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Subcommittee adds bovines to incinerator exemption for animal-disease disposal; bill reported 9–1
Summary
Lawmakers approved adding cattle to an existing incinerator exemption used during poultry and swine disease outbreaks, with Department of Environmental Quality and sponsors saying the change helps rapid disposal and disease control; the measure passed committee 9–1.
Senator Reeves (patron) described legislation to add bovines to a code section that currently permits incineration as an emergency disposal method for poultry and swine during contagious-disease outbreaks. The sponsor said incineration reduces pathogen spread and groundwater contamination compared with on-site burial or uncontrolled composting.
Mike Rolben, Director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), told the committee the proposal would create an exemption analogous to existing poultry and swine provisions put in place during past avian- and swine-flu events. Rolben said DEQ helped draft the language and that DEQ is not aware of past incineration-caused pollution incidents under the existing exemptions.
Supporters said the incineration option gives farmers a quick and consistent disposal method during outbreaks. One senator characterized the change as a preparedness step amid reports of new diseases affecting cattle.
Committee discussion clarified that composting would remain an allowable disposal method; the bill merely adds incineration as an eligible option for bovine carcass disposal in certain disease scenarios. The DEQ noted the agency retains regulatory authority to inspect and address air-pollution concerns.
Vote and next steps: The committee voted to report the bill 9–1. The committee record does not show floor action; DEQ agreed to answer follow-up technical questions as the bill proceeds.
