December 1, 2006

US state of Iowa tightens hog permit requirements

New regulations set by Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) could make it more difficult for future facilities to be built in the state.

The DNR and the Environmental Protection Commission have added some new requirements to its process for issuing permits.

These regulate aspects of farm production like manure management and building proposals include things such as, topography of the land, distance of hauling manure, distance of a field is to a waterway that is receiving manure.

Although these rules have made it a little harder to get a permit, it comes down to how the farmers operate, Ryan Stouder, an environmental specialist with the Iowa DNR said.

Any facility proposed on or after Oct 25, 2004 must meet the updated criteria.