Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) General Permits Reissuance Public Comment Period

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Comment From: Ana Seidel

8/17/22 @ 10:04 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

There needs to be mu...↓

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Ana Seidel

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Joelle Ellis

8/17/22 @ 9:53 AM
This is such a burdensome expense to impose on a small farm or even an individual raising food sources for their family. Either by a an animal like a cow, pig, or goat. What about the gardener growing their garden.
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Comment From: Crystal Borgeson

8/17/22 @ 9:25 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Crystal Borgeson

August 17, 2022
No attachments

Comment From: US EPA (Dan Opalski)

8/17/22 @ 9:23 AM
Attachments:

Comment From: Richard Ranum

8/17/22 @ 9:20 AM
Hi Chelsea,
The department is poking a hornet's nest. I have four chickens -- that's it. My response to this rule is to write all of my representatives and make it clear that this may seem like a small issue, but to those with a few chickens, this is ...↓

Permits for four chickens are absurd! You may say "oh you don't have to worry about four chickens", however, I worry about poor regulations that may be applied capriciously. I predict you will change your regulations before the politicians get involved. We'll see.

Rick Ranum
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Comment From: Lynette Borcherding

8/17/22 @ 9:09 AM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.

Applying CAFO stan...↓

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.
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Comment From: Nancy Breidenthal

8/17/22 @ 8:57 AM
I oppose the CAFO as drafted and concur with the comments of the Farm Bureaus of Benton, Grant, Okanagan, Thurston and Yakima Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food. This has never...↓
Applying CAFO standards to small producers will be time consuming for you, costly for us and devasting to local food production and our overall food secuity.
The better solution is for the Department of Ecology to recognise the distinction between large and small scale producers and to support the work of voluntary stewardship programs and local conservatons districts for small scale producers. The Departmebt of Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs proven to protect water quality.
Sincerely,
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Comment From: Sundown Creations (Elizabeth Wawruck)

8/17/22 @ 8:41 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Wawruck

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

8/17/22 @ 8:35 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Lisa Nunez

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Maureen Allum

8/17/22 @ 8:04 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Maureen Allum

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Prateek Agarwal

8/17/22 @ 8:03 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,
Prateek Agrawal
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Comment From: Eric Marvel

8/17/22 @ 8:00 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

[Eric Marvel]

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Michelle Torstvet

8/17/22 @ 7:51 AM
Dear Chelsea,
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the County Farm Bureaus.
Our rules and laws need to be clear and concise. The rule as drafted is not. Small land owners who have a minimal number of livestock, for hobby, ...↓
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

8/17/22 @ 7:40 AM
Passage of this will cripple the agriculture industry and our ability to feed our citizens. We will be forced as a country to import our food without a system of quality control to ensure it meets acceptable standards. This is another example of ov...↓
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Comment From: Kenneth Lattin

8/17/22 @ 7:20 AM
I have no doubt there are farms that purposely damage the environment. Go after those people and do an investigation. Don't punish every small farmer who cares for animals and cares for the parcel of earth that they control. Don't let the actions of ...↓
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Comment From: Nada Barnes

8/17/22 @ 6:00 AM
I oppose this. This will have strong negative impact on individuals that are currently raising their own food for consumption.
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Comment From: Bojana Foster

8/17/22 @ 5:47 AM
I strongly oppose this proposal as there is no minimum for the number of animals that would be considered dangerous to the water systems. So, I could end up having to get a permit for my four chickens free ranging in the back yard!
As it is, Thurston...↓
In addition, it would take additional staff to process and enforce all of these rules and regulations. Additional staff would have to be hired and cause an increase in the constituents taxes, which are already too high.
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Comment From: Joanna Lettau

8/17/22 @ 5:41 AM
The economy, gas price, and feed costs are stretching and hurting middle class hobby farmers. Adding this tax would hurt middle class families and very likely reduce the amount of people raising animals on their land, this would further reduce our al...↓
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Comment From: Sheriah Hannemann

8/17/22 @ 12:50 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Sheriah Hannemann

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Doug Vliet

8/17/22 @ 12:00 AM
Attachments:

