Environmental groups have sued the EPA, arguing that it has failed to regulate manure runoff from large animal farms, which threatens water safety across the U.S.
Keith Schneider reports for Circle of Blue.
In short:
- Food and Water Watch and other groups allege the EPA is neglecting to enforce Clean Water Act requirements for large farms, leading to polluted waters.
- The EPA admits its current regulations fall short but says it is studying the issue and will propose solutions next year.
- Manure from industrial farms contributes to toxic algae blooms and contaminates drinking water with harmful bacteria and chemicals.
Key quote:
“CAFOs are illegally discharging to waterways and have become a major source of unregulated point source pollution.”
— Emily Miller, attorney for Food and Water Watch
Why this matters:
Unchecked pollution from large farms affects public health by contaminating drinking water with bacteria and chemicals linked to cancer and environmental degradation. Stronger federal oversight is essential to protect water quality.
Related EHN coverage:
