Buffalo River Watershed Alliance
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2013 The Buffalo River Watershed Alliance will host a public meeting to discuss impact of the largest confined-animal-feeding-operation (CAFO) ever permitted in Arkansas and located near the Buffalo National River. Citizens group opposes 6,500-head hog farm located on major tributary of Buffalo National River Jasper, AR - On Wednesday, May 8 at 4 pm a public meeting will be held at the Buffalo Theater on the Jasper square to provide information regarding a state-approved, 6,500 head hog facility located near Mt. Judea, AR and a few miles upstream from the Buffalo National River. The permit for this facility, the first and largest of its kind in Arkansas, was approved by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) without public notification or input, including that of the National Park Service. The USDA Farm Services Agency provided an almost $4 million loan guarantee, backed by tax-payer money. This meeting will include a video presentation, panel discussion and question and answer period. Topics will include: * The history and impact of hog CAFOs elsewhere in the US * The environmental impact of hog CAFOs on soil, surface and groundwater, and endangered species with an emphasis on the risks of locating such facilities in areas of karst geology. * The health risks associated with chronic exposure to hog waste, with an emphasis on the proximity of this facility to a nearby school and town. * The economic impact on property values, real estate taxes, jobs and tourism, locally and across the region. * The inadequacies of the permit process and lack of transparency in the approval of this facility without public and stakeholder involvement. This meeting will conclude at 5:45 pm in time for those interested to attend the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality beginning at 6 pm at the nearby Carroll Electric building in Jasper. The Buffalo National River is America’s first national river. In 2011, over 1 million visitors to the river spent over $38 million in surrounding communities, creating jobs, attending festivals, and supporting local businesses. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts, equestrians, hikers, fisherman, and birders enjoy the 132 mile free flowing river. This hog farm could jeopardize this economic benefit for the State of Arkansas and impact local communities. The Buffalo River Watershed Alliance is a group of concerned citizens created to preserve and protect the pristine quality of the Buffalo National River. Contacts: Gordon Watkins gwatkins@ritternet.com, 870-446-5783 Jack Stewart, jackstewart_us@yahoo.com 870 -715-0260 Michael Dougherty, buffaloriver@yandex.com, 870-420-3812
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2013
The Buffalo River Watershed Alliance will host a public meeting to discuss impact of the largest confined-animal-feeding-operation (CAFO) ever permitted in Arkansas and located near the Buffalo National River. Citizens group opposes 6,500-head hog farm located on major tributary of Buffalo National River Jasper, AR - On Wednesday, May 8 at 4 pm a public meeting will be held at the Buffalo Theater on the Jasper square to provide information regarding a state-approved, 6,500 head hog facility located near Mt. Judea, AR and a few miles upstream from the Buffalo National River. The permit for this facility, the first and largest of its kind in Arkansas, was approved by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) without public notification or input, including that of the National Park Service. The USDA Farm Services Agency provided an almost $4 million loan guarantee, backed by tax-payer money.
This meeting will include a video presentation, panel discussion and question and answer period.
Topics will include: * The history and impact of hog CAFOs elsewhere in the US * The environmental impact of hog CAFOs on soil, surface and groundwater, and endangered species with an emphasis on the risks of locating such facilities in areas of karst geology. * The health risks associated with chronic exposure to hog waste, with an emphasis on the proximity of this facility to a nearby school and town. * The economic impact on property values, real estate taxes, jobs and tourism, locally and across the region. * The inadequacies of the permit process and lack of transparency in the approval of this facility without public and stakeholder involvement.
This meeting will conclude at 5:45 pm in time for those interested to attend the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality beginning at 6 pm at the nearby Carroll Electric building in Jasper.
The Buffalo National River is America’s first national river. In 2011, over 1 million visitors to the river spent over $38 million in surrounding communities, creating jobs, attending festivals, and supporting local businesses. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts, equestrians, hikers, fisherman, and birders enjoy the 132 mile free flowing river. This hog farm could jeopardize this economic benefit for the State of Arkansas and impact local communities.
The Buffalo River Watershed Alliance is a group of concerned citizens created to preserve and protect the pristine quality of the Buffalo National River. Contacts:
Gordon Watkins gwatkins@ritternet.com, 870-446-5783
Jack Stewart, jackstewart_us@yahoo.com 870 -715-0260
Michael Dougherty, buffaloriver@yandex.com,
870-420-3812
Buffalo River Watershed Alliance is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization
Copyright @ 2019
Contact Us