Amigos Bravos - Friends of the Wild Rivers

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September 7, 2010

Title: Dairy Regulations Comment Letter

Subject: Dairy Regulations Comment Letter

Re: Dairy Regulations, WQCC 09-13(R) 
 
Dear Commissioners: 
 
I am writing to express my support for the New Mexico Environment Department proposal for new dairy industry permit regulations as well as the additional safeguards for New Mexico’s groundwater provided by the proposal from the Community Coalition. Specifically I would like to express my support for the more protective setbacks, better public notice, and financial assurance requirements proposed by the Community Coalition. Together, the proposals will help keep our precious waters clean and will hold the dairy industry accountable for its manure waste. 
 
There are some smaller family-run dairies in New Mexico, but the New Mexico dairy interests opposing new regulations is dominated by large CAFOs. This is strange because it was the dairy industry that got the Legislature to require new regulations in the first place. Now it seems the industry doesn’t like what New Mexico’s citizens and the Environment Department have proposed after more than a year of meetings across the State. 
 
New Mexico has the largest number of animals per farm of any other state and they produce a huge amount of manure every day. Environment Department records show that two-thirds of all dairies are already violating New Mexico’s groundwater standards. So, clearly the current regulations are not working and we urgently need new ones. We cannot allow any waters in New Mexico become polluted or be impacted by even greater pollution. 
 
Meeting the new requirements will not place an unreasonable burden on the industry. The industry boasts that it provides $2 billion dollars to the State. Environmental costs are minor compared to feed, buildings, equipment, and animals. Most of the so-called “environmental” costs are actually things any CAFO has to do, such as build and maintain manure lagoons. On the other hand, local and state governments and the public are already paying the costs of dairies, such as more water treatment, health impacts from exposure to dairy pollution, lower property values, and impacts on tourism. It’s only fair that the dairy industry – especially the megafarms and CAFOs – be responsible and accountable. 
 
I urge the Water Quality Control Commission to carefully consider all of the benefits of the NMED and Community Coalition proposals. We all have a right to clean water.

Sincerely,

[Your name and address will be entered here]

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For more information about our current efforts, please contact:

Rachel Conn
(575) 758.3874

rconn@amigosbravos.org