SB 197 Would Create Rules and Limits for Mega-Dairies in Oregon

Air pollution caused by dairy farms and how to deal with it are at the center of a Senate Bill that is being discussed in the Oregon Legislature.

Policy Director Friends of Family Farmers Ivan Maluski said SB 197 would enforce the rules that were discussed and agreed to back in 2008 between advocates, the industry and the legislature.

“Back in 2009 we were supposed to begin doing voluntary best management practices and there was going to be money available dairy farmers take steps to reduce emissions. There was going to be money for OSU Extension to help do additional research that could include things like changing diets a little bit to managing manure differently.”

Maluski said the original agreement was designed to be flexible to fit every size of dairy operation.

Maluski cited air quality studies and concerns regarding the impact that dairy operations can have, particularly when they are of a very large size noting that there can be toxic fumes coming off lagoons or manure spread on fields.

“In the past some of the issues that have been flagged, for example, have been ammonia emissions. This is significant because it had been identified as a major contributor to essentially acid rain falling in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.”

The first public hearing of the bill came earlier this month and it is currently in the committee process of that State Senate.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.