Pollution program has little interest so far

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)--Months after its debut, a $3 million state loan program aimed at blocking farm pollution such as manure spills has yet to spend a dime.

The program geared up last summer but hasn't closed any loans, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which said fewer than 10 farmers have applied.

"The program is just getting started and needs to be promoted more," said Patti Cale-Finnegan, who supervises the loan account for the DNR.

Many farmers have opted to let manure runoff flow downhill rather than install systems to hold back the manure, said Gene Tinker, the state's top livestock program worker.

Letting manure run into a stream or lake is against state law because it can kill fish by causing high ammonia levels and by robbing oxygen from the streams.

Despite the regulations, about 20 manure spills happened at livestock confinements last year, according to information on the DNR's website.

Wayne Gieselman, the state's environmental protection chief, said life is beginning to change for livestock producers because Iowans are reporting spills more often.

"People in this state aren't going to have manure in the streams of this state, whether those are big or small producers," Gieselman said. "Small operators have kind of flown under the radar before."

Under the DNR program, certain livestock operations that put in structures to hold back manure would be eligible for the low-interest loans offered by a state revolving account aimed at cutting water pollution, Cale-Finnegan said.

There are other programs too, including federal grant programs through the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service. The programs can be used together.

Evan Vermeer of Sioux Center, vice president of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, couldn't say what percentage of the state's 1,600 registered cattle feedlots have proper manure facilities.

However, he added: "I wish I could go check them. I'm not afraid of that number."

The cattle producers' association plans a series of meetings this winter on the programs.

"It's really been a lack of awareness" that led to a slow start for the state loans, he said.

Date:1/25/06