These operations are known polluters of state waterways including the Chesapeake Bay, whose water quality was downgraded to a “C” earlier this year. The letter outlines specific recommendations to improve pollution permits at these operations, including:Require that AFOs implement best management practices to better control waste pollution. Require individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permits for AFOs with anaerobic digesters and other biorefinery technologies. “Factory farm waste is a known source of pollution in Maryland, and one that is heavily impacting our Eastern Shore,” said Jorge Aguilar, Southern Regional Director with Food & Water Watch, an organizer of the letter. Governor Moore can seize on the opportunity to be a clean water champion by strengthening factory farm pollution permits this summer.