The public has the right to participate in Illinois’ CAFO regulatory program. These rights include:
Being aware of which factory farms propose to pollute
Factory farms that discharge waste into ditches and waterways must obtain a NPDES permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (credit: ECCSCM)
Factory farms that discharge or propose to discharge animal waste must obtain a water discharge permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). This permit is the General NPDES Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. The application for the NPDES permit must include a Nutrient Management Plan and be filed at least 180 days before operations begin. IEPA reviews the submitted documents and posts them on their website for a 30-day public comment period. Any citizen may comment on the permit application and request a public hearing on the proposed permit. {Continue Reading »}
Crowded hogs in a typical factory farm
Water pollution from factory farms is regulated under the federal Clean Water Act. A 2008 rule issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires factory farms that discharge or propose to discharge animal waste into waterways to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This wastewater permit sets limits on the allowable amount of pollution that a factory farm can discharge into nearby surface waters. Discharges can come from animal confinement areas, waste holding structures, and the fields where waste is applied as fertilizer. {Continue Reading »}
When factory farms move into communities, quality of life can change. Common complaints from nearby residents include noxious odors, more flies, noise, and traffic, lower property values, and illegal dumping of animal waste into streams and lakes. The widespread and increasing human consumption of meat, and the subsidized nature of industrial farming, makes it certain that more and more factory farms will be built. Many communities oppose the construction of new factory farms because of the above named problems. Informed and active citizens can apply pressure that results in factory farms being constructed and operated in a more community-friendly manner. {Continue Reading »}
Dumpster for carcasses from hog factory farm (credit: Diane Baldwin, Neuse Riverkeeper)
The following are among the many publications containing information on factory farm impacts on clean water and the environment:
“CAFOs Uncovered: The Untold Costs of Confined Animal Feeding Operations.”
Union of Concerned Scientists. 2008.
“Cesspools of Shame: How Factory Farm Lagoons and Sprayfields Threaten Environmental and Public Health.”
Natural Resources Defense Council and Clean Water Network. 2001. {Continue Reading »}
If only cows just produced milk ...
Discharges of animal waste into waterways must meet the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act and the 2008 CAFO rule. Regulations allow factory farms to apply for a NPDES permit to discharge a limited amount of animal waste into waterways. In Illinois, these permits must be obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
If a factory farm discharges without a permit, or discharges more waste than is allowed by the permit, the owner is in violation of federal law and subject to enforcement action. {Continue Reading »}
