Microbial contaminants in drinking water can cause illness and even death, as evidenced by the 1993 cryptosporidium outbreak in Milwaukee. In that outbreak, caused by cattle manure, more than a hundred people died and 400,000 became ill. In addition, manure in surface waters can transmit microbial pathogens, including parasites and viruses, that are sources of waterborne disease in swimmers, anglers, and others who enjoy water recreation. In response to concerns about water quality issues and the growth of large-scale hog confinement operations, in 1995 the Iowa legislature passed House File 519. In response to concerns that this limited the rights of neighbors who might be harmed, in 1996 the Iowa legislature passed a bill limiting protection for operators who are chronic violators of state environmental laws.
Debate continues about whether more or stronger requirements are needed.
The concentration of large operations in some areas has led to especially strong citizen concern about environmental impact. For example, more than 100 of the 600 largest facilities are located in Wright and Hamilton counties with permits for over 725,000 hogs. Given the potential impact, we need to consider how H.F. 519 accounts for human error, equipment failure, and natural events. With H.F. 519's new requirements, an understaffed Iowa DNR suddenly has a lot more work to do. This year, the Iowa legislature budgeted five additional positions for the department to conduct complaint investigations, site surveys, and review of permit applications and manure management plans.