While our son was at the neighbors the other day, we picked up our new 2006 Ford Escape from the dealer -- a gas conserving 4-cylinder -- much cleaner for the environment than either of our two older vehicles.
When we went to pick our son up, the neighbor's two little girls wanted to come along for a little drive we had planned... through the J-P F&W Reserve. We brought them along, much to their delight.
There were 4 things I wanted to make note of:
1. The water levels of the streams and water bodies on the reserve.
2. The proximity to the CAFO fans for the Target range.
3. The proximity of the CAFO to our favorite family fishing holes.
4. The proximity/direction of the Sandhill Crane observation deck and waters running through that area.
Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, the water in most of the small streams winding through the woods have dropped by almost an inch (basing this on the line green stems vs. old winter-dead stems above water level - not science). Considering the large amounts of precipitation we've had in the past week, I found this a bit disturbing.
Here's why...
When a large water-hogging industry enters an area, water tables tend to be affected further away (about 2 miles away, one site reported) before shortages are noticed as you get closer to the facility, from what I understand. It takes time for closer inhabitants to notice major differences.
The thousands of hogs have only been at the Jasper County CAFO for a week. Should water levels have gone down by a full inch owing to their water usage? The larger bodies of water and streams feeding into them at the J-P Reserve are about 1-1/2 to 2 miles from the CAFO.
We enjoyed our little hike through the woods, playing in the small playground, climbing onto the observation deck, watching hundreds of Sandhill Cranes coming in for the late afternoon/evening rest, and of course -- visiting our favorite little fishing holes.
It's difficult to say right now how much longer we have left to enjoy our little patch of nature in the heart of northwestern Indiana. My husband and I have both agreed to give it 2 more years here, providing the CAFO doesn't force us to move away before then.
I'll be taking several pictures and keeping you posted on developments in the months ahead as we take a front row seat and watch the impact a CAFO can have on such precious environmental habitat.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thursday, March 16, 2006
No Smell Yet
I know it's way too soon to tell, but I couldn't resist posting this.
Winds have been from the west and southwest lately, so even if there were any smells from the thousands of breeding sows that moved into Jasper County the other day, those smells are unlikely to reach our yard since we are 2,500 feet northwest of the hog factory.
The wind has been blowing directly at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife reserve.
Also, we've had a tremendous amount of rainfall these past 4 days. There's standing water everywhere! So, even though the CFO is now using about 50 gallons of freshwater per minute over there, it's doubtful that we would see any impact -- YET.
Yes, I'm worried. But you already know that.
Stay tuned. If/when something happens here, I'll definitely be writing about it!
On another random (related) topic, here's some interesting information I've uncovered for a Special Report I've been working on for BLV Health Watch. Copy of the first article on the subject follows:
New Research Presents Stronger Case For Organic Foods
"Nutrient levels in fruits, vegetables and some food crops have dramatically declined in the past 50 years." Source - FoodNavigator
Some scientists have been saying it for years, but Agricultural organizations and some government entities have been denying it and/or glossing it over. We're referring to the actual nutrients you are getting from foods today -- versus the nutrients you could/would have gotten had it been grown differently.
It's no secret that Agricultural practices have changed considerably over the past several decades. Most research by the Agricultural industry for better methods to produce fruits and vegetables have focused on:
- faster growth of crops
- higher yields of crops
- higher resistance to crop parasites and weeds
- and faster returns in revenues for farming in general.
Some experts believe this focus on efficiency has been at the cost of losing valuable nutrients, claiming those very same crops are no longer providing nutrition in sufficient quantities to bring the same benefits food has when grown organically (similar to methods used before so-called "efficiency experts" stepped in).
One such concerned expert is scientist Donald Davis, a biochemist at the University of Texas.
The primary reason for the decline in nutrient content and quality of several foods is the way the food is grown, processed and prepared, according to Davis.
“High-yield crops grow bigger or faster, but are not necessarily able to make or uptake sufficient nutrients to maintain their nutritional value,” said Davis at a recent meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in St Louis.
Recent studies of vegetables, fruits and wheat have revealed a 5 to 35 percent decline in concentrations of some vitamins, minerals and protein over the last half-century, a phenomenon that has come to be known as ‘the dilution effect.'