Comment From: Vivian Chambers

8/16/22 @ 10:34 PM
When you can not even fill the job openings for dairy inspectors for the whole state. You have only one guy now doing the this state. You want to regulate more things that is wrong.
Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to l...↓
Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Vivian

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Arlan Hackett

8/16/22 @ 10:24 PM
4 H FFA , Hobby farmers should be exempt from these rules and regulations. They are not the problem and do not need to be governed as big AG business. This is an over reach of the state and is not productive
in any way.
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Comment From: Stacy Rutherford

8/16/22 @ 10:23 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Stacy M Ruthercord

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Randy Smith

8/16/22 @ 10:05 PM
I oppose this rule as written.

This pertains to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) as defined in 40 CFR § 122.23(c). It allows authorities to designate any Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) as a CAFO if they are determined to be a "significant...↓

There are explicit definitions of what are CAFOs in the federal statute, for example 150 horses in 40 CFR 122.23(b)(6)(i)(E). State rules are arbitrary and capricious, with no definitions at all. How are we to comply when there is nothing to comply to? Please revise this rule with explicit definitions.
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Comment From: Jamie M

8/16/22 @ 9:39 PM
"
This permit is for large commercial operations. We use a permitting threshold and how the operation handles their waste to deterimine if they need a permit. For example, operations with more than 200 head of dairy cows, 750 pigs, or 9,000 chickens w...↓

I feel it is imperative that the wording of who needs this permit and who does not need this permit is spelled out specifically. "Likely" is not specific enough. It is unreasonable to have a guideline, but not be specific up front about who it pertains to. It would also make too much of a possibility of skewing the rules later... such as not requiring it for a particular individual early on, but changing it later to include them.

Thank you addressing this matter.
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

8/16/22 @ 9:21 PM
Before you start Fuckin with my life maybe ya should deal with the problems you dumb liberal fucks created letting homless shit in every creak in Olympia. We are done with your government overreach. So to answer your stupid question NO CAFO. And go f...↓
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Comment From: Katie Bennett

8/16/22 @ 9:15 PM
To whom it may concern ,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Katie Bennett

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Tara Cutler

8/16/22 @ 9:10 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Tara Cutler

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Theodore Mindt

8/16/22 @ 9:07 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Theodore Mindt

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Jacqueline Smith

8/16/22 @ 8:59 PM
Please know that I am against this proposed CAFO ruling that you are trying to enforce on our local farmers and backyard citizens that have chickens or goats. I feel you should be doing something with the homeless that are polluting our water and la...↓
I agree with and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.
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Comment From: Jeremy Aldous

8/16/22 @ 8:55 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Aldous

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Jennifer Anonymous

8/16/22 @ 8:51 PM
This permit is very vague in it's wording regarding the size of the farms that would be affected. It states that all farms, regardless of size, are expected to meet requirements in the law to protect water quality. So if I have five chickens, am I go...↓
I oppose the CAFO rules as they are drafted. We don't need more regulations on our food industry.
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Comment From: Scott Christie

8/16/22 @ 8:50 PM
I oppose the rule change and concur with the Farm Bureaus position. Big government intervention in small scale food production is absurd.

Sincerely,

Scott Christie
360-480-8992
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Comment From: Brad Wiley

8/16/22 @ 8:36 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

bradwiley@gmail.com

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Rachel Bjork

8/16/22 @ 8:31 PM
As a resident of Washington State, and as someone that drinks tap water, I am deeply concerned about CAFOs and the pollution they cause. I strongly believe that all Concentrated Feeding Operations - frankly any entity with a large number of animals,...↓
Please note that under current law:
SEPA recognizes that "each person has a fundamental and inalienable right to a healthful environment and . . . each person has a responsibility to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the environment."RCW 43.21C.020(3)
Ecology must, under SEPA "fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations;" and "assure for all people of Washington safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings". RCW 43.21C.020(2)(a),(b)
Under SEPA, Ecology must complete an EIS for the draft CAFO general permit. RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c)
I think that Ecology is obligate to actively monitor CAFOs and other such facilities.
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Comment From: Sandra Christie

8/16/22 @ 8:26 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

Applying the CAFO standards to small ope...↓

To protect water quality, Ecology should recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program.

Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Christie
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Comment From: Tom Foley

8/16/22 @ 8:20 PM
Chelsea Morris, Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696
Dear Chelsea:
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who rai...↓
Sincerely,
Tom Foley
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Comment From: Glenadine O'Harra

8/16/22 @ 8:11 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,
Glenadine O'Harra

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

8/16/22 @ 8:05 PM
Animals have lived here longer than humans. It's always rained. There has always been manure made. Why don't you worry about the man made poison we spray on the ground that goes into our water and food supply. I'm certain your focus on chickens and c...↓
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

8/16/22 @ 7:42 PM
I oppose this. This will greatly impact small farms that sell directly to the consumers. Us small farmers work directly with soil conservation districts to maintain great waste management.
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Comment From: Stacy Thompson

8/16/22 @ 7:21 PM
Taxing us more will not save the environment. Let people have the freedom to raise their own food. The government overreach is getting ridiculous.
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Comment From: Susan Elwanger

8/16/22 @ 7:15 PM
Chelsea Morris,
Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to partner with those...↓

1. Voluntary programs,
2. Attend fairs and listen to kids and young adults on raising animals;
3. Listen and reach out and understand how our farmers work to produce our food--most US citizens have no idea how and where food is produced. Most US citizens know they go to the store to pick up milk--how did the milk get to the store? Who took the time to raise the animals? Does the US citizen know how much hay and feed prices are to feed animals?
4. In 2021 Yakima Valley working with Northwest Harvest donated several thousand pounds of beef to our people who are needing help with food. Each year I hear the dairy farmers always providing butter, etc. to our food banks. State of Washington has many refugee families who have made their home here; if we continue to lose our farmers we will not be able to provide food to our own families and others.
5. Proven water quality--we have Ecology rules we have to abide by as farmers; how about this homeless population and the waste on sidewalks, roads and going into the water, soils, etc.
6. Instead of continuing to keep putting invasive and planning and reporting requirements, can't we all partner together--farmers always help farmers--how about we all help one another--see everyone has a purpose here. Let's come together help one another instead of penalizing.

Thank you.
Susan Elwanger
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Comment From: Michelle Brigham

8/16/22 @ 7:13 PM
Dear Chelsea,

Please know that I am absolutely opposed to this latest endeavor by the DOE to diminish the lifestyle and enjoyment that small farmers and others enjoy and treasure in this area. Why does the agency not respect the efforts of farmers who...↓
Instead of regulating, permitting at high cost, and issuing hefty fines for those who can not possibly keep up with this next onslaught of regulations, Ecology needs to encourage participation in such programs as the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts that have been proven to protect water quality. Please awaken to the fact that it is duplicitous to make farmers pay when Ecology allows the roughly 400 wastewater treatments plants in this state, that barely treat wastewater, to continue to pollute and poison our food and living environments with their byproducts when there are technologies available that could eliminate this serious health concern for good. Why are the salmon and whales disappearing? Just look at where all the leachates and effluents from landfills and antiquated wastewater treatment processes end up...in our lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams as they make their way to Puget Sound, the Salish Sea, and oceans beyond. It's not our small flocks of chickens or cows that's the problem, it's the stormwater run-off, hospital wastes, industrial and domestic wastes, landfill leachates, and everything else mixed in together through a poorly managed system of waste disposal that is doing such harm.

Sincerely,
Michelle Horkings-Brigham
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Comment From: Melissa Graham

8/16/22 @ 7:10 PM
I strongly oppose this measure. We have 5 chickens. There is no way they cause pollution to groundwater. We live in the country. That is why we live in a rural area to have the freedom to have the benefit of fresh eggs.

I oppose the CAFO rules as draf...↓

 

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.

 

Applying CAFO standards to small operations will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

 

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality
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Comment From: Jennifer Davis

8/16/22 @ 7:04 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. This is unnecessary and vaguely written to give unchecked power and control to the Department of Ecology.

