A study published last month reveals North Carolina’s rivers
and streams are loaded with pig excrement from local factory farms.
and streams are loaded with pig excrement from local factory farms.
The researchers found that 23
percent – nearly a quarter – of the samples exceeded state and federal
recreational water quality guidelines for fecal bacteria and E. coli, strains
of which can cause severe health problems for humans. Unsurprisingly, the most
bacteria was found in waters immediately downstream of large hog facilities. …… North Carolina, the
second-biggest hog producer in the country after Iowa, processes more than 4
billion pounds of pork every year. The swine industry holds major political
capital in the state and has dismissed the study’s findings.
The pollution of North Carolina’s water should come as no
surprise. Late last year, Mark Devries flew a camera attached to a drone over a
Smithfield pig factory farm in North Carolina, capturing footage of feces- and
urine-filled lagoons that measured the length of four football fields. Devries released
the disturbing images in a video short.
surprise. Late last year, Mark Devries flew a camera attached to a drone over a
Smithfield pig factory farm in North Carolina, capturing footage of feces- and
urine-filled lagoons that measured the length of four football fields. Devries released
the disturbing images in a video short.
Luckily, just a few weeks ago, a federal court ruled that manure
from factory farms and other agricultural operations must be treated and
regulated as solid waste, and that factory farmers could be held liable for
pollution from their facilities. If upheld, this ruling would set a powerful
precedent.
from factory farms and other agricultural operations must be treated and
regulated as solid waste, and that factory farmers could be held liable for
pollution from their facilities. If upheld, this ruling would set a powerful
precedent.
Ready to withdraw your support of factory farms
and protect our precious natural resources? Check out ChooseVeg.com for meal ideas, recipes, and
more.
and protect our precious natural resources? Check out ChooseVeg.com for meal ideas, recipes, and
more.
