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]