Federal scientists have measured the largest dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico in recent history which is roughly the size of New Jersey. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the dead zone was fed by nutrient pollution coming primarily from farms as well as urban and suburban runoff. Iowa Soybean Association President Rolland Schnell says he’s concerned agriculture is being blamed for a large part of that runoff.

He says his group is working with a coalition to come up with legislation to address water quality and runoff issues.

Schnell says farmers have been and are continuing to be environmentally responsible because they consume water just like urban residents do.

The runoff effecting the Dead Zone is what’s known as non point source pollution and is not federally regulated as well as being difficult to control.