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NFU instructs EPA about ‘uplands’

The National Farmers Union is one of many ag groups that weighed in on the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. proposal. In discussions with the EPA, Chandler Goule, NFU’s vice president of programs, says he told them that the term “upland” has no meaning on his Texas farm where his family had installed an in-ground water tank for livestock…

“They kept talking about – Is it ‘upland’? And, I said, ‘No, there is no upland. I don’t understand what you’re talking about. It is flat.’ And they said, ‘No. Upland just means anything that’s above the body of water above the creek.’ And, I said, ‘When you go up to a farmer or a rancher and say ‘upland’ they’re going to look UP, for a hill or something.’”

Goule tells Brownfield the EPA needs to listen and respond to farmers concerns by making changes to the rule. He says the NFU doesn’t want an increased burden on family farmers but members DO want clean water.

The comment period closed last month.

AUDIO:  Interview with Chandler Goule, November 13, 2014, NAFB Trade Talk (5:00 mp3):