Set a maximum for county CAFOs

To the editor:

The May 15 issue of The Commercial Review stated that John Hemmelgarn, from the Portland/Jay Building  and Planning, had received several letters opposing four new proposed confined feeding operations.

Due to the adopted setback requirements, the new confined feeding operations will probably proceed.

My question is, with the adopted requirements, exactly what is the maximum amount of feeding operations that are possible in the acreage of Jay County?

Should a maximum number be set?

What about our water sources?

Are they being used up, or polluted by these operations?

I attended the county meetings on confined feeding limitations and listened to all sides, but I am concerned about the future of Jay County. I am concerned in matters such as population, and industry, which directly effects our schools, and, in turn, directly affects our population.

We need to find new investors for the economy of Jay County who will provide benefits to more than just a handful of people.

We are a great county, but if I were a professional, what would I see when comparing Jay County to other counties in Indiana which desire their investment?

A county with limitless possibilities for confined feeding operations?

Again, we are a great county with many desirable attributes, but the hard work of the people who make our county desirable is being undermined by our failure to set a limit.

Jack Ronald wrote a solid editorial a few weeks ago, following up on another letter to the editor concerning this.

Since then, three public notices for new confined feeding operations were posted.

Again, what is the maximum number?    

Sincerely,

Rita Kerrigan

Portland