The largest feedlot in Washington state located in Burbank could be required to implement further water quality protections. 

The state Department of Ecology is seeking public feedback on an updated clean water permit for Simplot Feeders. The 705-acre feedlot typically has 40,000 head of cattle on site, with capacity for 100,000. The facility has had its current permit administratively extended since 2005, according to Ecology. 

Ecology is proposing the following requirements in Simplot’s state waste discharge permit:  

• Lined lagoon wastewater systems engineered to prevent overflows and protect groundwater and wildlife. 
• Enhanced groundwater monitoring to prevent nitrate contamination. 
• Stricter land application requirements to ensure nitrogen and other contaminants are not applied in excess or in a manner that could lead to polluted runoff. 
• Operational upgrades.  

“The permit updates reflect our commitment to protecting public health and the environment while supporting Washington’s agricultural industry,” said Adriane Borgias, Ecology’s Eastern Region Water Quality manager. “By managing bacteria and excess nutrients the right way, we can better protect the Columbia River, groundwater, drinking water and wildlife.”  

Ecology will accept public comments on the draft permit through June 11.  

Comments can be made online or by mailing them to: Llyn Doremus, WQP-Department of Ecology, Eastern Regional Office, 4601 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99205.

The agency also will host a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. May 13 on the permit, where attendees can hear a presentation from Ecology, ask questions and provide comments if they choose. Spanish language interpretation will be available. Registration is required.  

Ecology is under pressure to strengthen its regulations for pollution discharge permits.  

The state Pollution Control Hearings Board recently ordered the agency to rewrite regulations governing concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, which are issued to dairy cow operations. An Ecology spokeswoman said the Simplot permit is not affected by the ruling but “we did, however, work to ensure consistence with the general permit requirements.”