Proposed Iowa Air quaility standards

State Legislators raised questions last week about a proposed air quality rule
for hydrogen sulfide emissions from livestock operations. Last year, the DNR
established ambient air quality standards for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia for
all Iowa businesses including animal agriculture. In April of 2003, these
standards were nullified by the Iowa Legislature for two reasons. First, they
were based on faulty numbers and second, the DNR attempted to step beyond its
scope of authority.

Not to be deterred, the DNR has come forth this year with a"new" health
standard for hydrogen sulfide. That would be 15 parts per billion. This will be
the bar by which hydrogen sulfide will be measured against when the DNR embarks
on field studies later this year. If the 15 ppb (one hour average) is exceeded
more than seven times in a year, the DNR will be authorized to develop plans to
regulate any livestock operation.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation opposes such a standard. The DNR must hear this
message from you, the producer who will be affected by any new regulations set
forth. Iowa's pork producers are among the nations most regulated, if the Iowa
DNR has its way, the situation will only get worse.

Public hearing are being held now in regard to this issue. It is critical that
producers make their voices heard at these meetings! Plan to attend one of these
public hearings in your area!

March 3, 2004 at 6 P.M. at the Mason City Public Library, located at 225 2nd
Street SE in Mason City, Iowa.

March 8, 2004 at 6:30 P.M. at the Davenport Public Library, located at 321 Main
Street in Davenport, Iowa.

March 11, 2004 at 7 P.M. at the Urbandale Public Library, located at 3520 86th
Street in Urbandale, Iowa.

You may also send your written comments to
Bryan Bunton
Iowa DNR Air Quality Bureau
7900 Hickman Road
Urbandale IA 50322

Or e mail at bryan.bunton@dnr.state.ia.us

You may also fax comments to 515-242-5094