Rule 40-13-5-.04 - Methods of Disposal of Dead AnimalsMethods which may be used for the disposal of dead animals are burning to ash, incineration, burial, rendering, or any method using appropriate disposal technology which has been approved by the Commissioner, provided disposal of dead animals is carried out within 24 hours after death or discovery of the dead animal.
(1) Burial. Dead animals that are buried must be located more than 100 horizontal feet away from any existing or proposed wells and water supply lines, 15 horizontal feet away from the edge of any embankment, and 100 horizontal feet away from the seasonal high water level of any pond, lake, tributary, stream, or other body of water including wetlands. Burial sites must be in soil with moderate or slow permeability and must be at least one foot above the seasonal high groundwater elevation. Burial sites must not be located in areas with gullies, ravines, dry stream beds, natural and/or man made drainage ways, sink holes, and/or similar conditions, including the 100-year flood plain as determined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. (a) Dead animals that are buried must be at least three feet below the ground level but no more than eight feet and have not less than three feet of earth over the carcass.(b) Dead animals may be disposed in pits which are designed, constructed, maintained and used in a manner to prevent the spread of diseases. Pits must also meet the following requirements: 1. Georgia Department of Agriculture personnel must approve the site prior to pit construction. Soils must be evaluated for suitability prior to pit construction by a certified Georgia Department of Agriculture employee or a certified soil classifier.2. The bottom of the pit must be a soil with moderate or slow permeability or other material approved by the Georgia Department of Agriculture that prevents leaching.3. Pits must have adequate support along the sides to prevent cave-ins and must not exceed four feet in width. For top-soils having 18 inches or more of sand, pit walls must be adequately supported and maintained by concrete, treated lumber, corrosive-resistant metal or other material approved by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.4. Pits must not be located where the ground slope exceeds a moderate grade.5. The pit cover must be of solid construction and must allow surface water to drain away from the pit and water supplies. The pit must be sealed to prevent the entry of rodents, insects, and the exit of odors.6. Pits will be considered closed when covered with more than three feet of loamy or clayey textured soil with a slight dome (at least six inches higher in the middle than at the edge).7. Any pit that deviates from the above criteria must have the approval of the State Veterinarian prior to the issuance of a permit and use.(2) Landfill. Dead animals may be disposed in landfills approved to dispose of animal carcasses by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division. Dead animals must be covered by three feet of dirt at the landfill on the same day as delivery.(3) Composting. Composters and their use must be consistent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service technical guidance standards. Temperatures must be monitored using a compost thermometer at least every other day, with daily checks being preferred. Composters must reach a temperature between 130 and 160 degrees F in order to properly decompose carcasses and neutralize pathogens.(4) Incineration. Incinerators and their use must meet all requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division. The entire carcass must be reduced to ashes.(5) Burning. Burning dead animals must comply with federal, state, and local requirements. The entire carcass must be reduced to ashes.(6) Rendering. Carcass disposed by rendering must be delivered to the rendering facility within twenty-four (24) hours of death unless carcasses are refrigerated or frozen.(7) Other dead animal disposal methods must be approved by the State Veterinarian on a case by case basis.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 40-13-5-.04
O.C.G.A. Sec. 4-5-5.
Original Rule entitled "Methods of Disposal of Dead Animals" adopted. F. Jan. 17, 2003; eff. Feb. 6, 2003.