Buffalo River Watershed Alliance Timeline
Designated in 1972 by President Richard Nixon as America's first national river, the Buffalo National River travels freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. The Buffalo River watershed is home to over 300 species of fauna including the endangered Snuffbox mussel, the threatened Rabbits Foot mussel, the endangered Gray bat, and the endangered Indiana bat.
A popular camping, canoeing, birding and fishing destination, the Buffalo National River attracts more than one million visitors a year.
C&H Hog Farms, a confined animal feeding operation CAFO, began to construct and begin its operation of a swine factory farm in Mount Judea, Arkansas in 2012. The facility’s two barns confine 6,500 pigs, with the estimated two million gallons of waste produced by the C&H facility being spread on land lying along a major tributary of the Buffalo National River.
2011
Nov 1, 2011 NPDES Reg 6 General Permit (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of
the United States) approved by Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ.)
2012
June 14, 2012 C&H Notice of Intent (NOI) Submitted
Aug. 3, 2012 ADEQ Permit to C&H Approved (C&H NPDES permit was the first
of its kind issued in Arkansas.)
C & H Permit Information
Nov 16 - Dec 17, 2012 Farm Services Agency (FSA) & Small Business
Administration (SBA) Loan Guarantees Approved for C&H CAFO
Construction guaranteeing 97 percent of the loans received by C&H.
Dec 20, 2012 Buffalo National River letter to ADEQ Director Teresa Marks. This was the first public communication regarding C&H Hog Farm which had been quietly permitted 4 months prior, in August, 2012.
2013
Jan 3, 2013 ADEQ Response letter to National Park Service letter of Dec 20, 2012
Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization created in 2013
Alliance CAFO Brochures
1. Health Impacts of a Factory Hog Farm
This brochure outline highlights many of the main adverse health impacts of a factory hog farm on workers, residents and children. For example, school children within 1/2 mile of a factory hog farm have a 1 in 5 chance of developing asthma compare to 1 in 14 living 10 miles away. Mount Judea hog farm is less than a 1/2 mile from the Mount Judea Schools.
2, Economic Impacts of a Factory Hog Farm
This brochure outlines both the factory hog farm's danger to Buffalo River tourism and the small town of Mount Judea and its residents. The factory hog farm will create 10 jobs, it places over 500 jobs at risk. Deep property value losses of 40% or more in Mount Judea more than offset any new revenues from the hog farm, placing the schools at risk, and threatening the future of the town.
3.Karst Topography, Water & Living Things
The factory hog farm sits atop Karst, a limestone formation characterized by faults, caves and tunnels. Unlike other geology, Karst is ill suited to contain spills that most certainly will happen, and any accident will contaminate the Buffalo River's pristine waters, critical habitat for endangered species, the environment, and adversely impact tourism.
(For detailed dates of meetings and events from March 2013 to present, see website: buffaloriveralliance.org http://buffaloriveralliance.org/page1545627?EventViewMode=1&EventListViewMode=1)
March 4, 2013 Newton County Quorum Court meeting
March 4th the Newton County Quorum Court heard testimony on the CAFO
(concentrated animal feeding operation) planned on Big Creek, a tributary just 6
miles from the Buffalo National River. NPS review of the supporting
documentation found 45 areas of significant errors and omissions in the area of
environmental impact. Concerns included inadequate monitoring provisions, the
threat to the $38M BNR tourism economy, and the impact of Mt. Judea School.
See YouTube coverage below:
http://newtoncountytimes.com/news/quorum-court/youtube_cf6df64c-8593-11e2-aa8e-001a4bcf887a.html
10 Mar 2013
Talking Points
ADEQ has granted a permit for a 6503 swine farm (CAFO) near Big Creek, West of Mt. Judea, (Hwy. intersections 74/123) in Newton County, Arkansas. There will be 17 separate hog waste application fields, 11 of these are adjacent to Big Creek, a tributary to the Buffalo National River. Total acreage = 630.7 acres. The treatment facility will consist of shallow pits with a capacity of 759,542 gallons, a settling basin with capacity of 831,193 gallons and a holding pond with capacity of 1,904,730 gallons. This amounts to 2,090,181 gallons of manure, litter, and wastewater per year, equivalent to what the city of Harrison produces
March 11, 2013 Keep The Buffalo Clean And Pristine a 10-minute video
narrated by KUAF reporter Jacqueline Froelich providing an early
overview of the C&H issue. http://kuaf.com/people/jacqueline-froelich
18 Mar 2013
Groups opposing plans for Newton County hog farm
http://www.wral.com/groups-opposing-plans-for-newton-county-hog-farm/12227474/
RYAN McGEENEY, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette /Associated Press.
