The 2024 Environmental Management Seminar organized by USPOULTRY focused on the latest regulatory updates and sustainability innovations, providing valuable insights for environmental managers in the poultry and egg industries.
Dr. Brian Kiepper, associate professor at the University of Georgia, presented on wastewater pretreatment, discussing the operations of dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems and the evolving nature of chemical treatment protocols. He emphasized the importance of customizing approaches for wastewater treatment in poultry facilities.
Paul Bredwell, executive vice president of regulatory programs at USPOULTRY, provided updates on the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE) sustainability framework, the first sustainability reporting structure for the entire U.S. poultry supply chain. The framework helps organizations voluntarily verify and improve sustainability practices from production to final customer.
Bonani Langan, senior environmental engineer at GSI Environmental, updated attendees on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations, explaining that the FDA is re-evaluating the safety of PFAS used in food packaging. She also highlighted the EPA's ongoing efforts to develop testing methods for novel PFAS in public water systems.
Stephen James, southeast director of environmental engineering at Pilgrim’s, shared a case study on odor abatement at feed mills, emphasizing the subjective nature of odor complaints. He recommended establishing a local point of contact and incorporating multiple perspectives to address and resolve odor issues.
During the seminar, USPOULTRY announced the winners of the Clean Water Award, recognizing poultry facilities that excel in wastewater treatment and sustainability. John Soules Foods in Valley, Ala., won in the pretreatment category, while Keystone Foods in Albany, Ky., won in the full treatment category. An honorable mention was awarded to Pilgrim’s in Russellville, Ala.
This year's seminar provided essential insights into key regulatory and sustainability challenges, underscoring USPOULTRY’s commitment to advancing the industry’s environmental practices.
