Department of Ecology News Release -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 14, 2000
Inspections show most dairy farmers complying with water quality laws
OLYMPIA - In record time, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) has inspected
all 728 dairy farms in Washington state.
A dairy-manure management law signed by Gov. Gary Locke in 1998 required
Ecology to inspect the water quality compliance at all dairy farms by
October 2000. Before the new law, Ecology inspected farms primarily in
response to complaints.
"Effective, consistent enforcement is one of the keys to keeping our water
clean for future generations," said Locke. "Polluted runoff from farms is a
significant water quality problem, but thanks to the fine work at the
Department of Ecology we have taken a giant step forward in reducing and
preventing that type of pollution in our state."
If unchecked, manure from dairy farms can pollute lakes, streams and ground
water, making water unhealthy for people and fish.
Locke also praised dairy farmers for their good progress in keeping
pollution out of waterways.
"Nearly three-quarters of our dairy farmers are doing a good job, and the
inspections have provided an opportunity to educate other farmers about
improvements they need to make," Locke said.
Between October 1998 and June 2000, Ecology found a 73 percent compliance
rate. At 27 percent of the state's dairy farms, Ecology took some form of
compliance action.
Dairy Inspection Compliance Actions*
229 enforcement actions (notices and compliance schedules)
21 penalties, totaling $441,000
29 permits
* Some dairies received more than one
enforcement action.
A dairy inspection involves looking at a farmer's water quality compliance,
identifying steps to correct water pollution problems, monitoring the
development of a farm's waste-management plans, and finding farms that need
technical assistance.
"The required inspections were new for dairy farmers, and for the most part
they went very well," said Belinda Hovde, an inspector for Ecology. "Most of
the dairies I visited welcomed the inspections and advice, and they truly
wanted to learn how they could better protect nearby streams and ground
water."
The new law also requires all farms to have an approved plan to manage dairy
waste by July 2002, and by Dec. 31, 2003, farmers must implement those
plans. Ecology will continue follow-up inspections with most dairies to
ensure continued compliance and to check on needed improvements.
CONTACT: Mary Getchell, Public Information Manager, (360) 407-6157; pager,
(360) 534-8590
Phil KauzLoric, Dairy Program Coordinator, (360)
407-6413
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Office of Communication and Education Ecology's Home Page:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/
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