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There are solutions for clean water, but the solution must be 

 tailored to the specific problem. Example: Iowa made a significant 

 improvement In water quality In the Big Springs area of Iowa by 

 cleaning up the sinkholes, not allowing any water or waste discharge 

 into sinkholes, and restricting the use of certain ag chemicals. This 

 Improvement took over 10 years. 



Throughout agriculture, the use of BMP ' s and the continued 

 research to update BMP's Is valuable. It la crucial that BMP's are 

 driven by science and not emotions If goals are to be achieved. 



Example: On an emotional level, animal nutrients are much safer 

 than "Chemical" fertilizer. In reality, the soil, plants, or 

 scientists can not identify a nitrates source once It Is in solution. 



1 want to be abl« to continue to farm. During the 80 's, i had 

 to sell 80 acres to reduce debt. I had no debt forgiven and I am 

 working at paying down my debt. I am financially strapped as to what 

 new environmental procedures i can Implement. I am willing to do my 

 share to protect the environment, but as science finds new and better 

 ways to protect our water resources, I will need funding attached to 

 legislation If I am to be the good steward of the resources I manage. 



Some would recommend the ultimate nitrate solution Is to plug 

 the tiles. However, If this Is done, I would Immediately return to 

 1901 and my tillable acres farmed would drop by almost 50* and the 

 50* lost would be the most productive ground. This is truly not a 

 reasonable solution for anyone; 



1. For me personally, because this kind of losa would very 

 definitely bankrupt me 