Davis makes a strong argument in favor of organic produce, stating “On average, antioxidant levels increased by about 30 percent in carefully designed comparative trials. Organically grown produce offers significantly enhanced health-promoting qualities, contributing to the achievement of important national public health goals.”
Now you might think this dilution effect applies only to fruits and vegetables.
Think again.
Dr. David Thomas, a primary healthcare practitioner and independent researcher recently made a comparison of government nutritional tables published in the UK in 1940, and again in 2002. The results are alarming...
For example, the iron content in 15 different varieties of meat had decreased on average by 47 percent, with some products showing a fall as high as 80 per cent, while the iron content of milk had dropped by over 60 per cent.
Copper and magnesium, essential for enzyme functioning, also showed losses in meat products. Magnesium levels have typically fallen by 10 per cent while copper levels have fallen by 60 per cent.
Stay tuned to BLV Health Watch. We'll be bringing a special free "white paper" in the months ahead that go into further detail on this very important subject.
It will give new meaning to the phrase, "You are what you eat."
Winds have been from the west and southwest lately, so even if there were any smells from the thousands of breeding sows that moved into Jasper County the other day, those smells are unlikely to reach our yard since we are 2,500 feet northwest of the hog factory.
The wind has been blowing directly at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife reserve.
Also, we've had a tremendous amount of rainfall these past 4 days. There's standing water everywhere! So, even though the CFO is now using about 50 gallons of freshwater per minute over there, it's doubtful that we would see any impact -- YET.
Yes, I'm worried. But you already know that.
Stay tuned. If/when something happens here, I'll definitely be writing about it!
On another random (related) topic, here's some interesting information I've uncovered for a Special Report I've been working on for BLV Health Watch. Copy of the first article on the subject follows:
New Research Presents Stronger Case For Organic Foods
"Nutrient levels in fruits, vegetables and some food crops have dramatically declined in the past 50 years." Source - FoodNavigator
Some scientists have been saying it for years, but Agricultural organizations and some government entities have been denying it and/or glossing it over. We're referring to the actual nutrients you are getting from foods today -- versus the nutrients you could/would have gotten had it been grown differently.
It's no secret that Agricultural practices have changed considerably over the past several decades. Most research by the Agricultural industry for better methods to produce fruits and vegetables have focused on:
- faster growth of crops
- higher yields of crops
- higher resistance to crop parasites and weeds
- and faster returns in revenues for farming in general.
Some experts believe this focus on efficiency has been at the cost of losing valuable nutrients, claiming those very same crops are no longer providing nutrition in sufficient quantities to bring the same benefits food has when grown organically (similar to methods used before so-called "efficiency experts" stepped in).
One such concerned expert is scientist Donald Davis, a biochemist at the University of Texas.
The primary reason for the decline in nutrient content and quality of several foods is the way the food is grown, processed and prepared, according to Davis.
“High-yield crops grow bigger or faster, but are not necessarily able to make or uptake sufficient nutrients to maintain their nutritional value,” said Davis at a recent meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in St Louis.
Recent studies of vegetables, fruits and wheat have revealed a 5 to 35 percent decline in concentrations of some vitamins, minerals and protein over the last half-century, a phenomenon that has come to be known as ‘the dilution effect.'
Davis makes a strong argument in favor of organic produce, stating “On average, antioxidant levels increased by about 30 percent in carefully designed comparative trials. Organically grown produce offers significantly enhanced health-promoting qualities, contributing to the achievement of important national public health goals.”
Now you might think this dilution effect applies only to fruits and vegetables.
Think again.
Dr. David Thomas, a primary healthcare practitioner and independent researcher recently made a comparison of government nutritional tables published in the UK in 1940, and again in 2002. The results are alarming...
For example, the iron content in 15 different varieties of meat had decreased on average by 47 percent, with some products showing a fall as high as 80 per cent, while the iron content of milk had dropped by over 60 per cent.
Copper and magnesium, essential for enzyme functioning, also showed losses in meat products. Magnesium levels have typically fallen by 10 per cent while copper levels have fallen by 60 per cent.
Stay tuned to BLV Health Watch. We'll be bringing a special free "white paper" in the months ahead that go into further detail on this very important subject.
It will give new meaning to the phrase, "You are what you eat."
