Amidst COVID-19 outbreaks throughout our food system and meat processing plant closures, the Department of Natural Resources is still permitting new CAFOs in our state. On July 7, 2020, the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program (DNR WPP) issued a General State Operating Permit to Tompkins Family Farms, LLC. The newly-permitted facility will be…
Read MoreComment Letter Template for Proposed Rules
Download this in PDF form, here. The following template outlines a formal comment letter for a proposed federal rule. Bracketed sections should be personalized with information specific to your comment. Sections in parenthesis are optional but may be included if they are helpful and relevant. Sections in italics are meant to guide you and…
Read MoreComment Letter Template for CAFO Permits
Download this in PDF form, here. The following template outlines a formal comment letter for a CAFO permit. Bracketed sections should be personalized with information specific to your comment. Sections in parenthesis are optional but may be included if they are helpful and relevant. Sections in italics are meant to guide you and should…
Read MoreWriting Public Comments
Download this in PDF form, here. Commenting on Permits Government agencies evaluate permit applications and make regulations. As part of the evaluation process, government agencies often seek public input through holding “public comment periods.” A public comment period is a length of time during which a government agency will accept feedback and input from…
Read MoreAdditional Concerns
Download this in PDF form, here. Unregulated Concerns Missouri CAFOs are permitted and regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and must meet regulatory requirements based on the conditions of this permit. Depending on the size of the facility – which is determined by the number and type of animals – CAFOs must maintain certain buffer and…
Read MoreWell Water Contamination
Download this in PDF form, here. What is well water contamination? Since wells draw water from underground sources, well water contamination indicates groundwater pollution. Many of the same nutrients and bacteria from animal manure that run off into surface waters can also seep into groundwater. Nitrate contamination is a particular concern in groundwater because nitrates…
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