The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have filed a motion in the Eastern District Court of Washington to compel three large dairies in Lower Yakima Valley to test wells and provide alternative drinking water to affected homes. The agencies claim that these dairies, which collectively house over 30,000 animals, have failed to control nitrate contamination as required by a 2013 agreement with the EPA.
Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA Region 10’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, emphasized the urgency: “People who live near these dairies are at risk. It is critical that the dairies follow through on what they promised to do to protect their neighbors.”
Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, stated: “Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws ensures a healthy community for all families.”
The motion seeks immediate court action to mandate continued groundwater monitoring by the dairies, offer nitrate testing within a specific area south and southwest of their operations, provide alternative drinking water solutions where necessary, maintain treatment units in affected homes, and inspect a damaged lagoon suspected of leaking nitrates.
The EPA has also urged residents within this region to get their wells tested due to potential nitrate contamination from dairy operations. Nitrate exposure poses significant health risks including methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome," particularly dangerous for infants and pregnant individuals.
The complaint against the dairies follows findings from 2010 when the EPA identified significant nitrate contamination in Lower Yakima Valley wells. Approximately 9,300 private wells serve this area’s drinking water needs. The focus remains on three large dairy operations in Granger where nitrate levels are notably high.
Dairy waste management practices contribute significantly to nitrate levels in groundwater if not managed properly. Efforts are underway with state agencies like the Washington Department of Health to mitigate this issue through educational outreach and funding initiatives aimed at improving groundwater quality.
Nitrate's health risks include reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in blood cells leading to various symptoms that can manifest quickly after exposure. The EPA advises against using high-nitrate water for infant formula preparation but considers it generally safe for bathing adults while cautioning caretakers about infants ingesting bathwater.
Residents are advised not to boil contaminated water as it increases nitrate concentration. Alternative water sources should be used for washing baby-related items and rinsing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
