BURBANK, Wash. – The Department of Ecology is requiring the Simplot cattle farm in Burbank to meet new wastewater discharge permit requirements. A public hearing was held to discuss these changes.
During the virtual meeting, the Department of Ecology outlined the need for Simplot to maintain nitrate levels at or below 34 milligrams per liter, despite the state standard being 10 milligrams per liter. Simplot is allowed this higher limit due to the upgraded wells having a higher concentration of nitrate.
“The reason that with this number is so much higher is that the upgraded wells have quite a bit higher concentration of nitrate in them than that limit. And we don’t expect this facility to clean the groundwater underneath that. We just do not want to degrade it,” said Llyn Doremus, Permit Manager with the Department of Ecology.
The new permit is designed to ensure water from the cattle farm is as clean as possible. Simplot’s facility currently houses around 40,000 cows and has the capacity for up to 100,000. The Department of Ecology highlighted the risk of disease outbreaks given the large number of cattle.
To address water runoff issues, Simplot will be required to upgrade several lagoons used for water runoff, which currently risk contamination with solid waste.
“The lagoons will be lined and a leak detection system will be installed. And the operation is important to ensuring that we don’t have anoxic conditions and potential botulism outbreaks,” added Doremus
Although no testimony was given during the meeting, the Department of Ecology is accepting public comments online and through mail until June 11. This is an opportunity for anyone with comments or concerns about the permit to share their thoughts.