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
The Pigs Arrived
Yesterday, at least 6 huge semi truck loads of pigs thundered past our home, headed for the Jasper County swine CAFO. It was a full hour later when we saw the first of them drive back empty.
Considering the weather has been absolutely miserable these past 4 days -- high winds, tons of rain -- they must have had quite a "muddy mess" on their hands. We're still holding our breath here to find out what kind of "mess" it will mean for us.
Did I mention the giant exhaust fans from the building are pointed directly at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Reserve?
We drove through Area 8 of the Reserve on our way to the CAFO Open House, and noticed some preliminary cutting has already been done in preparation for the controlled burn happening there this summer. The forested area is only about 30 feet from the CAFO monster fans. Beyond the forested area (much of which will be gone after the controlled burn) is the shooting range.
Interestingly enough, prevailing winds in our area generally point in that direction, too.
One poor fellow has to go to the shooting range and unlock it each morning, then remain there all day to supervise anyone using it ...he has to stay there all day long. Imagine... he'll actually be closer to the CAFO than we are -- and directly in the path of those fans once the controlled burn has been completed.
I already feel sorry for him!
Sadly enough, about a mile and a half further in the same direction is the bird observation deck.
Considering the weather has been absolutely miserable these past 4 days -- high winds, tons of rain -- they must have had quite a "muddy mess" on their hands. We're still holding our breath here to find out what kind of "mess" it will mean for us.
Did I mention the giant exhaust fans from the building are pointed directly at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Reserve?
We drove through Area 8 of the Reserve on our way to the CAFO Open House, and noticed some preliminary cutting has already been done in preparation for the controlled burn happening there this summer. The forested area is only about 30 feet from the CAFO monster fans. Beyond the forested area (much of which will be gone after the controlled burn) is the shooting range.
Interestingly enough, prevailing winds in our area generally point in that direction, too.
One poor fellow has to go to the shooting range and unlock it each morning, then remain there all day to supervise anyone using it ...he has to stay there all day long. Imagine... he'll actually be closer to the CAFO than we are -- and directly in the path of those fans once the controlled burn has been completed.
I already feel sorry for him!
Sadly enough, about a mile and a half further in the same direction is the bird observation deck.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Jasper County Hog Farm Open House
Although we were one of the few neighborhood families who DID NOT receive an invitation to the Belstra Milling Hog Farm Open House, we were one of the few close neighbors to attend.
To be fair ...they answered all our questions thoroughly and seriously.
In fact, they went to great limits to make sure we felt welcome and to forge a bond of friendship -- if at all possible.
Many of my fears were confirmed, and only a few of them have been addressed. They made a promise to us that they planned to operate this facility responsibly ...and that we should barely even notice they are there.
I told them we plan to hold them to their promise.
The answers to my question regarding manure treatment using one of the newer digester systems was fair, in that they claim they will not be producing enough manure at this facility to be able to feed such a digester unit. I'm no expert on these digesters, so I can't say if this is an honest answer -- but it was a fair answer.
I'm still upset by the lack of pathogen testing prior to knifing the manure into the ground. I'm still not satisfied by the possible impact on water tables in our area. And I'm not entirely happy with their comments regarding air quality ...and told them they will be hearing from us if their promises of us "not even noticing them" do not hold true.
At least they gave us the opportunity to see their side of the operation and the issues. And to be fair, at least we gave them the opportunity to show it to us.
BUT, as I expressed near the end of our tour, had they come into this area in an honest and open manner, instead of sliding in through the back door hoping no one would notice them until it was a "done deal" ...maybe -- just maybe -- we wouldn't be so defensive about the whole thing. It didn't speak well for "responsible" business ethics ...and Jon, the fellow in charge of us for this tour, agreed.
Interesting points we discovered on this tour.
A HUGE amount of their operation will be automated and carefully controlled/monitored by computer (with regards to feed). Each sow will receive their own portions of feed, delivered automatically through a computer controlled feeding system.
Special enzymes (called "green moss") will be added to their feed to ensure proper digestion, and hopefully eliminate and/or reduce a large amount of pathogens from their waste. Again, the amount of additive will be scientifically controlled and delivered via the automatic feeding system.
Even the "teaser bores" will be walked up and down the aisles in front of the confined sows (to get them "excited" and ready for insemination) will be done using a robotic leading system.
