 of the state's largest chicken farms will face greater scrutiny and potential fines.

The regulations were proposed by the Maryland Department of the Environment in September and were revised after public hearings.

The largest poultry operations will have to pay for discharge permits and comply with reporting requirements.

Recent changes will allow permit transfers between owners.

--- Information from: The (Easton, Md.) Star Democrat, http://www.stardem.com