(510 ILCS 77/5)
    Sec. 5. Policy.
    (a) The General Assembly finds the following:
        (1) Enhancements to the current regulations dealing
    
with livestock production facilities are needed.
        (2) The livestock industry is experiencing rapid
    
changes as a result of many different occurrences within the industry including increased sophistication of production technology, increased demand for capital to maintain or expand operations, and changing consumer demands for a quality product.
        (3) The livestock industry represents a major
    
economic activity in the Illinois economy.
        (4) The trend is for larger concentration of animals
    
at a livestock management facility due to various market forces.
        (5) Current regulation of the operation and
    
management of livestock production is adequate for today's industry with a few modifications.
        (6) Due to the increasing numbers of animals at a
    
livestock management facility, there is a potential for greater impacts on the immediate area.
        (7) Livestock waste lagoons must be constructed
    
according to standards to maintain structural integrity and to protect groundwater.
        (8) Since a majority of odor complaints result from
    
manure application, livestock producers must be provided with an educational program that will enhance neighbor awareness and their environmental management skills, with emphasis on management of livestock wastes.
    (b) Therefore, it is the policy of the State of Illinois to maintain an economically viable livestock industry in the State of Illinois while protecting the environment for the benefit of both the livestock producer and persons who live in the vicinity of a livestock production facility.
(Source: P.A. 89-456, eff. 5-21-96.)