LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency plans to hold a public meeting in western Nebraska to explain how it monitors feedlots for pollution.

Recently, the EPA's methods have been criticized by Rep. Adrian Smith, who represents western Nebraska, and other members of Congress because of the aerial surveillance flights the agency has been using. Smith says he's concerned about landowners' privacy.

The EPA has defended the flyovers it has been using for a decade as a cost-effective way to monitor animal feedlots that may be polluting water.

EPA officials say the agency is focusing more on stopping pollution from livestock operations.

Officials from EPA's regional office will be in Lexington on Monday to answer questions. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lexington's Holiday Inn Express.