The building temperatures are also carefully monitored, section by section, to reveal any hidden "hot pockets" and ensure proper airflow ...with automatic controls in place should ventilation be required.
They'll be trucking out approximately 1,200 weaned piglets per week -- three "bus loads" per week to be exact. The piglets will be headed to a finishing operation they run in Illinois, where they plan to have 18,000 finishing hogs, where they fatten them for slaughter. Wow! I feel sorry for the people living there!!
Even more interesting... the exhaust fans for the building blow directly at the forested Game Reserve land, pointing directly at the Jasper/Pulaski F&W target range (and one hunter's deer stand). I have a feeling there might be a few Reserve visitors a little upset by this.
The sows show up next week. We'll keep you posted!
To be fair ...they answered all our questions thoroughly and seriously.
In fact, they went to great limits to make sure we felt welcome and to forge a bond of friendship -- if at all possible.
Many of my fears were confirmed, and only a few of them have been addressed. They made a promise to us that they planned to operate this facility responsibly ...and that we should barely even notice they are there.
I told them we plan to hold them to their promise.
The answers to my question regarding manure treatment using one of the newer digester systems was fair, in that they claim they will not be producing enough manure at this facility to be able to feed such a digester unit. I'm no expert on these digesters, so I can't say if this is an honest answer -- but it was a fair answer.
I'm still upset by the lack of pathogen testing prior to knifing the manure into the ground. I'm still not satisfied by the possible impact on water tables in our area. And I'm not entirely happy with their comments regarding air quality ...and told them they will be hearing from us if their promises of us "not even noticing them" do not hold true.
At least they gave us the opportunity to see their side of the operation and the issues. And to be fair, at least we gave them the opportunity to show it to us.
BUT, as I expressed near the end of our tour, had they come into this area in an honest and open manner, instead of sliding in through the back door hoping no one would notice them until it was a "done deal" ...maybe -- just maybe -- we wouldn't be so defensive about the whole thing. It didn't speak well for "responsible" business ethics ...and Jon, the fellow in charge of us for this tour, agreed.
Interesting points we discovered on this tour.
A HUGE amount of their operation will be automated and carefully controlled/monitored by computer (with regards to feed). Each sow will receive their own portions of feed, delivered automatically through a computer controlled feeding system.
Special enzymes (called "green moss") will be added to their feed to ensure proper digestion, and hopefully eliminate and/or reduce a large amount of pathogens from their waste. Again, the amount of additive will be scientifically controlled and delivered via the automatic feeding system.
Even the "teaser bores" will be walked up and down the aisles in front of the confined sows (to get them "excited" and ready for insemination) will be done using a robotic leading system.
The building temperatures are also carefully monitored, section by section, to reveal any hidden "hot pockets" and ensure proper airflow ...with automatic controls in place should ventilation be required.
They'll be trucking out approximately 1,200 weaned piglets per week -- three "bus loads" per week to be exact. The piglets will be headed to a finishing operation they run in Illinois, where they plan to have 18,000 finishing hogs, where they fatten them for slaughter. Wow! I feel sorry for the people living there!!
Even more interesting... the exhaust fans for the building blow directly at the forested Game Reserve land, pointing directly at the Jasper/Pulaski F&W target range (and one hunter's deer stand). I have a feeling there might be a few Reserve visitors a little upset by this.
The sows show up next week. We'll keep you posted!
Friday, February 17, 2006
Pigs From Germany Coming To Jasper CAFO
We got the news yesterday about the pigs coming to the Belstra CAFO -- from Germany!! -- expected to arrive Feb. 20 from what I understand.
So here we sit, still in court appealing the IDEM certificate; and I wish I could tell you about that fiasco, but I promised I wouldn't go public with the info -- for now.
What I will tell you is this -- we heard IDEM was present for the hearing.
Rumor has it that they will be present at all CAFO court hearings (not zoning board hearings).
Maybe that's why the attitude on the Belstra front toned down so much during that hearing. If you would have seen their reps (and themselves) in the BZA hearing, you would have sworn they were an arrogant lot that had absolutely no intention of working anything out with any of the residents in this area where they're moving forward at a furious pace to get this done before all court hearings/decisions are final.
Those poor Sandhill Cranes. I wonder what kind of imported pathogens come with those hogs?
