SD Cattlemen Warned That Feds
Seek More Active Role In Waste

PIERRE, S.D. —(AP)— Regulation of phosphorous from livestock feeding operation wastes may be unavoidable, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association members were told last week.

Until now, the federal focus on manure has been the nitrogen it contains, said Tim Tollefsrud, director of air and surface-water programs in the state Environment Department.

But he said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has strongly hinted it may require oversight of phosphorous disposal.

To ensure against excessive nitrogen buildup in soils and the potential that has for water pollution, state permits for livestock operations regulate how much manure can be spread on land used for crops and pasture.

But spreading proper amounts of manure to meet nitrogen needs can result in an excessive buildup of phosphorous over the years, endangering water sources.

Phosphorous requires about three times more land area than nitrogen for proper disposal, Tollefsrud said at the Cattlemen's Association annual convention.

He commended South Dakota's agricultural sector for working with his agency in recent years to develop state environmental permits for large hog farms and other large livestock operations. State oversight of the industry is preferred to federal oversight, Tollefsrud said.

``We have developed a strong program that enables us to tell EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pretty much leave us alone,'' he said.

``We've got a good process in place, and it works,'' Tollefsrud said. ``We're taking care of our own problems, and they need to allow us to continue to do that.''

However, he said the federal agencies are leaning toward development of their own regulations on animal feeding operations. Federal officials have suggested permits for all feedlots of 1000 head or more but have yet to finalize standards, he said.

A state permit for large hog operations has been required in South Dakota since February 1997, and a state permit for other large livestock operations has been required since February 1998.

New and expanding operations require the permits. Farms and ranches in operation before the permits were developed are not required to get them unless complaints are made about those operations.

Don Hunter, a Cattlemen's Association member from Centerville, said it's important for the organization to offer advice on any federal proposals for increased regulation.

``We need to submit to oversight by the federal government, but we need to be able to have some part in forming our destiny,'' he said.

``Some of the proposed rules and regulations we don't think should be applicable here,'' Hunter said.

Tollefsrud said his agency tries not to be heavy-handed when dealing with farmers and ranchers. Those who have environmental questions should not hesitate to contact the agency, he said.

``We want to make sure that we're doing things the right way,'' Tollefsrud said. ``You may not always like what we decide in the end, but we'll certainly give you a fair shake.''

Hudson feedlot owner John Haverhals, past president of the state Cattlemen's Association, said he has found the state Environment Department to be helpful and responsive.

``They're not an intimidating agency to work with,'' Haverhals said.