State Permit Changes for Large Feedlots Get Favorable Marks

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A plan to update standards for protecting South Dakota waters from manure and wastewater produced by large-scale animal feeding operations is receiving largely favorable marks from environmental and livestock groups.

The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources is drafting revisions to the state's permit, which large livestock feedlots operate under. The changes could be adopted by January.

Updates range from requiring more information about the ownership of an operation to requiring feedlots to meet new standards for conservation plans used by livestock operations.

Todd Wilkinson is president of the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association. He says the proposal is "pretty reasonable."

Kathy Tyler, a member of environmental group Dakota Rural Action, gave the draft permit a "B+."

Both say the groups could propose some revisions to the proposal.

Source: State Permit Changes for Large Feedlots Get Favorable Marks