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Iowans consider CAFO rule changes

Proposed changes to the rules concerning concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Iowa are being discussed at a series of public hearings across the state.

Current state regulations do not contain language about National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. According to Justine Stevenson with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the proposed rule changes would give CAFOs the option to obtain an NPDES permit, based upon an inspection by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“During that inspection, if there is a discharge occurring that reaches a waterway of the U.S., that operation will be charged to either apply for a permit or to eliminate the discharge as soon as possible,” says Stevenson

Environmental groups says the new rules are too weak.  They want to make NPDES permits mandatory for every animal feeding operation.  But Stevenson says ICA believes the proposed rules are fair because they allow the DNR to evaluate each operation based on their findings.

“Given the variety and the different scales of operations in the state of Iowa, it just isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ type of production that we have here in the state,” she says.

The proposed rule changes are a result of a months-long negotiation between DNR and the federal EPA. The deal was reached after the EPA threatened to take over federal Clean Water Act enforcement if Iowa officials didn’t step up livestock farm enforcement.

AUDIO: Justine Stevenson (5:04 MP3)