Clean Air Agency delays decision on dairy policy

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A dairy emissions policy now set for adoption next month likely will emphasize a voluntary approach to reducing pollutants that travel off dairy farms.

The Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency board tabled the policy Thursday and asked that it be brought back in March with changes.

A significant change will put off until October at the earliest a requirement that dairies not complying voluntarily be required to register and pay a $439 annual fee.

Dairy interests encouraged the board to avoid mandatory registration.

The policy, developed because of complaints by neighbors about dust and odors, was tested for 11 months at 15 dairy sites that account for half the 120,000 dairy cows in the county.

Agency officials described the test period as successful.

"You want to reward the people who are trying to comply, and those who don't want to comply don't continue to be rewarded," said Chairman Tom Gasseling, a Lower Valley hop grower.

He added the fee is relatively small and will help improve air quality in the Valley.

Director Bill Lover, a city of Yakima representative on the board, said he believes compliance should be voluntary, calling the policy a good start.

Opponents have criticized the policy for lacking baseline data to determine its effectiveness. They have asked that it be redrafted with citizen input.

The policy calls for dairies to submit air-quality management plans that employ a series of measures to reduce the amount of chemical compounds, dust and odors that escape from their operations. The county has about 70 dairy operations.

Steve George of Moxee, a consultant representing the Yakima Valley Dairy Federation, said a voluntary program would achieve greater results.

"If you turn to regulation, there might be some push back and reluctance to move forward as fast as the industry has," he said.

Genny DeRuyter, who operates an Outlook dairy with her husband, Jake, that participated in the pilot test, also favored voluntary compliance.

"We want to demonstrate to people who buy our product we have a sustainable operation and value our natural resources," she said. "There is not a lot to be gained by implementing a mandatory program now."

* David Lester can be reached at 509-577-7674 or dlester@yakimaherald.com.