Protecting Water Resources from Large-Scale Animal Production

Animal production is accompanied by a need to dispose of manure and other waste products. With large concentrations of animals at individual facilities, the possibility exists that nutrients may be applied to nearby lands leading to water pollution. Large concentrated animal feeding operations need a permit under the Clean Water Act, but the failure to minimize discharges of pollutants suggests that alternative approaches to safeguard water quality are needed. A lawsuit from Oklahoma discloses poultry integrators being sued for pollution damages under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and nuisance law. Citizens may resort to litigation to stop agricultural pollution.