Officials from EPA Region 7 in Kansas City will be accepting comments on regulation of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Iowa. They want to hear from members of the public about the problems with CAFOs and how CAFOs can be better regulated to protect the public and the environment.

Written public comments on the DNR’s response to the EPA report will be accepted until October 31.

Please personalize your comments.  We have included talking points, but EPA will only seriously consider personalized comments.

·         Thank EPA for investigating the DNR’s lack of enforcement and willingness to ensure vigorous enforcement of the Clean Water Act in Iowa.

·         Ask that when EPA develops the DNR’s workplan, the EPA should emphasize Iowa's regulations for issuing waste water discharge permits to CAFOs.

·         Say that you support effective penalties on CAFOs that violate the rules.

·         Tell the EPA that you support effective monitoring and inspections of CAFOs

·         Ask that EPA inform Iowa legislators of the dire need for adequate funding and support of the DNR for issuing permits, monitoring and inspections.

·         Encourage EPA to begin proceedings to strip the DNR of its water program delegation if an adequate workplan cannot be negotiated.

Written comments should be sent by email to [log in to unmask] or mailed and postmarked on or before October 31 to:

Stephen Pollard
Water Enforcement Branch
EPA Region 7
11201 Renner Blvd

Lenexa, Kansas 66219

Read the EPA's informal investigation report.

Read the DNR's response.

Thank you,