So here we sit, still in court appealing the IDEM certificate; and I wish I could tell you about that fiasco, but I promised I wouldn't go public with the info -- for now.
What I will tell you is this -- we heard IDEM was present for the hearing.
Rumor has it that they will be present at all CAFO court hearings (not zoning board hearings).
Maybe that's why the attitude on the Belstra front toned down so much during that hearing. If you would have seen their reps (and themselves) in the BZA hearing, you would have sworn they were an arrogant lot that had absolutely no intention of working anything out with any of the residents in this area where they're moving forward at a furious pace to get this done before all court hearings/decisions are final.
Those poor Sandhill Cranes. I wonder what kind of imported pathogens come with those hogs?
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Indiana 2003 Farming Stats
One of the biggest "arguments" in favor of CAFO farming is the supposed revenues they "bring into your community" ...and I'm getting kind of tired of hearing it, from a tax payer's standpoint.
Let's just take 3 Counties and see how much Net Income farming actually produced based on 2003 census reports:
Jasper County - Realized Net Income: $695,000
Newton County - Realized Net Income: $-108,000
Benton County - Realized Net Income: $-3,129,000
TOTAL Net Income/Loss: $-2,542,000
So, ummm... let me try to understand this. Out of the total GROSS REVENUES in 2003 from farming sources -- almost $2.8 Million -- the total NET after expenses (which I'm assuming benefits the community as being taxable income?? ...or maybe it's not all taxable??) the NET LOSS for our 3 counties was $-2,542,000?
I say again, a NET loss of TWO MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS?
That's for most ALL types of farming (crops and livestock) in our 3 counties -- imagine that!
Now, I know, different crops/livestock produce different levels of revenue...
But I'm thinking the taxes paid by the small group of residents just in our area beat the total tax revenues collected from farming across all three Indiana counties in 2003 -- CAFOs included. And I'm betting the tourist income and related revenues taken in from the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife reserve were fairly generous, too.
...I know there are several corner stores in our area that benefit very well from J-P F&W tourists. I doubt they'll be profiting nearly as much from the 8 to 10 employees the new CAFO will have versus the number of tourists that won't be coming once they smell what's happening on this main route into the Wildlife Reserve.
Let's just take 3 Counties and see how much Net Income farming actually produced based on 2003 census reports:
Jasper County - Realized Net Income: $695,000
Newton County - Realized Net Income: $-108,000
Benton County - Realized Net Income: $-3,129,000
TOTAL Net Income/Loss: $-2,542,000
So, ummm... let me try to understand this. Out of the total GROSS REVENUES in 2003 from farming sources -- almost $2.8 Million -- the total NET after expenses (which I'm assuming benefits the community as being taxable income?? ...or maybe it's not all taxable??) the NET LOSS for our 3 counties was $-2,542,000?
I say again, a NET loss of TWO MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS?
That's for most ALL types of farming (crops and livestock) in our 3 counties -- imagine that!
Now, I know, different crops/livestock produce different levels of revenue...
But I'm thinking the taxes paid by the small group of residents just in our area beat the total tax revenues collected from farming across all three Indiana counties in 2003 -- CAFOs included. And I'm betting the tourist income and related revenues taken in from the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife reserve were fairly generous, too.
...I know there are several corner stores in our area that benefit very well from J-P F&W tourists. I doubt they'll be profiting nearly as much from the 8 to 10 employees the new CAFO will have versus the number of tourists that won't be coming once they smell what's happening on this main route into the Wildlife Reserve.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
IDEM Clarifies CAFO Regulation Remarks
Last Sunday I heard that the controversial remarks made by IDEM Commissioner Tom Easterly addressing the Indiana Pork Producers state convention would be retracted.
According to Brownfield AT News, "IDEM has been besieged with calls from livestock producers wanting more details." I would imagine they got pretty excited by his comments.
On Tuesday (today) IDEM released the fallowing statement in an effort to clarify the situation:
Thanks to Kemplog for the heads up on this update.
And now my question is, what have they been doing lately to "oversee confined feeding operations statewide" ...maybe I'm wrong, or I haven't been looking in the right places, but from what I can discern, there haven't been many updates on the IDEM site regarding violations filed/acted on, nor reports of number of new CAFO permits issued/denied in recent months.
