05/24/06 DEQ, ISDA agree on dairy inspections

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Quality have signed an agreement that spells out the roles of the two state agencies in dairy farm inspections. They're trying to help control ammonia emissions while not duplicating each other's efforts. Both ISDA and DEQ can inspect dairy farms but the Department of Agriculture will determine compliance or non-compliance with the Department of Environmental Quality's ammonia rules and evaluate best management practices on ammonia emissions. Because of the agreement Idaho Dairymen's Bob Nearabout has scheduled two informational meetings this week for dairy producers. NEARABOUT "Approximately 52 dairies in Idaho will be regulated under the Clean Air Act and will need to get a PTC." PTC is a permit to construct. Today's session in Twin Falls and Friday's meeting in Nampa will show dairy producers how they can mitigate ammonia emissions though their best management practices. NEARABOUT "Dairymen will have to score 27 points and there's a variety of practices most of them a lot of dairymen already have in place to help them score 27 points. Harrowing your corrals is worth so much, just a host of different management practices for them to work on." A lawsuit, a judge's ruling and lots of negotiation over 24 months finally resulted in the agreement which was signed last week. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott