State proposes additional regulations for Yakima dairies

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Department of Ecology is proposing new regulations that would require almost all Yakima Valley dairies to get a water quality permit.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports the department released a proposal Tuesday that would treat seepage from manure storage lagoons as pollution.

Some agricultural industry groups worry that the additional regulations would be redundant, while environmental groups claim the proposal doesn't do enough to combat pollution.

Previously, the confined animal feeding operation permits were only required if a large animal feeding operation had polluted a body of water nearby. The new permit would apply to all large dairies and feedlots for cattle, pigs and chickens.

Under the permit, operators must state the steps they will take to prevent pollution.