Cattle feedlot operators Wickstrum Farms Inc. and Wickstrum Cattle LLC in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, have agreed to pay $70,000 in civil penalties. This settlement resolves alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, as announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA reported that these companies did not comply with several permit requirements under the Clean Water Act, leading to pollution discharges into local streams.
“Unauthorized pollution discharges threaten the health of our nation’s waters and public use and enjoyment of those waters,” said David Cozad, Director of the EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protecting watersheds and creating a level playing field for businesses who are complying with the law.”
In documents related to the settlement, it is stated that approximately 9,862 cattle were housed at the facilities. During an inspection in 2023, uncontrolled discharges from these feedlots were found entering tributaries to Pleasant Run Creek. The operators have since implemented additional runoff controls to address these issues.
Pollution from manure, feed, and other animal waste can include nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, organic matter, solids, pathogens, and odorous compounds.
Under federal law outlined in the Clean Water Act, animal feeding operations above certain livestock numbers must obtain permits and adhere to them to minimize pollution runoff. Failure to do so may result in legal violations.