This article with a Fayetteville byline was picked up by AP and posted in
Raleigh, NC
22 March
A BRWA representative together with staff and members of the Audubon Society testify before the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission to express dissatisfaction with the permitting and public notification process which allowed the C&H facility to be built in a location that threatens the Buffalo National River.
March 21, 2013 Arkansas Department of Health Letter, March 21, 2013 expressing
concern that water borne pathogens from C & H could pose risk for body
contact on the Buffalo River.
Mike Masterson Editorial Ark Democrat Gazette March 23, 2013
24 Mar 2013
Our Buffalo and the hog farm - Mike Masterson
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25 Mar 2013
26 Mar 2013
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Mike Masterson 2nd Editorial Ark Democrat Gazette March 26, 2013Hog farm flub How’d that happen?
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From NWAonline: 'Buffalo River chief still hopes to stymie swine' 3/26/13
26 Mar 2013
http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2013/mar/26/buffalo-river-chief-still-hopes-stymie-sw-20130326/
Buffalo River chief still hopes to stymie swine
Official: Pollution-risk report of farm flawed, permit invalid
By Ryan McGeeney
Mike Masterson 3rd Editorial April 6 Democrat-Gazette
06 Apr 2013
Meanwhile, back at the farm
Mike Masterson
07 Apr 2013
Mike Masterson's 4th Editorial, April 7 Democrat - Gazette
CAFOs for dummies
Mike Masterson
National Parks Conservation Asso. Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
April 8, 2013
National Parks Conservation Association Calls Permitting Process
Flawed for Hog Farm on Buffalo National River Tributary
National Parks Group Urges U.S. Department of Agriculture and
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to Pull Permit
Democrat-Gazette Article on HB 2252
09 Apr 2013
Legislation targets farms in watersheds
By Ryan McGeeney
Fayetteville Council Opposes Hog Farm
11 Apr 2013
Fayetteville Council Opposes Hog Farm Near Buffalo River
By: KOLR10 News with help from KFSM, Fort Smith, Ar
Mike Masterson's 5th Editorial,April 9 Democrat - Gazette
12 Apr 2013
Stuff I Don't Understand, 4/9/13 Mentally Hogtied, Mike Masterson
April 15, 2013 C&H CAFO Construction Approved
April 16, 2013
Fayetteville City Council passes resolution opposing a hog farm near Buffalo River
that Aldermen say could pollute the Buffalo River and Fayetteville area. The
council voted unanimously to oppose a 6,500-head hog factory farm near
Harrison in Newton County. Although the farm is a few counties away, the
proposed resolution claims the factory could poison Buffalo River waters and
hurt Northwest Arkansas tourism revenue.
Fayetteville City Council Passes Resolution Opposing Hog Farm
17 Apr 2013
/http://5newsonline.com/2013/04/16/farmers-oppose-pollution-claims-resolution-passes-anyway/
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· Ozarks At Large/KUAF Report on C & H airs today, April 22
· 23 Apr 2013 Report on growing resistance to a swine factory farm permitted on the BNRW will air Tuesday, April 23rd at noon on “Ozarks at Large”
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April 23, 2013 |
Protest Hog Factory in Buffalo Watershed April 23, 2013 Rally for River and opposing Hog CAFO during Secretary of Agriculture’s visit to campus. 200 attend
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YouTube video of Fayetteville protest
25 Apr 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fysdGcJBY0&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1
May 1, 2013
Buffalo River Rescue: Mission Possible hosts panel discussion about HOG CAFO on
Buffalo. 400 Attend Standing-room-only at Fayetteville Public Library for
Buffalo River public meeting. More than 400 people showed up, but many
watched a monitor from the lobby. Presentations by Fayetteville Mayor
Lioneld Jordan and a panel that included representatives of UA science
departments, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Ozark Society and other entities.
June, 2013 BRWA Articles, By Laws, 501c3 papers submitted
June 25, 2013 BRWA Formal Organizational meeting officers Elected
July 23, 2013 Initial ADEQ Compliance Assistance Inspection of C & H Hog Farm,
released to the public on September 10th, which identifies six conditions
requiring "immediate attention" by C & H. ADEQ Director Teresa Marks
states, "...we weren’t alarmed by anything we saw out there. We didn’t see any
harm to the environment from this installation.”
