The March EPC meeting had another lively session on air quality, item # 22
on their agenda. The DNR is planning to adopt standards for hydrogen
sulfide, odor and ammonia.
Next month draft rules will be brought and the process of rulemaking will
begin. They also need to establish monitoring. There are plans for two
continuous hydrogen sulfide monitors and eight more will be
needed. ?Centometers? will be needed as well for measuring odor. The
department can take grab samples of ammonia but should be able to do fixed
monitoring as well. There will be a need for a science advisory committee.
The department will need to gather information to see if standards are
necessary. If standards are exceeded, the department will work with
producers. If emissions limitations cannot be adopted they could adopt
performance standards.
Commissioner Hanson expressed his concern that the DNR be sure they know
what levels are dangerous and that these levels are exceeded before the DNR
takes action. He also expressed his concern that a distinction be made
between cattle and hog operations because of a North Carolina study that
indicated that hog operations caused elevated symptoms and cattle
operations did not. He would like to know if the same standards are needed
for both animal operations.
It was pointed out that the standards are air quality standards and would
apply throughout the state.
Commissioner Hanson replied that the question was about enforcement.
There was a discussion about the money that would be needed. The two
hydrogen sulfide monitors already being set up came from EPA
sources. Director Vonk said there is no money for the additional monitors
now. He has talked to the infrastructure subcommittee about this.
The ?Centometer? is a plastic box with different sized holes. The holes
that are covered determines the dilution. Only a certification course is
needed to train operators.
Commissioner Hanson asked what the process is for evaluating the actual
number that will be used for enforcement. He was not able to determine
from the university study how the scientists came to their consensus of 70
parts per billion. As more information is gathered, he believes the
department should reconsider whether the values are too low or too high.
It was pointed out that there are national ambient air quality standards,
however, the EPA's process is open to public comment and anyone can submit
comments to be considered during the process. The standard in the code
says "air quality necessary to protect the public health and welfare."
A number of Iowa CCI members spoke on the issue. The first gentleman
expressed outrage over his understanding that two years of study would be
needed before enforcement could ensue. Director Vonk explained that they
are going forward with a rulemaking process, and will come back next month
with a proposal to set standards. They are also trying to get the money
they need to set up the monitoring required to see if the standards are
being exceeded. The ICCI speaker said that Commissioner Hanson would say
it is not sound science, and that in the speaker's opinion this University
study is sound science.
Director Vonk said they don't have the information about whether the
standards will be exceeded from day to day.
The ICCI speaker said they want something done now and that factory farm
folks should not be allowed to influence this process. He, himself, has
not had to live next to a problem facility. He is not anti-hog, but ICCI
wants hogs to be raised in a healthy, sound way.
Commissioner Cook asked a question intended to clarify that the monitors
are necessary to measure the pollutants.
Director Vonk said if they have a standard and people complain, the
department would respond to the complaints and monitors would have to be
set up to see if the standards are being exceeded. When they document that
levels have been exceeded they will begin to work with the industry to see
that there aren't any violations, just as they work with any other violator.
Will they be shut down if they continue to violate?
The department takes court action and if the only way the polluter can
comply is to shut down then they would have to shut down.
People are sick right now and how are we going to deal with that?
The question went unanswered.
Another man for ICCI pointed out that factory farm supporters are fighting
against the rules. The university report confirms what ICCI has been saying
all along - that factory farms have been making people sick. He asked about
the possibility of setting up licensing of the operations to get the money
that is needed.
Director Vonk said that the department does not have the authority to
determine where they will get their funding. You should be working with
your legislators to see that it happens.
Commissioner Braun mentioned that the money goes into the general fund and
the DNR does not have the authority to make the decision to use it for the
program.
Commissioner Hanson says it makes sense to have a fee to pay for the
program. It takes two years to determine if a regulatory program is
warranted and 3-5 years to complete it. The odor, ammonia and hydrogen
sulfide ambient air standards are enforceable.
The ICCI member said he was concerned about the statement about phase two
which is to determine if a regulatory program is warranted. The
commissioners think this refers to additional standards.
Another ICCI member who lives close to the Minnesota border asked if
compliance with the new standards would be necessary for all facilities or
would some facilities be grand fathered in and not have to comply with the
standards.
Director Vonk said the standard for air quality will be the standard for
air quality and it will be protective of human health. Exceedences may
not put the polluters out of business, it may involve a technology to
improve what they are doing
The ICCI member asked again if compliance issues would be the same
statewide, regardless of how long a facility had been there.
The DNR response was that the state has to engage in a dialogue with
facilities whether or not they are grand fathered. When they violate they
are required to make reductions.
The lady continued, "I don't think people want to spend their lives coming
down here to beg for clean air and water." She mentioned reading that
taxpayers have an to contribute to the state. She volunteered to buy two
monitors today. Their group could help find the money.
ICCI would like to participate as the guidelines are developed. Director
Vonk said he doesn't think they need a group to make those decisions and
that this would slow the process of forming the rule.
Leland Little, a County Supervisor from Taylor County expressed his hope
that they would set standards next month and asked if they could set up a
website and dedicated telephone number for reporting violations. Many
people have stopped complaining because there has been no response. He
called for a moratorium on CAFOs over 500 animal units and volunteered to
quit his job and go across the state collecting funds for the monitoring
and give the department 100% of the money he collects.
A lady from Clarke County where Swine Graphics dominates the airwaves
talked about how their school fills up with fumes. The coach says the
gymnasium is full in the morning and the lunch room is permeated with the
odor. Sometimes they can't let the children go outside to play. She said,
"We are looking to you folks for help."
Peggy Murdock
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