Sound Science: The Deafening Cry of Stall Tactics
Time and again the agriculture industry is identified as the largest contributor to water quality impairment in Illinois, chiefly through polluted agricultural runoff. Yet, spokespeople for the Illinois Farm Bureau often call for "sound science" that would link polluted agricultural runoff to downstream water quality problems, ignoring the volumes of data that exist on polluted runoff.
Polluted runoff includes siltation and sedimentation, excessive nutrients in water from fertilizers, animal wastes and agricultural chemicals.
By continually calling for "sound science" the Illinois Farm Bureau implies that the mountain of scientific studies linking agriculture to water quality problems is not sound. This charge is a tactic that delays the implementation of solutions, including enforcement of existing laws. It also shifts the burden of proof away from the polluter and onto the taxpayers.
A case in point
The Farm Bureau continues to call for further studies concerning
the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone," a 6,000 square mile area where
marine life is virtually non-existent. Oxygen levels in the water
have dropped below that necessary to support marine life because
of excess nutrients transported from the Mississippi River Basin.
The Farm Bureau refuses to accept that polluted agricultural runoff
is the cause.
Though scientific studies already have linked agricultural fertilizers to the problem, the Farm Bureau states, doggedly, "We believe that any policies made regarding the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia area must be backed by sound, scientific research" (1999 IFB Policy Resolutions, Section 16).
The organization adds, "Illinois Farm Bureau and its allies should use all means at their disposal to address the issue in a way that gives proper consideration to the impacts it has on agricultural production" (Section16).
Can the Farm Bureau turn down the volume on the scientific community?
The call for further studies ignores the volumes of scientific
studies performed by reputable researchers and subjected to peer
review before publication. Many studies point to agriculture as
the major cause of water quality impairment.
• Illinois EPA (IEPA) reported in 1998 that over 85 percent of all river and stream miles impaired by pollution in Illinois are impaired by agricultural runoff.
• In a separate report on water resources, IEPA noted that "increasing amounts of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrite/nitrate have been identified in some rivers that are likely the result of nonpoint source pollution (mainly from agricultural activities)" (IEPA, Condition of Illinois Water Resources).
• The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has stated "a highly significant trend is toward increased concentrations of substances in common agricultural use such as phosphorous and nitrate nitrogen" (Critical Trends Assessment Project Summary Report, 1994).
• In the Lake Decatur area, the Upper Sangamon River Watershed Committee has viewed or funded a large number of studies and monitoring reports indicating that agriculture is the source of the watershed's water quality problems. At least six studies have been done on nitrates alone.
• At an IEPA meeting on drinking water contamination, Illinois Farm Bureau and Growmark were asked to provide fertilizer sales information, which would help scientists more accurately gauge the impacts of agricultural runoff. Growmark representative Jean Trobec objected, saying the figures were not public information.
The public can turn to a number of websites that offer reliable
information on agricultural runoff and its impacts:
Many studies and many researchers have concluded that agricultural pollution is the leading cause of water quality problems. Science already proves this to be true.
If science were a goal of Illinois Farm Bureau, we already would have arrived at a remedy for water quality impairment. But the Farm Bureau will likely continue its calls for further research -- in an effort to forestall any attempt at a real solution.
How to contact Prairie Rivers Network:
Phone: 217-344-2371
Fax: 217-344-2381
Web: http://prairierivers.org
E-mail: info@prairierivers.org
Mail: 809 South Fifth Street, Champaign, IL 61820
