Forwarded by Jane Clark

Iowa DNR News
Environmental Protection

ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS, REFERRALS TO ATTORNEY GENERAL WERE TOP ISSUES AT
EPC MEETING

DES MOINES - From DNR Director Jeff Vonk's opening comments to an
explanation of why livestock producers oppose early submittal of manure
management plans, livestock issues dominated the July 16 meeting of the
Environmental Protection Commission.

Vonk called upon commissioners Monday to provide support and guidance on
water quality issues, particularly those dealing with confined animal
feeding operations, indicating that this is a real issue that Iowans care
about.

"I don't think we'll be able to sustain that kind of growth into the future
without further consideration given to environmental impacts," he said,
alluding to the confinements that have been built in the last seven years.

Commissioners also heard discussion about a proposed rule that would require
manure management plans from unpermitted confinement sites to be submitted
to the DNR and the county board of supervisors at least 30 days before
construction begins.

Eldon McAfee, representing Pork Producers and the Iowa Cattlemen's
Association, explained why the majority of the Animal Agriculture Consulting
Organization voted against the proposed rule.

Mark Lambert of the Iowa Environmental Council said that the Council is in
support of the proposal, but they don't think it goes far enough.

In other action, the EPC referred the following to the Attorney General:
· Williams Pipeline of Waterloo, Dubuque and Milford for alleged air quality
violations,
· the City of West Liberty for alleged wastewater violations;
· Osterdock Store in Guttenberg for alleged drinking water violations; and
· Melsa Tap in Swisher for a drinking water penalty.

A referral of Steve Friesth of Fort Dodge was tabled for 60 days.

Commissioners approved contracts totaling $694,338 to go to 15 applicants
for waste tire management.  They also approved a $94,500 contract with the
University of Iowa's Hygienic Laboratory to chemically analyze samples from
90 existing wells.
- 30 -


Kevin Baskins
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(515)  281-8395
E-mail: [log in to unmask]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For SC email list T-and-C, send: GET TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS.CURRENT
to [log in to unmask]