Further...↓
the delicate balance required for healthy livestock and a healthy ecosystem.
No farms≈no food.
The Department of Ecology should be working to educate and assist. They need to encourage and recognize voluntary participation in conservation programs that are proven to protect the land and water quality.
And the Department of Ecology should focus its resources to clean up and regulate the messes made by the homeless population that seems to have total disregard for the environment. Human sewage,drug paraphernalia and trash are more threatening to our environment than anything a cow or horse might do.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Davis

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Nancy Wiest

8/16/22 @ 7:03 PM
Dear Chelsea
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.
We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.
Applying CAFO standards to...↓
Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts.
Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.
Sincerely, Nancy Wiest August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Kristina Hafey

8/16/22 @ 7:02 PM
I am a small hobby farm in rural Thurston county. I raise dairy goats, and utilize my milk to produce meat for my family through feeding of pigs and/or cows. The proposed language is too vague! Is the intention to go after small producers who operate...↓
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Comment From: John Q Citizen

8/16/22 @ 6:55 PM
Please see attached
Attachments:

Comment From: Eileen Monroe

8/16/22 @ 6:54 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.
Applying CAFO standards to small ...↓

Eileen Monroe, Yelm, WA
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Comment From: Nancy Popielarczyk

8/16/22 @ 6:30 PM
Chelsea Morris Washington Department of Ecology PO Box 47696, Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea, I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who rais...↓

Sincerely, Nancy Popielarczyk
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Comment From: Rebecca Davidson

8/16/22 @ 6:23 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Many rural families such as ours raise our own beef and chicken for personal consumption to help them save money and regulations would just add to this burden,

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Davidson

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Cornelia O'Leary

8/16/22 @ 6:07 PM
This is obviously such a ridiculous and egregious proposal and if you can't see that you should not be legislating or in the positions you hold.

It is obviously against nature, basic human rights and ownership. The fact anyone even thought of such a p...↓
This is not serving the people, animals, nature, society or humanity. If you need the reasons why explained to you then I refer you to the above paragraphs.
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Comment From: Carol Shimono

8/16/22 @ 6:02 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and agree with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food. Applying CATO standards to small op...↓
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Comment From: Thomas MANI

8/16/22 @ 5:52 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696
Dear Chelsea,
We are homesteaders with a small flock of chickens to supply us with eggs. By no means we should, nor want to be potentially involved in any permission proc...↓
Therefore, the definition of small CAFO designation must be clarified or omitted. Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.
We oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the other comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.
Recently, big food producers or processors have been targeted with destruction (i.e. fire, explosions) intentionally or accidentally, showing the vulnerability of centralized big structures.
We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.
Sincerely,
Thomas Mani, Karla Broschinki
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Comment From: Jane agren

8/16/22 @ 5:17 PM
Oh I see, this is just another FUND RAISING Project for the Higher up's to raid the pockets of the Taxpayers. You people should be ashamed of your selves. Do you have a dog or a cat? Pet rat's or Snakes, then you need to pay the fee also. This will a...↓
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Comment From: Kristen Henderson

8/16/22 @ 5:13 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Kristen Henderson

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Jacob Wilson

8/16/22 @ 5:12 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Jacob Wilson

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Janette Wilson

8/16/22 @ 5:11 PM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Janette Wilson

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Sheila Riffe

8/16/22 @ 4:51 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the other comments from the County Farm Bureaus.
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Comment From: Stacy Klemann

8/16/22 @ 4:49 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of okanagan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food. Applying CAFO standards to small ope...↓
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Comment From: Ron Hansen

8/16/22 @ 4:38 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. Please work with those who raise livestock on a small scale that provide locally sourced food. Applying these rules to small operat...↓
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Comment From: Kathy McGehee-Hansen

8/16/22 @ 4:29 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food. Applying CAFO standards to small ope...↓
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Comment From: Ronald Overlie

8/16/22 @ 4:23 PM
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Comment From: James Brigham

8/16/22 @ 3:56 PM
I oppose the proposed CAFO Rules, especially for small rural landowners who have less than 100 animals. This is just another government intrusion into private property rights. It is breathtaking that an agency named "ecology" would concern itself w...↓
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Comment From: Theresa Cooper

8/16/22 @ 3:33 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of the Benton, Grant, Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.

