Time ticking away on CFOs (7/19/04)

Sometimes when you write something in this space you figure it might make a difference.

Sometimes, of course, folks think you're wrong or wrong-headed and dismiss you.

Sometimes they disagree violently.

But there are other times, times when you feel you are shouting into the wilderness, when nothing happens at all.

This is one of those times.

And — at the risk of being accused of carrying on a "crusade" — we'll pick up the banner again.

About a week ago, this newspaper called in very specific terms for a revision of the county's regulations on confined feeding operations (CFOs). We were specific in recommending that local rules be stricter than those imposed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, that local rules create a larger buffer area between CFOs and local streams and rivers, that public hearings be required in the case of every single CFO contemplated within the county, and that new rules should differentiate between poultry and swine operations because they are different.

Jay County Commissioners Mike Leonhard and Milo Miller Jr. have expressed similar concerns within the past 12 months.

But nothing's happened.

How about this as a formal first step to get the ball rolling?

We'd propose the county commissioners draft a resolution (not an ordinance or anything so binding) telling the county's planning commission that this should be a high priority. By doing so, the commissioners would add their clout behind the idea and clear out some of the inertia which has kept the ball from rolling.

It's simply not enough to fuss about the issue. The time to do something is ticking away. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]