How Has Reporting of Fecal Coliforms Changed?
EPA proposed a maximum of 400 MPN (most probable number) per 100 ml at any time of fecal coliforms for the BPT limitations and NSPS for Subparts K and L (poultry subcategories). These proposed limitations/ standards were the same as the current BPT in place for Subparts AJ, which EPA did not propose to change. Based on analyses conducted for the proposed rule, EPA tentatively determined that poultry facilities could achieve this level. Commenters requested that EPA allow monitoring of fecal coliforms to be reported in units of colony forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters (mL) in addition to MPN per 100 mL specified in the existing regulations. Results from either technique can be considered comparable, as long as the analyzed volume is equivalent. Therefore, EPA revised the limitations and standards to allow results to be reported in either MPN units or CFU units per 100 mL. See Section V.C.1 of the NODA for additional information (68 FR 48484, August 13, 2003). Finally, today’s fina
