Water-quality permits to be discussed, updated

Public listening sessions are scheduled for later this month in Zillah and Bellingham as the state begins work to update the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation General Permit.

The permit issued by the Washington Department of Ecology protects public waters by focusing on how animal manure is managed at facilities that confine large numbers of livestock, poultry or other animals.

Nutrients, bacteria and pathogens in the manure can harm the health of fish-bearing waters, shellfish beds and the groundwater we drink.

Washington’s current general permit expired in 2011, so an updated permit is n...