Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL
Chapter 211 - RULES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES
Section 001-211-13 - REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER DISPOSAL METHODS

Universal Citation: 01 ME Code Rules ยง 001-211-13

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

1. Landfilling - Carcasses may be disposed of in a properly engineered landfill that has been licensed or permitted by Maine DEP or its equivalent if not in Maine. Approval of the land fill owner is required before utilizing this method.

2. Pre-processing Technologies -

A. Carcasses may be pre-processed in order to make them suitable for certain disposal or processing technologies. These may include but are not limited to:

Freezing;

Grinding;

Steam Sterilization;

Acid Fermentation (stabilize material for rendering); or

Thermal Hydrolysis (prior to anaerobic digestion).

B. The Commissioner must approve the pre-processing of any carcasses from animals that died or were slaughtered due to a disease outbreak.

3. Technology-Based (In-vessel Processing) Disposal Methods (grinding followed by chemical, physical or biological breakdown of tissues)

A. Carcasses may be processed using technology-based methods meant to decompose the tissues into stable by-products. These may include but are not limited to:

Anaerobic digestion;

Acid fermentation;

Thermal hydrolysis;

Alkaline hydrolysis; or

Thermal depolymerization.

B. The Commissioner must approve the processing of any carcasses from animals that died or were slaughtered due to a disease outbreak.

4. Siting Requirements for Pre-processing Methods, Technology-Based Disposal Methods and Non-traditional Rendering

A. Siting Requirements for Permanent Facilities. Permanent facilities within buildings shall be sited to comply with all local, state and federal regulations. Where possible, the setbacks in Table 4 should be met.

B. Evaluation of Suitability for Traffic. Plans for permanent facilities shall evaluate the suitability of roads and driveways to handle the expected truck traffic at all times of the year.

C. Air Emission Standards. Permanent facilities shall comply with air emission standards as determined by DEP where applicable.

D. Siting for Mobile Units. Mobile units or fixed facilities not enclosed in a building shall be located as close to the source of the carcasses as is practical, while meeting the setback requirements in Table 4, and the separation distances in Table 5. A qualified professional may modify these setbacks or separation distances with the permission of the Commissioner.

5. Operational Requirements forPre-processing Methods, Technology-Based Disposal Methods and Non-traditional Rendering

All operations utilizing pre-processing, technology-based disposal methods or non-traditional rendering shall:

Have and implement a plan for the disposal or use of the final product;

Comply with best management practices for that technology;

Have skilled operators with proper training to operate the facility;

Operate so as to meet any air emission standards established by DEP; and

Meet any other requirements as determined by the Commissioner.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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