12-3-2018
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington State Dairy Federation is challenging rules meant to protect groundwater, saying it will delay fertilizing crops with manure.
The Capital Press reports that Washington State Department of Ecology rules prohibit spreading manure until temperatures are above freezing for a prolonged period.
In their lawsuit, the federation says the formula will work in western Washington’s milder climate but prevent fertilizing in eastern Washington’s colder climate until mid-March in some cases.
The federation says that delay will deprive crops of nutrients without any benefit to water quality.