Everyone has role in safeguarding water

By Aaron Putze

Every Iowan lives in a watershed. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to protect the quality of our rivers, lakes and streams.

The nearly 48,000 farmers who raise livestock and poultry in Iowa take pride in the role they play as environmental stewards, for the health and well being of their families, and yours. After all, no one lives closer to the land or has more invested in caring for it than those who till and harvest it.

It's surprising, therefore, that some would promote wastewater treatment plants as a model for how livestock farmers should conduct their activities.

Since 2005, nearly

20 percent of Iowa's 1,910 city and commercial sewage plants discharged more pollution into nearby rivers and streams than their permits allow. As a result, millions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage are discharged every year into dozens of Iowa rivers. During dry weather, some streams carry almost nothing but sewage.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says 34 manure releases were reported by livestock and poultry farmers for the 12 months ending in October (most recent stats available). Six releases resulted in a surface water impact and the farmer or farm employee responsible faced penalties.

On the other hand, every municipal wastewater plant discharges effluent directly into surface water and are allowed to. In addition, only discharges caused by mechanical or human error have been reported by the Iowa DNR. Municipalities can also avoid civil penalties if the discharge is “unintentional.” Farmers can't.

Stringent construction standards also exist for new livestock and poultry barns. Concrete storage basins located beneath each barn used to collect manure must meet strict engineering codes. Laws also stipulate the distance that livestock and poultry barns must be located from the nearest stream, residence or public use area. These can range from 200 feet to 3,000 feet.

Yet most municipal wastewater plants are located adjacent to a river or stream to facilitate both planned and emergency sewage discharges.

Finally, those responsible for the transportation and land application of manure from permitted livestock and poultry facilities must be certified and participate in annual training. Farmers must also prepare plans for the proper use of manure, file them with the DNR and update them annually.

It also should be noted that manure from livestock farms has tremendous value. Most manure generated by hogs raised in Iowa is incorporated below the soil's surface where the organic nutrients serve as fertilizer to grow crops. Using manure improves soil tilthe and fertility and reduces America's dependence on foreign sources of petroleum-based fertilizers.

However, sludge derived from municipal sewage plants is viewed primarily as waste, offering few environmental or economical benefits.

Iowa farmers' great strides in protecting the environment include safely storing and using livestock manure as a beneficial fertilizer.

Rather than blame, our children and grandchildren are best served when Iowans work together toward cleaner, safer water.

Aaron Putze is executive director of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers whose members include Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Turkey Federation.