Compromise Reached on Controversial Dairy Rule

By Sarah Gustavus

Albuqueruque, New Mexico –

An agreement has been reached on a controversial dairy industry rule that was created in 2009 to monitor ground water quality near New Mexico dairy farms to prevent pollution. Industry leaders say the rule requiring water monitors and lining systems was too expensive for dairy farmers. They appealed in court earlier this year. After months of negotiation, a compromise was reached last week. Ryan Flynn is a lawyer with the New Mexico Environment Department. Under the new rule, monitoring wells are still required, but the location will now be determined by an independent mediator, instead of the state environment department.