How have IDEM been using our tax dollars lately?
According to Brownfield AT News, "IDEM has been besieged with calls from livestock producers wanting more details." I would imagine they got pretty excited by his comments.
On Tuesday (today) IDEM released the fallowing statement in an effort to clarify the situation:
A quote attributed to me in a February 2, 2006, Brownfield Agriculture Today news article has caused a significant public stir about the agency and its oversight of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Please allow me to clarify the meaning of comments made during the Indiana Pork Producers annual meeting.
Because of proposed deadline extensions in the CAFO National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) rule currently being considered by the Water Pollution Control Board, IDEM will not be enforcing the original deadlines for existing farms to file storm water plans, soil conservation plans, nutrient management plans and NPDES applications. It would not make sense for IDEM compliance staff to cite farms for violating deadlines that may change. But we will continue to hold all farms accountable to protect waters of the state. No variance will be given to farms for violating water quality standards. And my staff and I will continue working to educate, guide, assist and oversee confined feeding operations, statewide. Link (Brownfields story)
Thanks to Kemplog for the heads up on this update.
And now my question is, what have they been doing lately to "oversee confined feeding operations statewide" ...maybe I'm wrong, or I haven't been looking in the right places, but from what I can discern, there haven't been many updates on the IDEM site regarding violations filed/acted on, nor reports of number of new CAFO permits issued/denied in recent months.
How have IDEM been using our tax dollars lately?
Monday, February 06, 2006
Indiana CAFO Poll
Do you think more regulations are needed for CAFOs?
I'm not sure how long this poll will be on The Star Press (Muncie, Indiana) home page -- but while it's there, be sure to cast your vote. Just scroll to the bottom of their home page and look for the POLL box through this link.
When I first found out about it this morning, I voted "yes" to more regulations for CAFOs and the results were:
Yes - 83.5%
No - 16.5%
---------------------
Total Votes - 395
My husband will be placing his vote later tonight. I'll post the changes in results then.
I'm not sure how long this poll will be on The Star Press (Muncie, Indiana) home page -- but while it's there, be sure to cast your vote. Just scroll to the bottom of their home page and look for the POLL box through this link.
When I first found out about it this morning, I voted "yes" to more regulations for CAFOs and the results were:
Yes - 83.5%
No - 16.5%
---------------------
Total Votes - 395
My husband will be placing his vote later tonight. I'll post the changes in results then.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
It Really Does Matter
I read a comment on Brand New Day about how IDEM has been nicknamed by many environmental groups as well as several large corporations. The IDEM nickname is -- "It Doesn't Even Matter"
His post was about the new "Clean City" tag IDEM is offerring to cities in Indiana who qualify, and I must agree with the author's skepticism regarding the "front" IDEM is putting on here in the State of Indiana.
IDEM's reputation is mud here in Jasper County ...and their reputation spreads far beyond our county with the number of people they have already placed "in harm's way" with their actions -- or should I say lack of actions -- regarding CAFOs.
The latest news from Kemplog shows a clear picture of things to come for the State of Indiana at the hands of IDEM:
From what I recall in all my research, I believe Indiana was one of the States who were FORCED to put CAFO laws in place because the State had fallen so far behind Federal environmental protection guidelines.
For those citizens who care about Indiana, who want to see its few remaining natural sanctuaries survive and thrive, I'm thinking it's time we call in the Federal EPA ombudsman.
His post was about the new "Clean City" tag IDEM is offerring to cities in Indiana who qualify, and I must agree with the author's skepticism regarding the "front" IDEM is putting on here in the State of Indiana.
IDEM's reputation is mud here in Jasper County ...and their reputation spreads far beyond our county with the number of people they have already placed "in harm's way" with their actions -- or should I say lack of actions -- regarding CAFOs.
The latest news from Kemplog shows a clear picture of things to come for the State of Indiana at the hands of IDEM:
IDEM Commissioner Tom Easterly told hog producers at the Indiana Pork Producers state convention last week that IDEM will suspend enforcement of Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CARO) permits until the EPA has cleared up the confusion surrounding CAFOs. This is the result of a court decision that threw out previous EPA regulations on CAFOs. "Until we know what the federal rules are, it makes no sense to enforce them," said Easterly. He said no enforcement action will be taken for at least the next 3 years.Imagine - the environmental health of the State of Indiana is in this man's hands ...in this agency's hands.
