Commission wants odor control applied to more Missouri farms

JEFFERSON CITY— Missouri pollution regulators want to expand the state's oversight of agricultural odors to more farms.

The Missouri Air Conservation Commission is proposing that a greater number of concentrated animal feeding operations face odor standards. The size of animal feeding operations is determined using animal units, which vary depending upon the size and type of animal.

The commission also wants to require odor control plans as part of the construction permit process for large animal farms, wastewater treatment plants and other facilities that could generate foul smells.

The proposed changes emerged from a series of recommendations made last year by a panel of livestock industry members, environmental activists and state regulators. The commission plans to publish a draft rule and seek additional public comment.