Applying CAFO stan...↓

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.
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Comment From: Washington Department of Healt... (Holly Myers)

8/16/22 @ 3:31 PM
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

8/16/22 @ 3:15 PM
This is unconstitutional unhealthy for the environment and detrimental to the future of humanity Sustainability is not a privelesge it's a basic human right like breathing and consuming water I appose this with every ounce of my being I have owned my...↓
NoNoNo you will not regate every single chicken on every single plot of land in the country NONONO!! We are not prisoners nor are we slaves nor are you our rulers NONONO
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Comment From: Windmill Ranch (Jim and Joyce Grubb)

8/16/22 @ 3:00 PM
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Comment From: Leilani Macmillan

8/16/22 @ 2:50 PM
The County officials typically do NOT live in Rural Thurston County. They have NO experience in the area they try to Legislate. They do not qualify, nor should they be allowed to Legislate, nor put under Law any Rural living experiences.

Rural Resid...↓

When the Stewardship Committee/Dept. first began, I asked the panel if any of them lived in RURAL THURSTON COUNTY. Not one of them did. They were embarrassed.

The point is.... ONLY RURAL FOLKS are qualified to make decisions for us with our Consent. NOT an urban-dwelling government corporate entity!
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Comment From: Glorieta Geoscience, Inc. on b... (Samantha Carver)

8/16/22 @ 2:22 PM
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Comment From: Collection of County Farm Bure... (Mark Herke)

8/16/22 @ 2:09 PM
August 16, 2022

Chelsea Morris
Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696
Olympia, WA 98504-7696

RE: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) General Permits Reissuance

Dear Ecology,

We wish to submit the following comments on behalf of the me...↓

In reviewing the updated CAFO documents we support the Washington State Dairy Federation and the Washington Farm Bureau comments calling out concerns related to implementation standards for CAFOs that rely on unproven, flawed, or irrelevant scientific standards. This includes concerns over post-harvest testing required beginning October 1, changes to testing standards such as reversion to the TKN standard, general application of T-Sum 200 statewide, and reliance on large, no-touch buffers (big dumb buffers) not based on science.

This program and associated permit requirements should stay focused on water quality and must not become a forum or tool to address other desired, but unrelated, public policy issues. A number of new requirements (as addressed specifically by the Dairy Federation) include policy recommendations that go beyond the direct impact of livestock operations. Ecology should resist including additional regulations beyond the direct focus of the CAFO program.

We now wish to focus on a major flaw in the CAFO program. Specifically related to small CAFOs. Ecology should rewrite section S1 of the CAFO General Permit to eliminate the small CAFO designation or at least better define what a small CAFO is and how Ecology determines if an operation is a significant contributor of pollutants to surface water.

This provision should be eliminated due to Ecology's own finding that application of CAFO standards to small operations has a "disproportionate expense" to those farms. (Economic Impact Analysis 2017 and 2022)

Additionally, the definition of small CAFO (less than the number of animals for a regular CAFO), is overly broad and not understood as to the significant implications on Washington rural residents. The predominant understanding is that the CAFO designation applies to feedlots and larger operations that concentrate significant numbers of animals. Few outside of large commercial operations are aware of the Small CAFO provisions, let alone the fact that they could apply to a "herd" of just one animal as well as to animals not specifically listed in the permit language. We believe significant public outreach and communication must take place (including greater emphasis on public comment) to ensure landowners are aware of these provisions.

This confusion and lack of knowledge is further compounded by the fact that Ecology discretion determines if an operation is "a significant contributor of pollution," triggering the costly CAFO permit for small operations. Lack of a clear definition of "significant contributor" means animal owners do not have a clear standard to meet, but are completely subject to the discretion of Ecology staff.

When the significance of penalties is added into this equation, we reach the level of greatest concern. Violations of the act are subject to penalties of up to $10,000 per violation per day, plus costs of prosecution, or imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

We believe that application of CAFO standards puts small farming operations, especially backyard farmers who raise a few animals to feed their family and neighbors, at great risk. The permit does not provide additional, scientifically proven benefit to clean water. Rather, it threatens local food production and places our overall food security at risk. All of this is based on broad discretion by Ecology staff as to what constitutes pollution.

