SECTION 35:17-3-17. Carcass disposal  


Latest version.
  • (a)   Dead swine shall be disposed of in accordance with a carcass disposal plan developed by the owner and approved by the Department which shall decrease the possibility of the spread of disease, reduce odors, and preclude contamination of ground and surface waters of the state. Dead swine shall be disposed of properly and in an environmentally safe manner in accordance with Federal, State, and local requirements. At all times the facility shall comply with the provisions of an approved carcass disposal plan.
    (b)   The plan shall include provisions for the disposal of carcasses associated with normal mortality and shall include provisions for emergency disposal when a major disease outbreak or other emergency results in deaths significantly higher than normal mortality rates.
    (c)   Accepted methods of carcass disposal include the following:
    (1)   Rendering.
    (A)   The owner shall obtain a contract with a rendering service that insures disposal of all carcasses within a reasonable period of time. The name, address, and telephone number of the rendering service shall be provided. In addition, the frequency and schedule of carcass pickup shall be included.
    (B)   Storage facilities shall be sealed or have lids and maintained so as to prevent pests and odors in accordance with a Department approved OAP and PMP.
    (C)   Sealed storage facilities shall not be required for animals weighing 300 pounds or more, but the prevention of pests and odors shall be addressed by a Department approved OAP and PMP.
    (2)   Burial.
    (A)   Burial shall only be allowed as a method of carcass disposal if no reasonable alternative exists and the disposal plan contains specific measures and practices which are utilized to protect the ground and surface waters of the state.
    (B)   In no event shall burial be used by an LMFO unless the burial area meets the requirements of a Swine Waste Management System, including but not limited to the use of liners.
    (C)   Prior approval by the Department is required of any carcass disposal plan listing burial as the method of disposal.
    (3)   Composting.
    (A)   Prior approval by the Department is required of any carcass disposal plan listing composting as the method of disposal.
    (B)   The Department may require another method of carcass disposal other than composting if the Department determines that a more feasible and effective method of carcass disposal exists.
    (4)   Incineration shall only be used as method of carcass disposal if the swine feeding operation has a valid air quality permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division.
[Source: Added at 15 Ok Reg 102, eff 10-13-97 (emergency); Added at 15 Ok Reg 2508, eff 6-25-98; Amended at 15 Ok Reg 4247, eff 9-2-98 (emergency); Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1717, eff 6-11-99; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1795, eff 7-1-08; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 957, eff 9-14-20]