Aug 6, 2013 Complaint Filed
1. Violation of Administrative Procedures Act
2. Violation of NEPA
3. Violation of Endangered Species Act
4. Violation of Buffalo National River Enabling Act
September 2013 Funding approved by a legislative subcommittee for state rainy day funds from
the governor’s office for Big Creek Research and Extension Team, BCRET comprised of
faculty and staff from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
BCRET originally agreed to monitor fate and transport of nutrients but later
changed plans to monitor surface flow instead on the farm and fields and adjacent
sections of Big Creek, and to use funds to assist operators in mitigation practices.
Sept. 12, 2013, Vic Snyder Little Rock fundraiser with Coalition
Little Rock fundraiser for the lawsuit filed by four Arkansas organizations,
including BRWA, attempting to block a hog farm near the Buffalo River. The
fundraiser was hosted at former Democratic congressman Vic Snyder's home.
September 20, 2013 C & H Responds to Compliance Inspection
October 3, 2013 ADEQ's Reply to C & H Response
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Oct 25, 2013 |
Waterkeeper®Alliance 7 City Tour in Arkansas Oct 25 - 31 Buffalo River Watershed Alliance hosts and funds a seven-city, educational Whistle-Stop Speaking Tour in Arkansas featuring experts from Waterkeeper® Alliance, beginning on October 25th in Fayetteville and ending on October 31st in Little Rock. |
2014
BRWA Pen Group- Citizens writing various corporations who do business with Cargill
January 23, 2014 ADEQ Inspection #2 of C&H shows continued conditions requiring
attention
January 2014 C&H request for permit revision
Feb. 7, 2014 ADEQ Response to C&H request for permit revision. In ADEQ's
response to a request from C&H to modify the method of field
applications to include the use of a "Vac Tanker" ADEQ determined that
this constitutes a major modification of the NMP which requires public
notice and a comment period.
February 12, 2014 | Press Release Earth Justice
February 14, 2014 letter of notice from Earthjustice to ADEQ regards new
information about inaccuracies in the C & H permit.
Feb 19, 2014 ADEQ reopens their permit for a comment period. ADEQ states
that comments will be accepted only as they relate to the specifics of the
permit modification, i.e.: the use of a "Vac Tanker" for field applications on
fields 7-9.
March 12, 2014
Citizens Rally for the River at Arkansas Governor’s conference on Parks and
Tourism. 300 plus attend
Spring 2014
Ozark River Stewards Hosts grassroots parties in Fayetteville, Berryville and Eureka Springs: Letters to EPA , AR Legislators and Governor and Arkansas department of Environmental Quality.
March 17, 2014 Buffalo National River Comments
March 24, 2014 ADEQ Notice of Public Hearing: public hearing in Jasper. ADEQ
states that comments will be accepted only as they relate to the specifics of
the permit modification, i.e.: the use of a "Vac Tanker" for field applications
on fields 7-9.
Apr 2, 2014 Arkansas Farm Bureau produces YouTube video on BCRET
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDiAg99tbNk&feature=em-share_video_user
April 22, 2014 Earth Day
Dr. John Van Brahana, Professor Emeritus with the University of Arkansas Dept. of
Geosciences, and renowned hydrogeologist and expert in Arkansas karst
geology presents “CAFOs in Paradise. At Unitarian Church in Eureka
Springs” BRWA and Ozark River Stewards table event. 150 attend.
April 22, 2014 National Audubon Society sends by Fed Ex over 2000 letters from Minnesota and Arkansas members to Cargill prior to company annual meeting.
April 24, 2014: Public interest law firm wins big: Fed support for industrial
agriculture polluter violated law.
May 24, 2014
Raise Your Paddle for the Buffalo River
Awareness Float organized by Ozark River Stewards reaches hundreds of
other river lovers reached with information about Hog CAFO threat.
June 5, 2014 BRWA received 501(c)(3) designation. June 5, 2014
June 17, 2014
The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission held a public meeting in
Harrison AR on a proposed ban on concentrated hog feeding operations
(CAFOs) in the Buffalo National River Watershed. The proposed rules were
initiated by petitions from the Arkansas Public Policy Panel and the Ozark
Society.
July 5,2014
2nd Raise Your Paddle for the Buffalo River
Awareness Float organized by Ozark River Stewards reaches hundreds of
other river lovers with information about Hog CAFO threat.
