DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Members of the citizen action group Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement are meeting with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to file a complaint demanding improved accountability and oversight of livestock farms.
The group studied livestock waste management plans from five counties and found plans with missing pages and indications of multiple farmers dumping manure on the same field.
The manure management plans are required by state law for farms with at least 1,250 hogs. The DNR is responsible for oversight.
Jess Mazour, community organizer for Iowa CCI, says inadequate manure management is contributing to water pollution problems.
DNR Director Chuck Gipp says the agency will review the complaint and respond. He says the agency is working with farmers to improve water quality but it takes time.
