Category: Environment

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State’s bill for 2024 flood response and recovery is $3.5 million, officials say

Gary Dickson

In the wake of the June 2024 flooding in South Dakota, recovery costs are estimated at nearly $3.5 million. The state seeks $5 million from the legislature to cover expenses, with FEMA contributing $2.9 million toward community recovery efforts, highlighting ongoing disaster response challenges. Continue reading State’s bill for 2024 flood response and recovery is $3.5 million, officials say

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State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

Gary Dickson

South Dakota faces potential lawsuits from McCook Lake property owners due to severe flood damage linked to state flood diversion efforts. Residents allege inadequate warning and communication about the risks as authorities diverted floodwaters, resulting in devastation. State officials defended their actions while acknowledging the gravity of the situation and ongoing legal concerns. Continue reading State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

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Dairy in northwest Iowa to pay $38K for fish kill, manure spill in July

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has ordered Roorda Dairy to pay over $38,000 due to a manure spill that killed over 107,000 fish in Mud Creek. The dairy must also submit its operating procedures for manure management for approval following an incident caused by a ruptured tile line during manure application. Continue reading Dairy in northwest Iowa to pay $38K for fish kill, manure spill in July

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‘Wild places are worth fighting for’: Concern grows for receding South Dakota wetlands

Gary Dickson

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA has weakened federal protections for wetlands, threatening conservation efforts and accelerating habitat loss, particularly in South Dakota. Conservationists, like John Cooper, emphasize the need to incentivize wetland preservation over agricultural expansion to combat climate change and support wildlife ecosystems essential for future generations. Continue reading ‘Wild places are worth fighting for’: Concern grows for receding South Dakota wetlands

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Bird flu detected in Iowa flock for fourth time in less than a week

Gary Dickson

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County, Iowa. Four cases were confirmed recently, prompting a disaster proclamation from Governor Reynolds. The risk to humans remains low as officials encourage monitoring and biosecurity measures. Continue reading Bird flu detected in Iowa flock for fourth time in less than a week

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New report shows 10 years of agriculture spills into Iowa waterways

Gary Dickson

A report by Food and Water Watch analyzed nearly 200 manure spills in Iowa between 2013 and 2023, highlighting northwest Iowa’s high spill concentration linked to animal feeding operations. It urged stricter regulations, citing inadequate enforcement and underreporting of incidents. The report calls for more accountability for corporate polluters in Iowa. Continue reading New report shows 10 years of agriculture spills into Iowa waterways

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Sioux County 

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Department of Agriculture reported a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) at a commercial egg farm in Sioux County, prompting Governor Kim Reynolds to issue a disaster proclamation. This outbreak marks Iowa’s fourth detection of bird flu this year, necessitating enhanced monitoring and biosecurity measures for all poultry producers. Continue reading Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Sioux County 

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Union of Concerned Scientists pushes for wetland protections in Farm Bill

Gary Dickson

A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists highlights the critical status of wetlands in the Upper Midwest, which provide annual flood protections valued at $23 billion. It advocates for inclusion in the upcoming Farm Bill to counteract damage from industrial agriculture and recent legal challenges, ensuring wetlands’ preservation and ongoing benefits. Continue reading Union of Concerned Scientists pushes for wetland protections in Farm Bill

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More Iowa puppy mills, including two from Siouxland, cited for federal violations

Gary Dickson

During the third quarter of 2024, six Iowa dog breeders and kennels were cited for a total of 19 federal regulatory violations. Issues included inadequate veterinary care and poor sanitation. Iowa ranked third for violations nationwide, with notable offenders being Furever Paws, Stonehenge Kennels, and Century Farm Puppies. Continue reading More Iowa puppy mills, including two from Siouxland, cited for federal violations

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Iowa environmental groups seek to intervene in ‘swampbuster’ lawsuit

Gary Dickson

An Iowa company is challenging federal law that prevents farming on designated wetlands, claiming it imposes unconstitutional conditions for accessing USDA benefits without compensation. Sustainable agriculture groups intervene, arguing losing the law would threaten environmental preservation and exacerbate flooding and erosion issues. The case highlights critical discussions on land use and conservation. Continue reading Iowa environmental groups seek to intervene in ‘swampbuster’ lawsuit