The Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors has unanimously approved $150,000 to help Sac, Buena Vista and Calhoun counties to defend themselves against a federal lawsuit brought by the Des Moines Water Works. Association CEO Kirk Leeds says they’re supporting the counties because if successful, the lawsuit would impact farmers across the state and this will bring a quicker end to the case. However, they believe the counties being sued will win and get the legal action thrown out.
He says the court action takes away from the cooperative and proactive approach farmers have taken on water quality and nutrient management.
He says the lawsuit is also hurting efforts by farmers and the Water Works group itself from implementing programs and practices to address water quality.
The lawsuit filed in March of 2015 charges the county supervisors allegedly allowed nitrates coming from 10 drainage districts to pollute the Raccoon River, a primary water source for 500,000 customers. The case is scheduled to go to trial next June.
