“Michigan Supreme Court Takes Stand Against Manure Pollution in Waterways”

The recent decision by the Michigan Supreme Court on July 31 has strengthened the authority of the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to require industrial animal agriculture to take stronger actions to manage the manure waste polluting waterways. This decision has been seen as a significant victory for environmental advocates and could potentially influence how other state and federal regulators oversee the industry’s waste stream.

Michigan is facing rampant ground and surface water pollution caused by agricultural production, with Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) being a key source of contamination. The state has close to 300 CAFOs that house dairy cows, hogs, and poultry, generating billions of gallons of untreated waste each year. This waste contains toxic levels of nitrates, phosphorus, and harmful bacteria, which often leach into water sources, contributing to pollution and algal blooms.

The court ruling now empowers EGLE to take various actions to protect water quality, including requiring CAFOs to treat manure in wastewater facilities, install monitoring networks to prevent leaks, and meet state limits for pollutants in water. This decision has been praised by environmental advocates who hope that EGLE will hold these facilities accountable for their pollution, setting an example for regulatory agencies nationwide.

The Michigan Farm Bureau, representing agricultural producers, expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating that it could make it harder for farmers to do business in the state. However, CAFO opponents in other states, such as Wisconsin and Indiana, see the Michigan decision as a positive step towards protecting waterways and are hopeful that similar measures will be taken in their states.

This ruling marks the end of 20 years of weak oversight of CAFOs in Michigan and could have broader implications for how these operations are regulated across the country. It also aligns with efforts by the EPA to address discharges from CAFOs and restore the integrity of the nation’s waters. Overall, the decision is seen as a significant win for water protection and environmental advocacy in the agricultural industry.