In recent months, we have seen how devastating interruptions in the supply chain can be. Delays, cost increases, and empty shelves were clearly visible. Local food production helps blunt these impacts. Eliminating or discouraging small scale agriculture will exacerbate the problem.

Rural landowners need to be fully informed of these impacts and significant outreach and public education must be delivered prior to consideration of extension of these regulations to small operations. The good news is there is already a process making great strides in this area.

We strongly recommend Ecology change course. The answer is not the current approach but providing a robust technical assistance effort and relying on proven ways to reach compliance. We have an excellent option for 27 counties in the state- the Voluntary Stewardship program (VSP). For the other counties, conservation districts are designed to deal with these issues through technical assistance and the development of farm plans as appropriate. The demonstrated success of VSP turns on community outreach and strong landowner technical support.

Now is the time for Ecology to rethink this process and move forward with an alternative, collaborative program that ensures effective environmental protection, respects the rights of private landowners, and focuses on voluntary measures to achieve desired goals while also ensuring local food security. Directly connecting with VSP will help guarantee success.

For more information contact Mark Herke at mherke@mail.com.

Sincerely,

Yakima-Klickitat County Farm Bureau
Thurston County Farm Bureau
Okanogan County Farm Bureau
Benton County Farm Bureau
Grant County Farm Bureau
Attachments:

Comment From: John Arrabito

8/16/22 @ 1:58 PM
Attachments:

Comment From: Elizabeth Vanek

8/16/22 @ 1:48 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food. Applying CAFO standards to small ope...↓
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Comment From: Cynthia Whaley

8/16/22 @ 1:39 PM
Regarding the CAFO, I encourage you to refine the definitions of small farm, numbers of animals, location of water, and other comments made by the Bureaus of Farm Management letter. I am a small farm and have so wetland sources but as we develop our ...↓
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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

8/16/22 @ 1:24 PM
I appose the CAFO rules as drafted and agree with the comments of the county farm bureaus.
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Comment From: Jacquelyn Dent

8/16/22 @ 1:18 PM
As a small farm owner with a few animals to raise and care for, I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted.

The mission of the Dept. of Ecology is to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. As written, your CAFO rul...↓

The vision of the Dept. of Ecology is to sustain healthy land, air, and water in harmony with a strong economy. As written, the rules of CAFO have the potential to destroy the economy of small farmers and agricultural hobbyists by imposing regulations that limit their ability to raise animals to enjoy as pets, to teach young people the value of caring for animals and their land, and, if wanted, to sell these animals for a small income.

One of the Dept. of Ecology's goals is conservation. I would assume that you have heard of James Herriot, the well known author of All Creatures Great and Small. He was a well-known and highly respected veterinarian in Ireland, where he made house calls. He said many times that the farmers' animals had better housing and were better cared for than the farmers themselves. We small farmers know that if we do not take proper care of our land and animals, we will be setting ourselves up for financial loss. NO one takes better care of their land and animals than the small farmers I know!

Please reconsider the rules and regulations you have stated in this very ill-thought out CAFO.
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Comment From: James Tipton

8/16/22 @ 1:17 PM
Dear Chelsea,
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston, and Yakima County Farms Bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food. Applying CAFO stand...↓

Sincerely,
James Tipton
US Veteran, taxpayer, and voting person.
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Comment From: D. Bruce Morgan

8/16/22 @ 12:39 PM
Dear Dr. Morris,

I am a member of the VSP Working Group here in Thurston County and a life long conservation farmer. I am an attorney and former president of Thurston County Farm Bureau. In the late 60's and 70's I was fully and personally engaged in ...↓

When we with Farm Bureau lobbied for adoption of the VSP enabling legislation we viewed VSP as a unique opportunity to increase conservation awareness and ultimately more responsible stewardship of our land and natural resources. So far those counties which opted into the program have demonstrated the wisdom of VSP as an alternative to the regulatory model which had been implemented for decades while our resources suffered. Rather than poke sticks in the eyes of our citizens who would embrace VSP through a new Small CAFO overlay I simply would suggest that you categorically exempt all VSP counties from your Small CAFO regulations. If Ecology should encounter a situation where your staff actually can document environmental damage occurring in a VSP county your representative on the local county Working Group should bring the issue to the attention of the Working Group and request assistance in resolving the issue with the practices at issue. I am confident that at least in my county our Working Group would appreciate the opportunity to become part of the solution.

