A bill in the Iowa House of Representatives could allow factory farms more latitude in control of air quality emissions.

House Study Bill 695 would allow higher levels of anhydrous ammonia and hydrogen sulfide into the air than recommended by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Those levels would directly affect corporate or “factory” farms by lowering air quality standards.

The first public hearing was Monday with 30 speakers, 15 in favor of the bill and 15 against, said Rep. Jane Greimann, D-Ames. She said she supports those arguing against the bill and hopes the governor will veto it if it passes.

“Some states want more stringent emission levels, especially mercury emissions,” Greimann said. “We have a chance to regulate the mercury levels, and this bill would hinder that.”

HSB 695 would allow 70 parts per billion of hydrogen sulfide and 150 parts per billion of anhydrous ammonia in the air at the property lines of factory farms, said Louie Fallesen, member of Iowa Center for Community Involvement.

These measurements would be taken at a certain time after the release of the chemicals, which are used for pesticides, said Wendy Powers, assistant professor of animal science.

Powers said she feels the levels proposed are appropriate, as long as the measurement of the levels is consistent with the concentration of the emission and measurement location.

The bill would allow people who suspect a farm is exceeding the 70 parts per billion of hydrogen sulfide to file a claim against the farm, said Dwaine Bundy, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering. This claim would lead to a testing process of one to 15 days.

“The major purpose of the bill is to protect the people living near factory farms,” Bundy said. “Most livestock units would meet the standards [set by the bill]. It has been determined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry that these levels would not affect the elderly or fragile children.”

Fallesen said he doesn’t believe the bill would do any good for anyone near a factory farm or for the air quality of the state. The levels should be made more stringent, he said.

“There are definitely health issues associated with weaker levels [of emission standards,]” Fallesen said.

“Big money is the one pushing for the weaker levels. It is hard for common people to fight [big money] at the Statehouse.”