For immediate release: August 8, 2006
For more information, contact: Iowa CCI: 515-282-0484

Citizen group hails legislative passage for new factory farm rule

State Capitol, Des Moines– Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement members were pleased with today’s state legislative passage of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ new Water Protection Rule. The rule, which gives the DNR greater authority to deny factory farm construction permits, went before the legislature’s Administrative Rules Review Committee (ARRC).

“The Legislature voted to spend $18 million to start to clean up Iowa's waters. Why would anyone not allow this rule to pass that would decrease the possibility of pollution at the source?” said CCI vice-president and Adair County family farmer Barb Kalbach.

Over 70 CCI members and other concerned citizens attended today’s ARRC meeting, many testifying about the problems factory farms are causing in their local areas. Comments were unanimously in favor of the rule.

The rule was introduced in response to a growing public outcry about water pollution in the state coupled with a growing number of factory farm permits. In 2005, factory farm permit applications more than doubled, and over the past year CCI has been involved in over two dozen local campaigns to stop proposed factory farms. The rule will take effect August 23rd.

There have been over 450 illegal manure spills in Iowa over the past 10 years, Iowa’s list of impaired list is now over 200, and a Des Moines Register analysis lists Iowa’s water as some of the most polluted in the nation – specifically in fecal bacteria, phosphorus and nitrogen pollution.

“This common-sense rule is a step in the right direction,” said CCI board president and Davis County livestock producer Garry Klicker. “The rule will allow the trained DNR experts and engineers to look more closely at permit applications based on specific criteria in order to protect our water.”

The criteria for the DNR to more closely examine permits include:

• Spreading manure on frozen or highly erodible ground;
• Proximity to environmentally sensitive areas (publicly-owned land, karst terrain, etc.);
• Hauling manure long distances;
• Sited in a capture zone for a public drinking water supply;

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is a 30-year old organization with thousands of members across the state from all walks of life who talk, act and get things done on critical issues affecting all Iowans. CCI members recognize the power of uniting and standing up for what’s right. For more information, visit www.iowacci.org.

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