In response to a question from The Bloomington Alternative about CAFO inspection, IDEM spokeswoman Amy Hartsock provided the following explanation.

"Compliance inspection procedures are essentially the same for CFOs and CAFOs. Inspections consist of a full review of facility records and a full review of the physical characteristics of the facility. Inspectors follow checklists pertaining to the regulatory requirements for CFOs and CAFOs. The length of time for inspections varies according to the size of the facility and whether compliance issues are observed and need to be addressed. The minimum length of time for an inspection is generally 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Additional time may be spent, as appropriate.

"For new facilities, IDEM staff conducts a compliance assistance site visit during the first six months of operation, to help ensure operators and owners understand and can meet their environmental responsibilities. (For new permitted facilities, IDEM staff members conduct at least one inspection--more, if appropriate--during the construction phase.) During the second six months of a facility's operation, IDEM staff conducts a routine compliance inspection.

"We would like to note that Indiana's regulations go above and beyond what is required by the federal government. It's my understanding our program is one of only a few that regulate operations at the state level. IDEM works to provide technical assistance, through our compliance assistance group, to help ensure all owners and operators understand and can meet Indiana's performance standards."