July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Protecting water should be a priority (08/29/06)
Letter to the Editor
To the editor:
When it comes to protecting the precious natural resource of fresh water, there's an old adage that says, "we're all downstream from somebody."
The concern over the environmental impact of the major change in livestock farming due to the ever-increasing size of this type of operation is more than just emotion. A recent biological survey of the Limberlost Watershed in northern Jay County revealed that the area had one of the highest concentrations of manure in the state.
Ohio-based Vrebra-Hoff Dairy Development Company has now announced plans to construct a 3,200-cow dairy farm in Cass County. Plans for a similar large-scale dairy operation drew protests in Grant County earlier this year from residents concerned about possible manure pollution and harm to property values.
This type of what some would call a factory farm would produce 16 tons of waste a day and need more than a dozen acres of manure lagoons to store the waste until it could be transported to be spread on fields maybe miles away.
As a life-long Hoosier I never thought I'd see the day when farmers in Indiana would need public relations help, but the Farm Bureau held that kind of meeting for livestock farmers in September 2005 in Fort Wayne.
This subject has pitted rural neighbors against each other, and sometimes farmers against farmers. Profitable, sustainable agriculture that preserves the rich soil while protecting the environment should be a top priority in Jay County.
The state of Indiana's record of protecting our water is not good. Information released this year stated that approximately 1,600 streams and lakes are unsafe to fish or swim in because of pollution caused by animal waste, soil sediment and chemicals.
Our Jay County Drainage Board, comprised of the county commissioners, continues to allow the clear-cutting of streams and ditches, meaning every tree may be removed from both banks regardless of size if the property owner pays for the second bank to be cleared.
Our elementary students learn that trees hold the soil banks in place as they help filter out pollutants. I know for a fact that the local soil and water conservation district is concerned about this practice.
I believe that Jay County leaders should realize that the greater amount of waste produced by these operations, the more danger to our eco-system. Our children and grandchildren are depending on us to leave them a safe and healthy environment.
When it comes to this priority, shouldn't home rule matter?
Tony Giltner
Portland[[In-content Ad]]
When it comes to protecting the precious natural resource of fresh water, there's an old adage that says, "we're all downstream from somebody."
The concern over the environmental impact of the major change in livestock farming due to the ever-increasing size of this type of operation is more than just emotion. A recent biological survey of the Limberlost Watershed in northern Jay County revealed that the area had one of the highest concentrations of manure in the state.
Ohio-based Vrebra-Hoff Dairy Development Company has now announced plans to construct a 3,200-cow dairy farm in Cass County. Plans for a similar large-scale dairy operation drew protests in Grant County earlier this year from residents concerned about possible manure pollution and harm to property values.
This type of what some would call a factory farm would produce 16 tons of waste a day and need more than a dozen acres of manure lagoons to store the waste until it could be transported to be spread on fields maybe miles away.
As a life-long Hoosier I never thought I'd see the day when farmers in Indiana would need public relations help, but the Farm Bureau held that kind of meeting for livestock farmers in September 2005 in Fort Wayne.
This subject has pitted rural neighbors against each other, and sometimes farmers against farmers. Profitable, sustainable agriculture that preserves the rich soil while protecting the environment should be a top priority in Jay County.
The state of Indiana's record of protecting our water is not good. Information released this year stated that approximately 1,600 streams and lakes are unsafe to fish or swim in because of pollution caused by animal waste, soil sediment and chemicals.
Our Jay County Drainage Board, comprised of the county commissioners, continues to allow the clear-cutting of streams and ditches, meaning every tree may be removed from both banks regardless of size if the property owner pays for the second bank to be cleared.
Our elementary students learn that trees hold the soil banks in place as they help filter out pollutants. I know for a fact that the local soil and water conservation district is concerned about this practice.
I believe that Jay County leaders should realize that the greater amount of waste produced by these operations, the more danger to our eco-system. Our children and grandchildren are depending on us to leave them a safe and healthy environment.
When it comes to this priority, shouldn't home rule matter?
Tony Giltner
Portland[[In-content Ad]]
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