September 17, 2014 PLASMA PYROLYSIS Experimental plasma pyrolysis unit
to be installed at C&H for the incineration of swine waste PEG Air
Permit Application and letter requesting that ADEQ provide an
exemption to permit requirements.
ADEQ notice to PEG indicating the agency cannot make a permit determination
and the company may "proceed at their own risk"
October 9, 2014 BRWA objects to PEG proposal. Included is the ADEQ
response to the PEG application stating the agency cannot determine if
a permit is required and the company may proceed "at their own risk".
October 10, 2014 Buffalo River Coalition Letter objecting to ADEQ's decision to
allow an experimental plasma pyrolysis unit to be installed at C&H forthe
incineration of swine waste.
BRWA letter requesting to speak at APCE Commission meeting on
October 24, 2014.
October 18, 2014 ROLLING OUT THE SCIENCE. YouTube video of a public
presentation to update the public on the current private research activities
related to C&H. Buffalo River Watershed Alliance and Ozark River Stewards
hold “Rolling Out the Science” event in Fayetteville, AR to inform the public
conversation through presentations and Q &A with key scientists and legal
experts involved in preserving the Karst hydrogeology in the Ozarks Newton
County Buffalo River Watershed. An estimated 300 people attend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtzPRz41BF4&feature=youtu.be
New Swine Factory Faces Scientific Scrutiny - KUAF Ozarks At Large
20 Oct 2014 http://kuaf.com/post/new-swine-factory-farm-faces-scientific-scrutiny
Three different teams of scientists are monitoring Big Creek, a tributary to the Buffalo
National River, to assess if a new industrial swine farm situated upstream is polluting
the watershed. One team, led by noted UA Geoscientist Emeritus Dr. Van Brahana, has
released a second round of findings. Jacqueline Froelich visits with him in her studio.
October 24, 2014 ADEQ Moratorium 180-day extension of the temporary
moratorium on new medium or large swine CAFOs within the Buffalo River
watershed.
October 2014 French film documentary team on location
Intimidation tactics Threats reported Mike Masterson
26 Oct 2014
Peer Review Report on BCRET, May 19, 2014
29 Oct 2014
A team of outside experts was hired by the Big Creek Research and Extension Team (BCRET) to
take a critical look at the research protocols and methods being implemented on C&H
Farm. This Peer Review team submitted their report on May 19, 2014. This report pointed
out certain weaknesses and included specific recommendations for improving the
monitoring study. The Peer Review Report is followed by the BCRET response which
includes explanations for why they chose not to implement some recommendations.
10 Best National Parks in Fall , Buffalo #2- USA Today
29 Oct 2014
Colorful credit The Buffalo in fall By Mike Masterson
02 Nov 2014 Arkansas Democrat Gazette
By Mike Masterson
Did you see that an article published by USA Today lists our Buffalo National River as
America's second most spectacular national park for autumn scenery?
Plaintiffs urge block of loans to C&H farm - Democrat Gazette
08 Nov 2014
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Vaporized pig waste leaving some unease - Democrat Gazette
16 Nov 2014
Vaporized pig waste leaving some unease - Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Farm’s plan short on data, state says By Emily Walkenhors
A Mount Judea hog farm's new contract with a Florida company for an untested hog waste disposal method has environmentalists worried about the potential effect on the surrounding area.
Plasmic arcs and pigs - Mike Masterson
18 Nov 2014 Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Plasmic arcs and pigs Electrons on the river
December 2, 2014: In a court case brought by Earthjustice, plaintiffs and counsel
EJ, Earthrise, Hank Bates a federal judge finds that federal agencies FSA
and SBA illegally guaranteed loans to a factory farm near the Buffalo
National River without first effectively evaluating the potential
environmental impacts of this swine operation issued by U.S. District
Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas, D. Price Marshall.
10 Dec 2014
Environmental victory may have national implications - Eureka Springs Independent
Becky Gillette
Dec 12, 2014 BRWA co-hosted fundraiser for Ozark Society and Arkansas Public Policy Panel for rule making action
Cargill Op-Ed response
17 Dec 2014 Eureka Springs Independent
Guestatorial Cargill Op-Ed response Dane Schumacher
There are times in the course of human events, when things are so unbelievable I just
have to gasp in amazement. That was my first reaction to food giant Cargill’s comments.
