Missouri DNR Causes A Stink by Backing Hog Farm Odors

"JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has blocked an attempt to rein in emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations in the state.

In September, Missouri residents submitted petitions to the state, asking the Air Conservation Commission to issue new rules requiring owners of the feeding operations, known as CAFOs, to prepare odor control plans and limit hazardous emissions if the CAFO is within a mile of a school, residence or church.

Along with their petitions, the residents presented two affidavits from scientists attesting to the harmful health effects of emissions from the operations, which include hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.

Missouri's so-called "Odor Rule" for CAFOs only applies to the state's largest operations. The petitioners said planned CAFOs in Grundy, Callaway and Lewis counties would not trigger the rule because they would not house enough livestock."

Jack Suntrup reports for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch November 29, 2017.