The Environmental Protection Agency last week proposed several positive changes to its Risk Management Program (RMP), which regulates the dairy industry’s use of chemicals in refrigeration systems and wastewater treatment.

IDFA was engaged in the pre-rulemaking stages of the regulations, raising concerns about the unnecessary burdens of the initial proposed changes.

“We are pleased to see that EPA has reconsidered the Risk Management Program by rescinding and modifying sections of the rules to give more flexibility to regulated facilities in complying with these provisions. In addition, the new proposal provides additional time with revised compliance dates,” said Cary Frye, IDFA senior vice president of regulatory affairs.

According to EPA, the rule proposes to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, address the concerns of stakeholders and emergency responders on the ground and save Americans roughly $88 million a year.

These savings would come from eliminating provisions that require companies to consider safer alternatives for technology, as well as one that require third-party audits and root-cause investigations.

“There are several ways we can work to ensure the RMP is effective without causing undue burdens and potential harm to our industry. We look forward to continue working with EPA to help find better ways to protect the environment and our communities,” said Frye.

For more background, read “EPA Delays Changes to Risk Management Program.”

Members with questions may contact Frye at cfrye@idfa.org.