A DAY IN HOG HEAVEN … Earthjustice Blog
18 Dec 2014 Earthjustice - Because the Earth needs a good lawyer
A DAY IN HOG HEAVEN AFTER JUDGE ORDERS FEDS TO EVALUATE FACTORY
FARM'S IMPACTS By Marianne Engelman Lado
2014 and ongoing fundraising: Numerous informal fundraising requests resulting significant individual donations to BRWA. A single anonymous donor has been a consistent supporter providing $6,000 to BRWA and $10,000 to Van Brahana’s independent groundwater research team.
2015
2015 BRWA letter writing campaign on website
Ozark River Stewards : statewide letter writing parties : Parthenon, Fayetteville,
Little Rock, Texarkana Ozark River Stewards letter writing campaign: Fayetteville,
Parthenon, Texarkana, Eureka Springs. Letters to governor requesting support of
ban of medium and large CAFOS in Buffalo River Watershed. Held in homes and
businesses by Buffalo River supporters.
January 14, 2015 C&H Request for Major Modification #2of its permit.
Request to allow the use of a tank wagon for disposal of waste from both
Pond 1 and Pond 2. The original permit only allowed the tank wagon to be
used for Pond 1.
21 Jan 2015
Farms Can Be Held Liable For Pollution From Manure - Huff Post
Huffington Post
28 January request for permit modification abouve, ADEQ responds with incompleteness letter to C&H re
Feb 1, 2015 C&H Revised NOI in response to Letter Of Incompleteness and
C&H Revised NMP, reflecting the Modification Request above.
February, 2015 Hogs On The Buffalo, a production of the PBS series,
This American Land, released in February, 2015
Bad news for river By Mike Masterson
10 Feb 2015 Arkansas Democrat Gazette
FSA and SBA Request Proposals for C&H EAs
11 Feb 2015
PRweb US FEDERAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
US Federal Contractor Registration Washington D.C. (PRWEB
Big Creek Research and Extension Team releases 4th quarterly report
14 Feb 2015 Newton County Times
Appeal Filed - Democrat Gazette
17 Feb 2015 Arkansas Online
Environmental notebook By Emily Walkenhorst
Cargill high on list of water polluters spending big on politics
02 Mar 2015 The Institute for Southern Studies
March 3, 2015 BRWA and Coalition ask ADEQ to deny modification based
upon ongoing errors in field maps and leases.
March 8, 2015 "Buffalo Savings Time" A video shoot by Lexicon of
Sustainability -- about 200 supporters turned out for the photo shoot.
March 9, 2015 BRWA and Coalition via Earthjustice send letter requesting
permit be reopened based on discrepancies in 2014 Annual Report and
related documents.
Buffalo National River: Is industrial hog farm harmful? - Baxter Bulletin
13 Mar 2015
Read the story with photos here: The Baxter Bulletin Thomas Garrett
April 7, 2015 ADEQ responds in letter and mistakenly references letter from
Earthjustice, dated March 9, 2015 which addressed issues with the C&H
2014 Annual Report, not the modification request denial dated March 3.
Jasper, One of 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Arkansas
11 April 2015 Theculturetrip.com
The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Arkansas
April 20, 2015 Public Hearing
BRWA Public Statement Requesting Denial of Modification
People express concerns about Mount Judea hog farm changes - KY3 News
20 Apr 2015 KY3 News Eric Hilt
Hog farm wants to modify operating permit - Baxter Bulletin
21 Apr 2015
Baxter Bulletin Hog farm wants to modify operating permit Thomas Garrett
C&H Hog Farm, located near the Buffalo National River in Mount Judea, wants to apply more waste water on its land.
New Film Captures Buffalo River CAFO Controversy - KUAF
22 Apr 2015
KUAF Radio Listen to this 7-minute interview with Teresa Turk here.
New Film Captures Buffalo River CAFO Controversy By JACQUELINE FROELICH
Earth day April 2015
Ozark River Stewards tables OMNI Peace Justice and Equality event “Don’t Fence Me
In.” 400 in attendance.
Moratorium on hog farm permits renewed - AR News Bureau
25 Apr 2015
Moratorium on hog farm permits renewed
By John Lyon
Hog farm loans need new assessments - Harrison Daily Times
25 Apr 2015 Harrison Daily Times
Hog farm loans need new assessments; DOJ withdraws
appeal of court decision
Justice Department Drops Its Appeal On Buffalo National River Hog Farm Case - National Parks Traveler
27 April 2015
National Parks TravelerJustice Department Drops Its Appeal On Buffalo
National River Hog Farm CaseSubmitted by NPT Staff
In win for greens, DOJ withdraws appeal in CAFO case - Greenwire
27 Apr 2015
Greenwire In win for greens, DOJ withdraws appeal in CAFO case
Tiffany Stecker, E&E reporter
Fouling a National River Is Bad for Business -Arkansas Business
27 Apr 2015
Arkansas Business by Ed Bethune and Vic Snyder
Department of Justice Drops Appeal of Federal Ruling - KUAF
05 May, 2015 Jacqueline Froehlich
Listen to the KUAF Radio broadcast here
May 7, 2015C&H Request for major modification #3 to install liners in
both waste storage ponds and a cover and gas flare system on
pond #1.
