EPA sour on So-Cal dairies

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has threatened to milk several Southern California dairy operators of up to $32,500 per day for violations of wastewater-discharge regulations.

Six dairies located in Chino, Ontario and Mira Loma have been ordered by the EPA to clean up their acts, after the federal agency cited the facilities for failing to properly contain manure. Runoff from the waste could pollute groundwater or the nearby Santa Ana River, say officials.

This recent spate of violations in the Chino area is the fourth round addressed by the EPA since 2000. To help dairies comply with regional, state and federal regulations the agency recommends dairies seek assistance from the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, a voluntary environmental stewardship program.