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In agreement with
the vast majority of Iowans regarding the need for
increased regulation of Confined Animal Feeding
Operations |
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This page was last updated on April 19, 2007;
HF 873, which was in process within the Iowa
Legislature did not pass,
but the information regarding it is still valid. |
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A summary of HF
873
House File 873 increases the
distances between CAFO construction and certain
"benefited objects", such as neighbors'
residences, schools, churches, towns, waterways
and prized lakes.
Brief text
summary
Separation distance changes--graphic summary (pdf)
The need for
the bill:
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Logical source of
statement |
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It has become obvious that, in general, not
enough concern is being placed upon the
physical siting of CAFO's, relative to the
needs of nearby human populations. |
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There is a correlation between
high numbers of CAFOs within Iowa's
counties, and a decline in human
population within those counties. |
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There is a need for more environmental
sensitivity and tighter regulations
regarding the placement and operations of
CAFOs. |
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1)There have
been significant numbers of manure
spills and resultant fish kills,
related to CAFO operations. |
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2) There is a
significant risk to Iowa's aquifers
and wells from high densities of
CAFOs. |
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Background of the need for legislation |
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64% of Iowans
favor local control of CAFO siting. |
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A poll published by the Des Moines Register on
February 5th indicates that two-thirds of Iowans
want more of a voice in how livestock operations
are sited in their counties. It's time for the
Iowa Legislature to take action to give them this
voice.
Livestock production is an important part of
Iowa's economy but shouldn't occur at the expense
of our cities, environmental and recreational
quality, and human health. Large livestock
operations located near towns can have a negative
impact on population and property value, causing
an economic decline locally and regionally.
A good legislative solution would satisfy
the needs of the agricultural industry and the
rights, health and values of Iowa’s citizens and
the rest of its businesses. Such a solution would
enhance Iowa’s tourism industry. Most importantly,
such a solution would protect our prime heritage,
the environment, which is the only thing of value
that we will pass on to future generations.
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We therefore
strongly suggest the following legislative
steps: |
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·
Adjust the matrix
system to allow negative scoring for placements
which will negatively effect: a) the environment, b)
immediate population centers, and c) public use areas;
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Adjust the definition
of a CAFO to include all operations of more than 500
head; and define SAFO's as less than 500 head of
livestock.
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Allow county
supervisors to have some say in the siting of CAFOs
if they deem that it will be harmful to the community in
the aforementioned terms; and
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Allow incorporated
cities to have the ability to determine whether a
feeding operation of any size is placed within two miles
of the city limits. |
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Additional points
to consider: |
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Local control or input is woven through every
aspect of Iowan's lives from schools to building codes.
County and city governments and the citizens they
represent should have the right to balance these
desires.
While recognizing the
long-standing importance that livestock plays in Iowa,
we must preserve the ability to have new diverse
business ventures that keep our young people from
leaving the state, and not box ourselves into any
particular industry and thereby limit the state's
economic growth. Because of the undesirable aspects of
living near CAFO's, (including odor, exposure to toxins,
increased rates of asthma among children, and polluted
groundwater) high numbers of hog confinements tend to
preclude progressive new businesses from moving to a
county.
We must also
acknowledge that tourism can be an important
industry in Iowa which can generate significant revenues
to the state. Some examples include the Iowa Great
Lakes, Clear Lake and Jefferson County. Recently 10
locations in Iowa, including Fairfield, have been
awarded “Great Places” status. Each location is unique,
and each has the potential to generate significant
amounts of tourism dollars.
We do not intend to
be nay-sayers. It is important to realize that Iowa
can raise hogs profitably and sustainably without the
use of CAFO's. Iowa has over one thousand hoop
structures that raise hogs in such a manner. We must
encourage animal husbandry to move in the direction of
both profit for the farmer and benefit for all.
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The origin of
CleanupIowa.Org |
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CleanupIowa.Org, a Political Action Committee, was
formed to convince legislators of the need to have
a balanced approach in this issue, and has the
support of various parts of the communities in our
county—including townspeople and farmers. Our
opinions reflect those of the majority of Iowans:
we support the enactment of local control. |
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www.CleanupIowa.Org
2000 N. Court St., Ste. 6D
Fairfield, Iowa 52556
641-472-3880
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