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EPA inspections reveal CWA violations at IA dairy

March 10, 2014, Lenexa, KS – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) personnel conducted a series of inspections in March and May 2013 at a dairy near Rock Valley, Iowa.

As a result of the inspections, the former owner of the dairy has agreed to pay a $75,000 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, according to a proposed consent agreement.

EPA inspections and sampling documented that the operation discharged manure into Rogg Creek and its tributaries while it owned the dairy between 2010 and 2013. Manure and other wastewater discharges from concentrated animal feeding operations and their land application areas can violate water quality standards, pose risks to human health, threaten aquatic life and its habitat, and impair the use and enjoyment of waterways.

“Producers should regularly evaluate all aspects of their operations to ensure they are not discharging into nearby rivers and streams,” EPA regional administrator Karl Brooks said. “Even if livestock or poultry is confined indoors, producers still need to manage their outdoor areas.”

The manure discharges from the dairy originated from stockpiles of used bedding sands that were stored outside in an uncontrolled area.

The dairy had the capacity for approximately 1,200 dairy cattle. The dairy was sold in November 2013 and is still in operation today. EPA Region 7 is working with the new owners to assure compliance with the Clean Water Act.