Cow Feed May Be Causing Valley Air Problem (Calif)

[Kadie]

Apr 22, 2010 1:19 pm US/Pacific
Cow Feed May Be Causing Valley Air Problem

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) ― A new study is shedding light on what may be the real cause of unusually high ozone levels in California's San Joaquin Valley.

For years, scientists have focused on dairy cow manure and flatulence, but now scientists believe it's more about what goes into the animals than what comes out.

Tons of fermenting cattle feed may be the answer to why smog is highest in the valley, despite having less vehicle traffic than large cities.

The study by University of California, Davis researchers found that gasses emitted as silage ferments turns oxygen into ozone.

The finding has prompted local air officials to look at new rules for handling cattle feed. This summer, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District will consider requiring that dairies bag their silage, which could cut ozone emissions by 90 percent.

http://cbs13.com/local/cow.feed.pollution.2.1650620.html