EPC approves air quality standards for livestock operations

The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission has voted to move forward with rules that, for the first time ever, set state air quality standards for large-scale livestock operations. As a result, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia emissions will be monitored. Dick Bird of Keosauqua who testified before the Comission yesterday says the rules could have been better, but at least they’re a start.Bird doesn’t care for the idea of having state officials gather three years worth of baseline data before the rules go into effect. Bird says it could be done in less time than that. Critics say the rules are based on shaky science and more study’s needed.