High Plains Journal, KS
03-23-07
Lawmakers consider changes to livestock rules
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)--Iowa lawmakers are considering a proposal that would
overhaul the state's livestock laws in hopes of reducing the threat to the state's
environment.
The bill, passed by the House Environmental Protection Committee March 8,
would distance expanding livestock farms from homes, water supplies and tourist
areas and abandons talk of giving local governments control over livestock
operations.
The state is the nation's largest producer of hogs, finishing 25 million a year, but
hog and cattle farms have been blamed for fish kills in nearby streams and
neighbors have complained about respiratory irritations and odors they link to the
farms.
The legislation gives special protection to tourism areas such as the Iowa Great
Lakes and Clear Lake by preventing construction of livestock confinements within
a set distance of the areas. More separation distance would be required between
farms and high-quality waterways, too.
Applications to build within that minimum distance won't automatically be
rejected, but the producer would have to undergo an odor assessment by Iowa
State University.
The state could turn down a project if there is "a preponderance of evidence" that
it would have a negative effect on nearby residents or a protected location.
Rep. Steve Olson, R-De Witt, said he voted against the bill because he believes
it would make it more difficult to expand the state's livestock industry.
Rep. Mark Kuhn, D-Charles City, said he doesn't think the bill would keep
livestock operations from growing or prospering.
State farm groups are lobbying against the measure.
Eldon McAfee, a lawyer for the Iowa Pork Producers Association, said hog
farmers believe current laws are enough to control pollution. The new bill ignores
other sources that are bigger threats, such as industrial plants and municipal
facilities, he said.