ELIZABETHTOWN, PA. — The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) published information to encourage members to leave comments in the Federal Register regarding the proposed Environmental Protection Agency’s effluent guidelines and how it would affect small meat processing businesses.

The association recommended its members provide comments, pointing out that environmental activists can also leave comments for the EPA. 

“If the activists get their way, the EPA’s actual guidelines on effluent discharge could force small processors to spend millions on wastewater treatment equipment or cease operations,” AAMP said.

Along with its latest note, the association provided some talking points for members to use to help formulate comments.

AAMP also encouraged small processors to recruit more people to submit comments, including retail customers, producers and co-packers who use their service. 

“Let them know that these regulations could dramatically impact them through higher meat prices, fewer choices at the grocery store, and the potential loss of their favorite independent butcher shop or meat market,” AAMP said. “Direct them to the federal registry and encourage them to leave comments.”

The EPA plans on holding another virtual public hearing on the guidelines on March 20. Comments are allowed to be submitted to the Federal Register until March 25.

Top officials at AAMP recently supported a bill proposed by two congressmen who look to prohibit the EPA from finalizing the guidelines.