The DNR board was amending tire regulations to combat improper tire disposal and to improve mosquito control issues. Newberry realized quickly that the proposed rule changes would severely impact the dairy industry, where used tires are the popular tool to help secure tarps that cover silage used for feed.

State law provides for a waiver for agricultural uses, but no process to access a waiver had been outlined and initiated. Newberry contacted the Georgia Agribusiness Council to assist with securing a waiver application to ensure used tires could be stored and utilized on a dairy farm and that additional tires could be obtained if needed. Many dairies also utilize sidewalls when they are available because they are easier to handle for farm employees and don't hold rainwater that invites mosquitoes and other pests. Unfortunately, tire sidewalls are often not readily available to farm operations.

The DNR board stated they would adjust the definition in regulations to clearly state that all tires (whole or in part) would be covered by the waiver. It took several months to finalize the rules, and a waiver for Georgia dairy farms was finally released last week. The waiver ties the intent of state law and associated best management practices (BMPs). A copy of the waiver can be downloaded from the Georgia Milk Producer website, or dairymen can call the Georgia Milk Producer office at (706) 310-0020 to have a waiver mailed to their farm.

Regardless of size, any Georgia dairy farm that uses spare tires on their farm (more than 25 tires) will need to complete the waiver and return it to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division.  FG

—Excerpts from Georgia Milk Review, January-February 2016 issue