From another perspective, based upon my personal experience with an out of control agency (Wildlife, not Ecology), we learned that our administrative agencies are not held to an honesty standard in expanding their reach into citizens lives. I therefore would urge you to carve out both the VSP exemption and also specific population limits or exemptions which would give our citizens comfort that you would not be intruding into their lives if their livestock populations are small enough as to present no reasonable risk of creating the kind of harm CAFO regulations are intended to prevent. Doing so up front would help put to rest citizens' concerns about potential agency overreach and earn their support for the remainder of your CAFO program.

Finally, I would truly appreciate if you could help ensure that your agency demonstrate its support for VSP by directing that your assigned Working Group representatives actively participate in their assigned Working Group. Perhaps it has been too easily dismissed due to Covid concerns and the advent of zoom as a substitute for real time face to face participation, but I would welcome a much more proactive participation and input from Ecology in our Working Group. I am amazed that Ecology is moving ahead with closing this comment period without so much as offering a presentation to our Working Group regarding these proposed CAFO regulation revisions. Collaboration would seem to serve the conservation community much better than top down regulatory dictates.

Thank you for this opportunity to submit comment.
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Comment From: Joan Fleming

8/16/22 @ 12:39 PM
As a non-business individual with one horse on pasture on which I spread that horse's composted horse manure, I am seriously concerned about this draft regulation. Most non-business individuals that I know have less than five horses on their propert...↓

I work with the Thurston County Conservation District to manage my property. I previously lived in King County and worked with their conservation district. They are well versed in correct livestock management. The smaller operations being classified as Small CAFOs should be encouraged to work with the Conservation Districts in their counties.

These proposed regulations and the proposed egregious penalties will only discourage people from enjoying this rural lifestyle and the animals that bring them to it.

Thank you for your consideration.

Joan Fleming, Rochester
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Comment From: Washington State Legislator (Andrew Barkis)

8/16/22 @ 12:06 PM
Please see uploaded letter.
Attachments:

Comment From: Woodrow Wiedrich

8/16/22 @ 12:06 PM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food. Applying CAFO standards to small o...↓
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Comment From: Arturo Alonso

8/16/22 @ 11:29 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise liv...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Arturo Alonso

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Richard Voget

8/16/22 @ 11:28 AM
Factory farms create a lot of waste. That's why it's so important that our Department of Ecology protects our public health, water, wildlife, and environment from the tens of billions of pounds of waste that factory farms expel in Washington each yea...↓

This new permit is completely inadequate to prevent further pollution of our increasingly scarce water. The draft permit doesn't even require basic technology that will prevent pollution from reaching our waters or sufficient monitoring to actually determine whether operations are polluting. It doesn't acknowledge the science showing decades of damage to our waterways or even require factory farms to report on all the waste they're creating! The Department of Ecology's own reports on impaired waterways note decades-long damage to Washington watersheds, yet the draft CAFO general permit listed many unknowns, when the information is known by the Department of Ecology.

We need a permit that can protect us through the next five years of our climate crisis. We cannot suffer another five years of this industry's unchecked pollution, especially those Washingtonians who live in the Yakima Valley whose drinking water is already dangerously contaminated

I expect the Department of Ecology to follow the court order and uphold its obligations to rural communities, tribes, and all of us that depend on clean water and a stable climate.

I appreciate this opportunity to comment on both the draft CAFO general permit AND the associated SEPA DNS.
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Comment From: Sylvia Morales

8/16/22 @ 11:27 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise liv...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Silvia Morales

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Robert Dickenson

8/16/22 @ 11:02 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Ms. Morris,

Please protect home operations such as mine who tend animals and birds for personal and extended family consumption. I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and...↓

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food without raising expenses even higher with permitting fees.

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.



