In agreement with the vast majority of Iowans regarding the need for increased regulation of Confined Animal Feeding Operations

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.

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:

Statement

Logical source of statement

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.

There is a correlation between high numbers of CAFOs within Iowa's counties, and a decline in human population within those counties.

There is a need for more environmental sensitivity and tighter regulations regarding the placement and operations of CAFOs.

1)There have been significant numbers of manure spills and resultant fish kills, related to CAFO operations.

2) There is a significant risk to Iowa's aquifers and wells from high densities of CAFOs.

 

Background of the need for legislation

 

64% of Iowans favor local control of CAFO siting.

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.

We therefore strongly suggest the following legislative steps:

·         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;

·         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.

·         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

·         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.

Additional points to consider:

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.

 

The origin of CleanupIowa.Org

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.

 

www.CleanupIowa.Org

2000 N. Court St., Ste. 6D

Fairfield, Iowa 52556

641-472-3880