May 12, 2015 ADEQ Approves Permit Modification for vac tankers.
Memorial and Tribute Float Honors Late Arkansas Congressman - KOLR TV
24 May 2015
Ozarks First TV
Memorial and Tribute Float Honors Late Arkansas Congressman John Paul
Hammerschmidt for his part in working to save the Buffalo National River in the
1970’s organized by Ozark River Stewards sponsored by the Buffalo River Watershed
Alliance, Ozark River Stewards, Arkansas Canoe Club and the National Parks
Conservation Association. Tribute float and celebration on the Buffalo river.
75 attended at Ozark campground, BNR.
May 31
Musical Fundraiser for the Buffalo River Parthenon Arkansas. 100 attend.
Report: 1.3 million visited Buffalo River in 2014 - Newton County Times
03 Jun 2015
June 15, 2015 BRWA and Coalition Letter to ADEQ submitted by Earthjustice
expressing concern over a C&C Hog Farm request to permit C&H
waste to be spread on the old C&C Hog Farm, part of which is in the
Little Buffalo River watershed, and requesting that the C&H permit
be reopened in its entirety for public comment.
Amended hog-farm plan: 5-year ban, then decision - Democrat-Gazette
27 Jun 2015
Amended hog-farm plan: 5-year ban, then decision Emily Walkenhorst
Extend that ban By Mike Masterson
30 Jun 2015 On the Buffalo Extend that ban
July 5, 2015 Research that Beebe funded for one year via rainy day funds,
Modus of Understanding, MOU between ADEQ & U of A. U of A picked
Andrew Sharpley who picked BCRET team, and legislature extended
funding in 2015 for 5 years. BCRET originally agreed to monitor fate and
transport of nutrients but now is monitoring surface flow on the farm and
fields and adjacent sections of Big Creek and assisting operators in
mitigation practices.
July 6, 2015 ADEQ Response to above letter stating that C&C/EC
Farms would be required to submit a revised CNMP for a land
application permit which would also require a public comment
period.
Hog-farm rule for watershed given hearing - Democrat Gazette
07 Jul 2015
NWA Online
July 8 2015 Public comment period announced by ADEQ in response to the 3rd
modification request by C&H Hog Farms to install synthetic liners in both
waste ponds and a cover and methane flare on Pond 1. Written comments (no
public meeting) will be accepted until 4:30 pm on August 7, 2015.
JBS To Keep 5,100 Cargill employees - newton County Times
10 Jul 2015
Newton County Times
JBS USA Pork agrees to purchase Cargill Pork business
Inside the world's largest food producer you've probably never heard of - NPR
16 Jul 2015
Inside the world's largest food producer you've probably never heard of NPR report
describes JBS, the Brazilian company which is purchasing Cargill Pork
July 17, 2015 BRWA requests ADEQ to hold public hearing for comments on the 3rd
modification request by C&H Hog Farms to install synthetic liners in both
waste ponds and a cover and methane flare on Pond 1.
Waiting to be vaporized By Mike Masterson
18 Jul 2015
Waiting to be vaporized
27 Jul 2015 Want not waste - Democrat Gazette
By Ginny Masullo and Lin Wellford, Special to the Democrat-Gazette
Details the history of problems of the CAFO in the BNR watershed
7-29-15 The other side responds to Farm Bureau C&H video
Max Brantley
I posted the other day a slick piece of video aimed at assuring all of the safety
of the C and H Hog Farm in the Buffalo River watershed and its owners'
professed commitment to sound practices.
Those on the other side of the issue have a fine video, too, and it's only fair that I
share it as well. It was done for the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance.
August 6 to September 4 Public comment on Federal Judge Mitchell’s required revised
FSA/SBA environmental assessment
Comments will be accepted by mail at:
C&H Hog Farms EA, c/o Cardno, Inc.,
501 Butler Farm Rd., Suite H,
Hampton, VA 23666
and by email at
CHHogFarmComments@cardno-gs.com .