Cordially yours,
Robert Dickenson
24802 S 2009 PR SE
Kennewick, WA 99337
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Comment From: Kurt Snyder

8/16/22 @ 10:56 AM
The CAFO rules go way too far and are too general allowing government (Washington Dept of Ecology), to stop anyone from growing their own food. Small farmers are the most self-regulating people I've ever dealt with. If you are REALLY concerned about ...↓
Thank you,
Kurt Snyder
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Comment From: Robert W Teeter

8/16/22 @ 10:49 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise liv...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Robert w Teeter

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: Foggy 48 Farms, LLC (Sharalyn Peterson)

8/16/22 @ 10:43 AM
Dear Chelsea,
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus. Applying CAFO standards to small farming operations will be devastating to local food production and our overall food s...↓

Sincerely,
Sharalyn Peterson
Foggy 48 Farms, LLC
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Comment From: Marilyn Dickenson

8/16/22 @ 10:39 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Ms. Morris,

Please protect home operations such as mine who tend animals and birds for personal and extended family consumption. I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted ...↓

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food without raising expenses even higher with permitting fees.

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.



Cordially yours,
Marilyn Dickenson
24802 S 2009 PR SE
Kennewick, WA 99337
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Comment From: JoAnne Handlan

8/16/22 @ 10:36 AM
I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.

Applying CAFO standards to small opera...↓

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.
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Comment From: Tanja Baucken

8/16/22 @ 10:29 AM
We are property and business owners in rural Thurston County. We do not own any livestock ourselves and protection of water quality is an important issue for us. We chose to make our home of 30 years in a county with a rural lifestyle on purpose. We...↓
We applaud efforts to protect the quality of our drinking water and are not opposed to regulations in light of an ever growing population, but also strongly believe that the ability to raise livestock and grow vegetables on a reasonable (family sized/neighborhood sized) scale should remain a lifestyle choice available to everyone without permits or applications.
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Comment From: Dwayne Boggs

8/16/22 @ 10:29 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise liv...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Dwayne Boggs

August 17, 2022
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Comment From: brett hopkins

8/16/22 @ 10:24 AM
This is ridiculous. You are going to hurt family run ranches and dairies even more. You are acting like communists and should be disgusted with yourself.

Want to make a difference? Advocate for rotationally grazing herds for regenerative agriculture.
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Comment From: Carolynn Bradley

8/16/22 @ 10:20 AM
I grew up on a farm and find these proposed CAFO rules not helpful or constructive. I do oppose them.
Sincerely, Carolynn Bradley on August 16 2022
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Comment From: Susan Baron

8/16/22 @ 10:19 AM
August 16, 2022

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced food.
Applying C...↓

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts.
Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.
Respectfully,

Susan Baron
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Comment From: Beth Simmons

8/16/22 @ 10:18 AM
Chelsea Morris
Washington Department of Ecology
PO Box 47696,
Olympia WA 98504-7696

Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted and concur with the comments of Okanogan, Thurston and Yakima County Farm Bureaus.

We need to work with those who raise liv...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Beth Simmons
August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Dan Meifert

8/16/22 @ 10:06 AM
After reading the proposed CAFO rules I am opposed to them.
Dan Meifert 16 AUG 2022
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Comment From: Jerry Fitzgerald

8/16/22 @ 10:02 AM
Attachments:

Comment From: Hannah Parypa

8/16/22 @ 9:51 AM
Dear Chelsea,

I oppose the CAFO rules as drafted - homesteaders, 4-H groups, and other small time producers would be adversely and disproportionately affected.

We need to work with those who raise livestock on a small scale providing locally sourced fo...↓

Applying CAFO standards to small operations, will be devastating to local food production and our overall food security.

Ecology must recognize the work of the Voluntary Stewardship Program and local conservation districts. Instead of regulating, Ecology needs to encourage participation in these voluntary programs, proven to protect water quality.

Sincerely,

Hannah

August 16, 2022
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Comment From: Orca Conservancy (Shari Tarantino)

8/16/22 @ 9:45 AM
Please add the following comment from Orca Conservancy to the administrative record.
Attachments:

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