For immediate release, June 20th,
2007
For more information contact
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement at 515-282-0484
Des Moines
-
Yesterday, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced
they denied a permit application for a 4,800 head hog factory to
be built in Adair County west of Greenfield. Prestage Farms
of Iowa, LLC, a division of Prestage Farms based in North Carolina,
applied for permit applications in February for two hog factories
to be built in Adair and Cass Counties.
Local members of Iowa Citizens for
Community Improvement (CCI) and other residents launched a campaign
in September to stop Prestage Farms from building hog factories
in their communities. They
circulated petitions and won city council resolutions opposing
the sites. They also contacted the press and the Adair and
Cass County Supervisors and urged them to take action. Nearby
landowners were encouraged to pledge not to take manure from Prestage
Farms as well.
“I’m happy the DNR finally ruled in favor of local
residents and clean water,” said Kevin Shilling, CCI member
and family farmer from Adair County. “We want family
farms in our communities and county, not factory farms.”
Local residents opposed the proposed
hog factories for a number of reasons. A home that sits on a century farm across the
road from the proposed site falls under the separation distance
required. Residents were concerned that manure would be applied
to highly-erodible fields that drain into the Nodaway river valley – a
collection area for public water use. There were also inconsistencies
with the manure management plan that was submitted. In addition,
several nearby neighbors raised serious health concerns that in
particular would impact seniors and children.
“The DNR realized the mistakes Prestage made in their plans
and made the right decision by denying them,” said Virgene
Martin, CCI member and independent hog farmer from Adair County. “If
Prestage looks to relocate, we will continue to stand up for our
right to clean air and water and a quality of life we can all enjoy.”
Last month, the DNR approved the
permit for the Cass County Prestage site. CCI members and
other local residents maintain overwhelming opposition to Prestage
Farms and any hog factory they build and operate.
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
is a 32-year old organization with thousands of members across
the state from all walks of life who talk, act and get things
done on critical issues affecting all Iowans. CCI members recognize the power of uniting
and standing up for what’s right. For more information,
visit www.iowacci.org.
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