Blog For Tag "CAFOs"

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, August 25, 2023 The EPA recently denied two petitions seeking stronger rules governing concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) filed by national and local environmental groups. IEC Staff Attorney Michael Schmidt explains the petitions, the ruling, and what it means for future CAFO rules in Iowa.

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, June 16, 2023 Iowa DNR is in the process of updating the rules defining how manure is stored at AFOs and then applied on the landscape. This rulemaking is a chance for DNR to protect Iowans while saving them money, but we need stronger rules to make that happen. The draft rules have some changes, but not enough - and the process is more complicated thanks to an executive order.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Monday, December 26, 2022 Water Program Director Alicia Vasto shares her thoughts as we wrap up a year of work on water and land stewardship in Iowa at IEC. She reflects about the effort, hard work, and dedication to IEC's mission of clean water in Iowa, while also sharing valuable resources and looking forward to the coming year.

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, June 4, 2021 Supreme Beef is in the watershed of Bloody Run Creek, a trout stream designated by the DNR as an Outstanding Iowa Water in a unique Iowa landscape. That unique topography means the manure produced by the facility will likely harm the creek, and will likely strip Bloody Run Creek of that special designation.

posted by Michael Schmidt on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 A company seeking to site an 11,600-head cattle feedlot in northeast Iowa wasn't giving up on getting DNR approval. IEC Staff Attorney Michael Schmidt reviews the timeline and how Supreme Beef and DNR found a way to make the massive feedlot happen.

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, October 23, 2020 The Iowa DNR recently approved the nutrient management plan for a 2,700 cattle feedlot in NE Iowa. As neighbors and Iowans consider the impacts of this operation on fragile karst topography, IEC Staff Attorney Michael Schmidt addresses questions, concerns, and suggestions for the future.

posted on Friday, July 31, 2020 Both the DNR and Polk County Conservation Board have reported a tremendous increase in park attendance, including increased beach and water recreation use since COVID-19 hit Iowa. However, before you throw on your swimsuit and goggles, know the risks of swimming prior to hitting the beach.

posted on Thursday, March 9, 2017 Northeast Iowa resident and IEC member Tim Wager write about the importance of preserving and protecting the unique and beautiful terrain of northeast Iowa.

posted by on Monday, January 30, 2017 The Council is working with local leaders in northeast Iowa to find ways to protect uniquely vulnerable karst areas from inappropriate siting of large animal feeding operations.

posted on Friday, May 27, 2016 Proposed changes that are part of a five-year update to the state's Animal Feeding Operation regulations could allow more ag-related pollution in Iowa's waters the Iowa Environmental Council warned at a public meeting on Monday.