Faunalytics.org makes use of JavaScript to operate fully, but Javascript is disabled in your browser
Image by Flickr user Wilfredorrh

An Investigation Into The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program For CAFOs In Iowa

Summary By: | Published: July 24, 2012
Estimated Reading Time: < 1 minute
FavoriteLoadingSave to My Library
EXTERNAL STUDY This is a summary of an external study
A report has found that Iowa’s government is not upholding their regulations and forsaking their responsibility to protect waterways from pollution by not issuing permits, conducting investigations and not enforcing penalties.

This report investigated Iowa regulations designed to protect waterways from pollution by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The report found that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is not fulfilling all its responsibilities to regulate CAFOs. In many cases, the IDNR failed to issue permits, conduct comprehensive investigations, enforce adequate penalties and match federal distance requirements. It appears many CAFOs in Iowa may be contributing to water quality degradation.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an informal investigation into Iowa regulations regarding water contamination by CAFOs. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program is designed to protect waterways from pollution. Under this program, CAFOs are required to obtain permits to discharging pollutants into waterways.

The EPA reviewed files from the IDNR addressing citizen complaints, manure spills or fish kills between 2008 and 2011. In some cases, the Iowa state law was less stringent than federal laws, and the IDNR made incomplete inspections regarding discharges of pollutants. The EPA also identified that many medium-sized CAFOs had not been considered for permits even though they could significantly impact water quality.

Many discharges of pollutants were not followed up, and 49% of illegal discharges did not result in enforced penalties. The report concluded it is likely that the lack of adequate penalties and enforcement will fail to deter CAFOs from discharging pollutants.

Meet the Author:
Faunalytics is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to helping animals by providing useful information to advocates to help them increase their impact.

Citations:

United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2012 United States (Regional)

Tags:

Animals Used for Food Conservation English Environment Factory Farming Voting Humans

Related Posts

neglected and unclean pig farm in Finland

CAFOs Uncovered, The Untold Costs Of Confined Animal Feeding Operations

This report argues that the growth of Confined Animal Feeding Operations has been facilitated by a misguided public policy.

In the Spotlight
pigs in a truck on the way to slaughter

Iowa Issues Voter Survey

Measures Iowans attitudes relating to large-scale hog farms, including humane treatment of animals, environmental concerns, and purchase factors for humanely raised animals.

In the Spotlight

Calculating The Costs Of CAFOs

From government subsidies to environmental devastation, Confined Animal Feeding Operations (factory farms) have huge costs.

In the Spotlight
chickens in confined cages

Survey Finds Iowa Voters Oppose Prohibiting Secret Animal-Abuse Videos

A survey has shown that a majority of Iowa voters, across party lines, oppose a bill that prevents whistleblowers in factory farms, puppy mills and other animal facilities.

In the Spotlight
Iowa hunters in trucks

Poll Reveals Iowa Voters Oppose Dove Hunting By Nearly Three To One Margin

A majority of Iowa citizens think that the governor should veto a bill to allow hunting of mourning doves and 31% would be less likely to vote for a governor that legalized dove hunting.

In the Spotlight
dogs in cramped cages in a dirty puppy mill

Iowa Voters Support Stronger Oversight Of Puppy Mills

A survey in Iowa has discovered that overwhelming number of voters´ support legislation that protects dogs in puppy mills.

In the Spotlight
two doves next to each other

Poll Reveals Iowa Voters Strongly Oppose Dove Hunting

This survey asked Iowa voters about their support for the hunting of mourning doves, and their support for legislation banning the practice.

In the Spotlight
rat swimming in dirty murky water

Investigation Into Survey Techniques For Recording Water Shrews (Neomys Fodiens)

Researchers investigated five different methods of recording water shrew populations, in order to find the most effective methods possible.

In the Spotlight

2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview

The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation has been conducted every five years. This is the data from the 2011 report.

In the Spotlight
person-working-with-meat

Congressional Investigation: COVID-19 And Meatpacking

This report from the U.S. government found that COVID-19's impact on U.S. meatpacking workers was nearly three times worse than previously estimated.

In the Spotlight
cows on a pasture

Temple Grandin Clarification On Certification Program

This article clarifies the Niman Ranch’s existing guidelines and standards on their certificate for Niman Ranch pork and beef programs.

In the Spotlight
chicken with wooden skewers

National Survey Of Healthcare Consumers: Food Safety

61% of U.S. consumers are worried about the contamination of the U.S. food supply and the majority of these are worried about meat contamination in particular.

In the Spotlight
Faunalytics uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and to help us understand how you use our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
I Agree
meerkat-emails.jpg

Don’t Miss a Thing

Faunalytics delivers the latest and most important information directly to your inbox. Choose what topics you want to see and how often you get our emails, and you can unsubscribe anytime.