"SNIPE" HUNTING IN THE OZARKS

One biodiesel plant, Cargill in Iowa Falls, was cited for a fish kill caused by the improper spreading of liquid wastes. Another plant, Siouxland Energy & Livestock in Sioux Center, was cited for releasing contaminated wastewater in an attempt to dilute a manure spill from a neighboring cattle operation.
In 17 cases at 10 plants, the facilities either didn't apply for a permit before building or operating regulated equipment; or failed to build the plant as outlined in the permit; or failed to apply for the stricter permits needed for larger emitters of pollution. One company, Quad County Corn Processors in Galva, received two $10,000 fines in 2005 for failing to get the more elaborate permits required for larger emitters, which often call for additional control equipment.

How serious are the violations? Lynch said the notices of violation involve clear violations of state rules based on federal laws and reflect serious matters. Ignoring them usually brings tougher enforcement action. The system is how the state protects the health of Iowans and the environment. Monte Shaw of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, an industry group, says: “No one wants to get a notice, and you certainly don’t want to get a fine. But a notice of violation is like getting a ticket that your headlight is out and they say, 'Fix it.'"

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070603/BUSINESS01/706030325/1030


The Ozarks Aquifer is quite possible the most valuable natural resource in SW Missouri. Millions of people depend on this water source for their drinking water, an element so vital to a human being that one can only live 2-3 days without water. Can we afford to have that resource polluted by a certain Webster County ethanol plant?

Keep in mind that federal regulations exist for pollutants from sources like sewage, clean-water laws don't apply to farm runoff.

Will that Webster County ethanol plant be also classified as a "farm?" They have more than enough acreage to qualify as one. More than enough acreage to both build a plant that will emit several hundred tons of toxic substances each year into the air. And untold thousands of gallons of polluted water onto the land, which will leach into the Ozarks Aquifer, via the Karst topography. If the owners pull a fast one and also have a cattle lot operation on the premises, will this sleight-of-hand qualify them as a "farm" that is not subject to federal regulations regarding clean-water laws?

Will the citizens of both Webster County and the Ozarks be left holding the proverbial bag, after the failed "snipe" hunt?

Only this time, the bag won't be empty. It will be filled with a toxic stew of air and water pollutants, paid for by OUR tax dollars.