Source:
(2006)
URL:
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/issues/feedlots.asp
Abstract:
This guide is compiled by staff at the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library on a topic of interest to Minnesota legislators. It is designed to provide an introduction to the topic, directing the user to a variety of sources, and is not intended to be exhaustive. In particular, it is focused on items available in the Legislative Reference Library.
Large livestock feedlots, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations, have been controversial in Minnesota as in other states. Environmental concerns include air pollution, groundwater contamination, surface water contamination, and the long-term reliability of waste containment facilities. The social and economic impacts of these large operations on rural communities have been questioned as well.
During the 1998 session of the Minnesota Legislature the feedlot issue sparked heated debate. The House passed a moratorium on new construction or expansion of feedlots at the level of 750 animal units. The Senate and the Governor did not support a moratorium. The final language, passed as part of the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture spending bill ( Laws of Minnesota 1998, chapter 401) did not include a moratorium. Several provisions of this law affected feedlots. One such change was that counties are allowed to adopt feedlot ordinances calling for standards more stringent than Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regulates animal feedlots in Minnesota, according to Minnesota Rules, chapter 7020.
Recognizing the need for further study of animal agriculture, the Legislature appropriated $1.2 million to the Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning for the first year of a three-year study of the effects of the livestock industry on the state's economy and environment. (Laws of Minnesota 1998, chapter 366, section 86). Staff at the Environmental Quality Board conducted a Generic Environmental Impact Statement on Animal Agriculture, advised by a citizen committee. (Detailed information about Minnesota's 1998 legislation is outlined in a House Research Department Information Brief, 1998 Law Changes Affecting Minnesota Animal Feedlots.)
In May 1999, a bill (House File 1235/Senate File 692) was passed that eased restrictions on feedlot operators. One provision exempted feedlots from compliance with standards for ambient hydrogen sulfide for the days when manure is being removed from barns or storage facilities and handled for application or disposal. The bill was vetoed by Governor Ventura on May 16, 1999.
A new law in 2000 relaxed feedlot rules ( Laws of Minnesota 2000, chapter 435). The law gave legislative direction to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on how the rules should be amended before final adoption. The MPCA Citizens' Board passed revised rules on August 22, 2000. On October 23, 2000 those feedlot rule changes took affect.
On May 17, 2002, the governor signed the omnibus agriculture policy law ( Laws of Minnesota 2002, chapter 373) which bars the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or a county board from approving permits for the construction of open-air swine manure basins. For exceptions to this prohibition, see the House Research Bill Summary for H.F. 3183. The moratorium is effective May 18, 2002 through June 30, 2007.