The EPA has taken enforcement actions against six concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. The EPA targeted the feeding operations as part of EPA Region 7’s heightened concentration on reducing pollution generated by CAFOs. Specifically, the EPA compelled the operations to comply with or apply for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

Two CAFOs, located in Kansas and Nebraska, paid EPA fines of $10,800 and $20,000 respectively for improper handling of manure and wastewater. The remaining four CAFOs, located in Iowa, are subject to EPA administrative compliance orders, which require the CAFOs to apply for NPDES permits. The EPA classified each feeding operation as a medium or large CAFO. According to the EPA, medium CAFOs cause “significant water quality problems” and are now an EPA enforcement priority.