EPA orders Simplot to halt feedlot discharges

Seattle-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 11 issued the Simplot Cattle Feeding Co. a legal order to halt discharges from its nearly 700-acre feedlot complex near Grand View, Idaho. “We have received a copy of the compliance order,” said Simplot spokesman David Cuoio. “We have had discussions with EPA regarding our operations at Grand View and we look forward to working with them on this matter.” Simplot confines between 30,000 and 65,000 cattle year round at this feedlot facility near the Snake River in southeastern Idaho. EPA’s order directs Simplot to immediately cease all discharge of pollutants to waters of the U.S. EPA says this action is particularly important because the Snake River has been designated as “impaired” for both bacteria and nutrients. The order stems from Simplot’s use of a constant flow stock watering system. When not used for irrigation (usually from November to March), a portion of this water is diverted to pasture, irrigation ditches, or into the Ted Trueblood Wildlife Refuge, all of which ultimately flow into the Snake River. Simplot water samples pulled from the facility’s discharge were shown to contain 1600 colonies of fecal bacteria per 100 ml of sample. EPA says Simplot is covered under an NPDES CAFO permit, and by discharging 1500 gallons per minute from the production area, they are violating their permit. While EPA recognizes that many producers use similar systems at their facilities, CAFO regulations apply to feedlots and dairies. They do not typically apply to rangeland. If watering system flows are re-used and/or do not leave the facility, they are not considered a discharge. “Simplot’s watering system adds fecal bacteria to the Snake River,” said EPA Director of Compliance and Enforcement Edward Kowalski in Seattle. “It discharges a tremendous volume of contaminated water to a river already impaired by bacteria and nutrient pollution. By re-routing overflows or storing water for future use, producers can take care of their livestock and protect Idaho water quality.” Pollutants commonly associated with animal waste or manure often include nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, organic matter, pathogens, and sediments. To comply with the order, EPA says Simplot must cease all discharges to the Snake River and its tributaries immediately.