I apologize for not writing for awhile. Apparently, it is super cool to have meeting after meeting after meeting in January, February, and March. And, apparently, I want to go to EVERY SINGLE ONE.
I received an update Tuesday afternoon about a lawsuit that is going forward in the state of Iowa. This lawsuit isn’t in our county or our watershed, but it could have an impact on the way we farm in the future. Water quality is important to me and my family. We drink the water, too.
I’ve written before of some of the things we do on our farm for water quality (confluence tour, ISA tour, cover crops, and Kossuth county tour) . These are things we will continue to do, regardless of the lawsuit. I know others will, too.
However, this lawsuit frustrates me because it will not help water quality. The lawsuit wants farmers to file permits to discharge nutrients, just like the company does itself. So, instead of working on ways to reduce nutrients, we pay to release them. For the goals in my farming and professional life, this doesn’t make sense.
Data (that is useful and trustworthy) has actually shown that water quality has been improving in the larger watershed that the lawsuit is directed towards. The decline in nitrates may be small, but it is certainly encouraging. See page 7-8 of this progress report http://www.acwa-rrws.org/pdf/ACWArpt2013.pdf.
Water quality can only be improved with a team approach. Water quality is a complex process in which there is no “one size fits all” practice (i.e. regulation) that will ‘fix’ it. I am working with farmers in my watershed and others to achieve the goal of improving water quality. Continual improvement is key.
With that (and off my soap box) what #1NewThingforWater will YOU do?
Below is a photo of our wetland this spring. Water sits in this and helps to reduce nitrates in the groundwater.
I have been following this story and I do agree with you- a piece of paper or permit will not fix the issue at hand.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara! I'm glad to hear you are following this and giving input!
DeleteGreat post Kellie! One size does not fit all when it comes to water quality. I wonder who is going to pay for this lawsuit? The customers of the Des Moines Water Works or if there are some groups willing to fit the bill?
ReplyDeleteThanks Val! I know I'd love to use the money spent in this lawsuit to assist farmers in implementing conservation practices! Think about how much we could DO with that moo-lah!!!
DeleteGreat read Kellie! Think of what we could do with the money spent on this lawsuit... research, training and educating even more on cover crops, buffer strips etc. Bringing farmers together to learn from each other would be a golden opportunity.
ReplyDeleteYes! And even working with nearby municipalities. We all play a part in this world - I hope we can all step up to accept our role!
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