Laserfiche WebLink
i .. <br /> Ms. Kathy Alien <br /> April 5, 2006 <br /> Page 2 of 2 <br /> The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu has been found in an increasing number of <br /> countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Currently, H5N1 avian influenza is not present in the <br /> United States. It is likely the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain will spread to this country, and the <br /> U.S. Government is taking steps to prepare for and minimize the potential impact of bird flu. <br /> An effective response to a large-scale emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak requires the F <br /> combined resources of various agencies and the ability to rapidly deliver appropriate support. <br /> Effective eradication of a particular EAD occurrence requires three key elements: rapid <br /> identification, geographical containment, and "removal" of affected animals— each element <br /> presents significant challenges for agencies. The California Department of Food and Agriculture <br /> (CDFA) is the primary State agency responsible for developing emergency animal disease <br /> identification, containment, and removal procedures. <br /> Cal/EPA has prepared Regulatory Guidance for Disposal and Decontamination for EAD. The <br /> document focuses on aspects of"removal" involving environmental oversight expertise. The <br /> Cal/EPA Regulatory Guidance can be found on the Cal/EPA website at <br /> http://www.caIePa.ca;gov/Disaster/Documents/EADisease.odf. <br /> Board staff recommends the proposed project consider the potential impacts of avian flu and <br /> prepare the appropriate contingency plan. <br /> Summary <br /> Board staff has no further comments at this time. We would like to thank the Lead Agency for <br /> the opportunity to review and comment on this proposed project. If you have any questions <br /> regarding these comments,_please_contact-me-at-91.6-341--6729-or-by-email-at-- <br />-" <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Teri Wion <br /> Permitting and Inspection Branch, Region 2 <br /> Permitting and Enforcement Division <br /> California,lntegrated Waste Management Board <br /> cc: <br /> Donna Heran, LEA Geralda Stryker, Supervisor <br /> San Joaquin County Public Health Services Keith Kennedy <br /> Environmental Health Division Permitting and Inspection Branch, Region 2 <br /> 304 East Weber Avenue, Floor 3 Permitting and Enforcement Division <br /> Stockton, CA 95202-2708 CIWMB. <br /> U:IAIIstaff\C 006 DOCSICOUNTIESISan Joaquin-391Comment Letters12006032109 ND Olivera Poultry Farm.doc <br />