LARGE SCALE LIVESTOCK LEGISLATION PASSES HOUSE COMMITTEE

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that legislation governing the construction of large livestock facilities has passed the House Agricultural Committee and will move on for consideration by the full House.

"This bill represents the best efforts of many people to keep our agricultural economy moving forward while making sure that these large operations do not endanger the environment or harm the quality of life," Ryan said. "This is an agreement that everyone concerned with the future of the state's agricultural economy can live with."

The legislation, contained in Senate Bill 1199, follows the criteria for a large-scale livestock operations that Ryan outlined during his campaign for governor: Construction also cannot begin until the Department of Agriculture has certified that the owners and operators' plans have met eight citing requirements.

The designs and plans for these facilities must meet all necessary registrations and permits; cannot endanger the surrounding environment; cannot be incompatible with the surrounding area; must have stricter controls if the site is within an environmentally sensitive area; must minimize the likelihood of spills and run-offs; must have an acceptable odor control plan; must have a minimal effect on existing local traffic; and must be consistent with other local projects involving community growth, tourism, recreation or economic development.