The Environmental Protection Agency announced last week that it will delay implementation of amendments to its Risk Management Program (RMP), which regulates the dairy industry’s use of chemicals in refrigeration systems and wastewater treatment.

EPA said it delayed the amendments, which were set to take effect this month, until February 19, 2019, to allow more time to address issues with the changes and to reconsider their implementation. In comments submitted to EPA before the decision, IDFA called for the changes to be delayed and revised because they fall short of their intended goals of protecting communities from chemical accidents and would have a negative impact on the dairy industry.

IDFA has stressed to EPA its concerns that the changes could increase the threat of sabotage or vandalism and result in chemical accidents; impose significant burdens on local emergency planning committees and local emergency responders; hinder the ability of dairy companies to find qualified, competent and independent auditors; and overlap with similar regulations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

“We’re pleased EPA has agreed to reconsider the last administration’s amendments to the RMP regulations,” said Emily Lyons, IDFA director of regulatory affairs and counsel. “More time is needed to consider our industry’s many concerns about the amendments and their implementation. 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 working with EPA during the next 20 months to make sure our concerns are taken into account and to help find better ways to be protective of the environment and communities.”

For more information, contact Lyons at elyons@idfa.org.