From what I recall in all my research, I believe Indiana was one of the States who were FORCED to put CAFO laws in place because the State had fallen so far behind Federal environmental protection guidelines.
For those citizens who care about Indiana, who want to see its few remaining natural sanctuaries survive and thrive, I'm thinking it's time we call in the Federal EPA ombudsman.
About The Ombudsman: The Public Liaison Director manages the hotline function and the reviews of complaints and allegations of fraud, waste, mismanagement or improper conduct of Agency employees or its contractors.If you have proof Federal EPA laws, rules, or regulations have been violated in your area of Indiana -- and you've had no results and/or support from IDEM (and have proof to support this) you can learn all about how the Ombudsman, a separate EPA arm not under direct Federal or State EPA control, has resources to get something done about it -- even to the point of calling in the FBI, if needed. Find out more about the EPA Ombudsman's office through this link.
About The Hotline: The purpose of the hotline is to receive complaints of fraud, waste, and abuse in EPA programs and operations including mismanagement or violations of law, rules, or regulations by EPA employees or program participants.
Friday, February 03, 2006
How Can We Unite Against CAFOs
An important comment was posted to my blog by a visitor today:
Five or ten years ago, it probably would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for all of us to unite -- but, today there are several small groups of citizens fighting the CAFO issue scattered across the State of Indiana -- and the Internet presents a powerful vehicle for all of us to unite.
The way I see it, I'm thinking the first step we would need to take is find strong leadership, someone who can file the paperwork to create a formal "issues" based organization that can be recognized by the powers that be. I believe there is a form (a 505 something? ... still looking through my files for the actual number) that can be filed for this.
Next, we would need to get the word out to all the various groups and individuals fighting CAFOs in Indiana so we can join together and consolidate our resources plus organize a gameplan that includes:
- retaining a dynamite legal TEAM to represent us,
- educating the public and PRESS,
- lobbying the government at all levels,
- organizing public protests at related government meetings,
- petitioning officials at all levels of government for stronger laws to protect us all,
...and that's just the beginning.
Right now, it truly is a "David vs Goliath" kind of fight. When you see the political underpinnings that are supporting and promoting the spread of CAFOs throughout Indiana, and even helped along by the Federal Government, you begin to see how BIG our "Goliath" truly is.
A comment was made in one newspaper article (I've misplaced the link - sorry) indicating the numbers opposing CAFOs in Indiana are quickly rising to such a degree that a State-wide uprising in the voting population seems likely.
However, the big question is ...do we have the courage to unite and the strength to face the long battles ahead to save Indiana's future?
"How can we unite across the state to get our message across that the people of Indiana don't want this?"Great question! And I'll start the conversation with a few ideas here. If you have more, be sure to use the Comment link and let us know.
Five or ten years ago, it probably would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for all of us to unite -- but, today there are several small groups of citizens fighting the CAFO issue scattered across the State of Indiana -- and the Internet presents a powerful vehicle for all of us to unite.
The way I see it, I'm thinking the first step we would need to take is find strong leadership, someone who can file the paperwork to create a formal "issues" based organization that can be recognized by the powers that be. I believe there is a form (a 505 something? ... still looking through my files for the actual number) that can be filed for this.
Next, we would need to get the word out to all the various groups and individuals fighting CAFOs in Indiana so we can join together and consolidate our resources plus organize a gameplan that includes:
- retaining a dynamite legal TEAM to represent us,
- educating the public and PRESS,
- lobbying the government at all levels,
- organizing public protests at related government meetings,
- petitioning officials at all levels of government for stronger laws to protect us all,
...and that's just the beginning.
Right now, it truly is a "David vs Goliath" kind of fight. When you see the political underpinnings that are supporting and promoting the spread of CAFOs throughout Indiana, and even helped along by the Federal Government, you begin to see how BIG our "Goliath" truly is.
A comment was made in one newspaper article (I've misplaced the link - sorry) indicating the numbers opposing CAFOs in Indiana are quickly rising to such a degree that a State-wide uprising in the voting population seems likely.
However, the big question is ...do we have the courage to unite and the strength to face the long battles ahead to save Indiana's future?
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