Comments on the Draft EA will be accepted from August 6 through September
4, 2015.
Once again: Buffalo National River is #1 favorite
Arkansas Outside.com
http://www.arkansasoutside.com/your-favorite-places-for-outdoor-adventure/
August 27
Public Meeting on EA FSA EA public hearing August 27, 2015 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Jasper, AR
23 Oct 2015 CELEBRATE THE BUFFALO! Gala Fundraiser
Fayetteville Town Center on the Fayetteville square. On Friday, October 23,
the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance along with our Buffalo River Coalition
partners, the Ozark Society, the Arkansas Canoe Club, and National Parks
Conservation Assn., will host a gala fundraising event at the Fayetteville
Town Center to support our efforts to protect the Buffalo National River
against the threats posed by swine CAFOs.
· This special evening will include music, beverages, a plated dinner, a silent auction, special guests and much more. Stay tuned for more details to come and, in the meantime, SAVE THE DATE!
- Other Ongoing Outreach Efforts
- Save the Buffalo River Again Campaign
- · Bumper Stickers, T-shirts, and brochures
- distributed at events and local businesses
- Farmers Market tables through Ozark River Stewards with information 2014 and 2015: Summer and Fall tabling to update public as events unfold
- · Letter Writing Campaign
- · Monthly E-mail Newsletters/Alerts to BRWA supporters
- · Editorial Columnist for Democrat Gazette chronicles Buffalo River and Hog CAFO 2013- to present.
- · Billboard to inform public on Hwy. 65: “Tell Cargill Keep our Waters Clean”
- · Yard signs distributed: “No Hogs on the Buffalo” Distributed by Ozark River Stewards
2016
Patagonia grant received for 2016 Karst Hydrogeology of the Buffalo National River project
KHBNR events Science and Song of the Buffalo River with Still on the Hill and Dr. Van Brahana
April 20,2016 Fayetteville
May 26, 2016 Eureka Springs
June 10,2016 Little Rock
C&H applies to switch from its current Regulation 6 NPDES (Federal) General Permit to a Regulation 5 (State) Individual Permit. April 4, 2016
C&H applies to switch from its current Regulation 6 NPDES (Federal) General Permit to a Regulation 5 (State) Individual Permit. April 4, 2016
BRWA requests public hearing on administrative completeness of C&H application to switch to a Reg. 5 permit. June 3, 2016
ADEQ denies above request for a public hearing on administrative completeness, Sept. 26, 2016
APRIL 29 ,2016: BRWA alerts APC&E Commission to ERI data which indicates possible fracture and release of waste beneath C&H waste ponds. http://www.buffaloriveralliance.org/resources/Documents/PPT%20Narrative%20for%20Commission%20Meeting.pdf with expert opinions.http://www.buffaloriveralliance.org/resources/Documents/PPT%20Narrative%20for%20Commission%20Meeting.pdf
Following revelations by BRWA in April, 2016, ADEQ agreed to perform investigative drilling around the C&H swine waste ponds to determine if, as suggested by ERI results, the ponds are leaking. . Also see the ERI section of the Documents page for more. Drilling was completed on September 26.
May 4: PRESS RELEASE regarding ERI data.
May 23: BRWA Letter to ADEQ asking that installation of synthetic pond liners be delayed until confirmatory drilling can be done to determine the validity of ERI results referenced above. This letter was also provided to APC&E Commissioners by BRWA attorney Richard Mays at the May 26, 2016 meeting.
June 3: Letter to Governor Hutchinson
June 23: ADEQ Press Release announcing plan to further investigate ERI data from C&H waste ponds.
June 24: PRESS CONFERENCE ADVISORY, by BRWA and Coalition at ADEQ Headquarters following Commission meeting.
June 29: BRWA Letter to ADEQ as followup to confirm ADEQ assertion to include BRWA in independent ERI investigations around C&H waste pounds.
July 8: Representatives of BRWA and the Buffalo River Coalition met with ADEQ officials at offices of Attorney Richard Mays to discuss plans for an independent investigation of possible leakage of the C&H swine waste lagoons as was indicated by electrical resistivity imaging conducted in early 2015.
July 8: ADEQ Powerpoint presentation to BRWA and the Coalition at above meeting describing proposal for independent investigative drilling.
July 11: Bert Fisher letter to ADEQ with recommendations for drilling.
July 12: BRWA and Coalition Followup Letter to ADEQ in response to July 8 meeting.
