CAFO’s, the good and bad
Well, it looks like the EPA is ready to look the other way on that whole nasty air business when it comes to CAFO’s:
Under pressure from agriculture industry lobbyists and lawmakers from agricultural states, the Environmental Protection Agency wants to drop requirements that factory farms report their emissions of toxic gases, despite findings by the agency’s scientists that the gases pose a health threat.The EPA acknowledges that the emissions can pose a threat to people living and working nearby, but it says local emergency responders don’t use the reports, making them unnecessary. But local air-quality agencies, environmental groups and lawmakers who oppose the rule change say the reports are one of the few tools rural communities have for holding large livestock operations accountable for the pollution they produce.
Locally, it is being reported that State Rep Ryan Dvorak has offered an amendment to Senate Bill 200 which would put a good conduct requirement into CAFO approvals, meaning that, prior enforcement actions against an applicant could be taken into account- something not permissible now. The proposed amendments are extensive. You can review them here.
Update: Rep Dvorak was kind enough to point out that his amendment includes the requirement that the applicant provide financial assurance and further, that the operator obtain approval from the county.
February 26th, 2008 14:47
In addition to the good conduct provision, the amendment also requires financial assurance, and more importantly, local approval. (See the section amending 13-18-10-1).
Thanks for keeping track of everything with this issue -
- Ryan Dvorak