Environmental Leader

Yesterday, six groups banded together to file suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over new farm reporting polices. The rule in question exempts dairies and other livestock farms from the mandatory alert system that tells officials when toxic emissions reach unsafe levels.

Earthjustice claims that this exemption threatens the lives of people who live or work near the farms, especially near lagoon areas that are used to store urine and feces. These lagoons are a dangerous source of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which can case health problems in both children and adults.

Previously, all large-scale farms had to notify the government when air pollution levels hit an unsafe level. The exemption rule is set to go into effect on Tuesday.

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