Approving bill adds millions in cleanup costs

During the 2009 session, the Democratically led Iowa Legislature passed an act (after much encouragement from the Environmental Protection Agency) that forbids manure application on snow-covered or frozen ground between Dec. 21 and April 1 every year. This year, the same legislative body has taken time from Iowa's serious budget issues to seriously consider House File 2324, a bill that would exempt factory farms with more than 1,250 head of hogs built before July from complying with SF 432.

The defeat of House File 2324 is a no-brainer.

Liquid manure cannot absorb into frozen ground. It runs off into streams, lakes and rivers as the snow melts. Iowa's waters do not need more pollutants for taxpayers to clean up before they drink it. In 2006, Iowans paid $18 million for measure to clean up our water. Budget-minded legislators might want to remember that fact when considering a bill that would add to our pollution.

Barb Kalbach

Dexter