9 IEPA REGULATES OPERATION OF ALL LIVESTOCK FARMS All livestock farms in Illinois must comply with IEPA’s rules that require operation of the farm in a manner that does not cause air or water pollution. In August 2014, IEPA’s livestock rules were strengthened to meet federal requirements under the CWA. IEPA’s regulatory program focuses on location and protection of farms and manure handling facilities, handling and storage of manure, field application of manure, agency inspections, and federally enforceable permits. USEPA has delegated its authority to IEPA as it relates to the regulation of livestock, but USEPA remains actively involved in the program. USEPA can also conduct on-site inspections and address environmental issues occurring at livestock farms on its own. THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF ILLINOIS’ LIVESTOCK FARMS OPERATE YEAR-ROUND WITHOUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT According to IEPA data, the number of environmental complaints submitted to IEPA regarding livestock farms is currently at an all-time low. From 1986 to 2017, the highest number of total complaints received by IEPA was in 1996 with 259, and the lowest number of total complaints was in 2017 with 24.11 (See fig. 3.) During this 32-year time frame, there is a trend showing a declining number of complaints submitted to IEPA regarding livestock farms. The number of complaints is a valid measure of environmental performance since a complaint can be submitted to IEPA by any citizen for any type and size of livestock farm and requires IEPA follow up. It is also easier to file a complaint now than ever before. 99.9 PERCENT OF ILLINOIS LIVESTOCK FARMS DID NOT RECEIVE ANY WATER POLLUTION OR ODOR COMPLAINTS IN 2017.12 THIS DATA PROVES THAT ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ARE AN EXTREMELY RARE OCCURRENCE AND CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS ARE WORKING. 127 157 171 183 161162 170 184 197195 259 182 192 146 129129 140 121 130 110 92 122122 85 66 76 103 58 81 44 43 24 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Number of Complaints to IEPA Total Livestock Related Complaints to IEPA (includes water pollution and odor complaints) Total Livestock Related Complaints to IEPA (includes water pollution and odor complaints) fig. 3 fig. 3: IEPA, Livestock Facility Investigation Reports (1986-2017) - *no data available for 2015.