July 28: BRWA and Coalition 2nd followup letter to ADEQ regarding workplan for drilling.
August 2: ADEQ Webpage posted on C&H Pond Integrity Investigation. Includes the Draft Workplan.
August 4: Letter to ADEQ from BRWA and Coalition objecting to presence of two BCRET as observers during well drilling while disallowing BRWA's recommended observer, Dr Bert Fisher.
August 4: 2nd Letter to ADEQ from BRWA and Coalition providing comments on technical aspects of the Draft Workplan.
August 5: ADEQ announces drilling scheduled for August 8 will be delayed, pending availability of drill rig.
August 24:BRWA FILES INJUNCTION seeking hearing on investigative drilling at C&H.
August 26: Final Drilling Workplan is posted.
Sept. 2: BRWA withdraws injunction
Sept. 2: ADEQ issues C&H Hog Farm a Notice of Technical Incompleteness due to C&H sudden refusal to allow drilling to proceed.
Sept. 6: BRWA letter to ADEQ reiterating request for multiple bore holes and referencing 2014 Expert Review Panel recommendations re: pond leakage.
Sept. 7: C&H agrees to allow drilling to proceed at state's expense with drilling date of Sept 19.
Sept. 12: BRWA and Coalition ask EPA to be present during investigative drilling.
Sept 21: Drilling begins.
Sept. 23: Drilling is completed and borehole is filled with cement, although a "void" at 25 feet deep makes it difficult and cementing is not completed until Sept. 26. See the Observation Logs here. Director Keogh states that the Final Report will not be made available to the public until January, 2017.
Sept. 29: ADEQ press release announcing completion of drilling
December 1: drilling Study released at public meeting but BRWA and public not allowed to ask questions.
December 16: BRWA issues statement about drilling, study
In 2016 Arkansas Outside magazine listed the Buffalo River its #1 place for outdoor adventure: http://www.arkansasoutside.com/your-favorite-places-for-outdoor-adventure/.
2017
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality releases analysis of the drilling study with cursory response to public comments. Conclusion is there is no evidence of leakage nor any evidence of major voids.
Jan. 29, 2017:
Mayor of Fayetteville proclaims "Buffalo National River Preservation and Appreciation Day",
February 16, 2017:
Public Notice of 30-Day Comment Period on draft approval of C&H Reg 5 permit. A public hearing will be held in Jasper on March 7 and the comment period closes on March 17.
March 2017
American Rivers names Buffalo National River # 9 in top ten Most Endangered Rivers for 2017
https://www.americanrivers.org/2017/11/saving-buffalo-river-future-generations/
The Buffalo National River is featured during November on American River's 2017 Most Endangered Rivers List, with a blog by our friend Lin Wellford, "Saving the Buffalo River for Future Generations"
BRWA submits comments to ADEQ on 2018 Assessment Methodology. November 13, 2017
Unpermitted hog CAFO in Buffalo watershed found in violation of state law:
Citizen's Complaint, July 16, 2017
Inspection Report, October 25, 2017
Complaint and Request for Injunctive Relief
Court Order, Nov 7, 2017
Court Order/Permanent Injunction allowing Sanders to continue operations. Feb. 5, 2018
University of Arkansas Big Creek Research Team 16th Quarterly Report, July 1- Sept 30, 2017
BRWA Report on tourism in Newton County, August 30, 2017
Buffalo River Watershed Management Plan Recommendations were presented at a meeting in Jasper on Oct 12. The draft plan may be useful to landowners, communities, and organizations interested in improving water quality on the Buffalo River tributaries listed in the plan. Everyone should understand that this report has nothing to do with the CAFO problem on Big Creek.
Letter to ADEQ from BRWA attorney requesting copies of C&H responses to Sept. 19 letter (below) and the opportunity for public comment on any new information provided. Oct 2, 2017.
ADEQ letter requesting more information from C&H to complete review of their Reg 5 permit application. Sept.19, 2017
2018
January, 2018
Buffalo River is USA-Today's #1 Tourist Attraction in Arkansas.
https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-arkansas-attraction/
January 10, 2018
C& H Permit Denied
https://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2018/01/10/adeq-denies-candh-hog-farm-permit/
BRWA Press Release on C&H Request for a Stay, issued January 16, 2018.
BRWA Response to Motion for Stay, filed January 17, 2018
ADEQ Response to Comments and Statement of Basis for denying C&H a permit.
C&H files Motion for Stay, January 11, 2018