BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Cattle feed lot operators failed to limit public access to state inspection reports that determine whether operators are safely getting rid of their cows' manure.

Under a measure approved by the Senate 26-6 Friday, operators who fatten hundreds of cows in confined spaces would continue to keep detailed plans on how they spread or sell their cattle waste confidential.

The Idaho Cattle Association had also lobbied to make the Department of Agriculture's yearly reports confidential. But lawmakers altered the bill earlier this week to keep the routine feedlot inspection accounts public.

Courtney Washburn is the community conservation director for the Idaho Conservation League. She says the public should have access to inspection reports to make sure the state is monitoring water quality.

Copyright 2010 The AP.