Title: FW: [globalnews] Link Found Between Nitrates Well Water and Factory Farms
Environmental News Network - ENN Direct
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 12:00:00 AM
Studies From An Independent Scientific Organization Show Link Between Higher
Contamination Of Well Water Near Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Water from wells used by low income residents in the Lower Yakima Valley in
the state of Washington have been tested this past year by the Valley
Institute for Research and Education (VIRE). The study reveals a direct
correlation between the location of large confined dairy operations and the
pollution of private wells with E. Coli and high nitrate concentrations.
The studies show that wells in the area between Parker and Zillah, where
there are a low number of factory dairies, have levels of nitrates below the
federal standards for nitrates (10 mg/l) and are absent for E. Coli
contamination. The water falls within federal safe water guidelines. In
sharp contrast, the areas between Granger and Grandview, where large numbers
of cows are confined year round, high levels of nitrates and the presence of
E.Coli have been found.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know what's causing the well
water pollution", said Mary Lynne Bos, Vice President of CARE and a 70-year
resident of the valley. "Contaminated well water was not a problem when cows
were allowed to graze on pasture."
The report states that "Concentrations of nitrates in excess of the MCL
{Maximum Contaminant Level} of 10 mg/l can pose a health risk to infants
under one year of age, pregnant women, individuals with impaired immune
systems and individuals with hereditary lack of methemogloblin reductase.
High nitrate exposure has also been associated with intrauterine growth
restriction and prematurity."
"It is a sad commentary that we are allowing an industry to exist in our
valley that is a danger to the infirm, the young and the elderly. The
factory dairy pollution is not only endangering our health, it is also
destroying our quality of life," said Helen Reddout, consultant for Global
Resource Action Center for the Environment (GRACE), a national environmental
organization, and President of CARE.
Charlie Tebbutt, of the Western Environmental Law Center (WELC), legal
counsel for CARE said, "This study once again confirms our fears that the
factory dairies are causing industrial scale pollution in the Valley. The
state agencies responsible for protecting the public's health have failed
miserably. It is time that they, along with responsible federal agencies,
take real steps to clean up this dirty industry." Tebbutt added, "The recent
Bush administration rule changes for CAFOs and the proposed state cutbacks
on dairy inspectors are going in exactly the wrong direction from what is
needed."
Reddout commented, "CARE's concerns about nitrate and E. Coli polluted wells
have been confirmed not only by this study but through similar studies
across the United States where animal factories operate. We need to return
to sustainable farming practices before the danger to our water is beyond
repair."
Funding for the study came from settlements of Clean Water Act enforcement
actions brought by the Community Association for Restoration of the
Environment (CARE), a Sunnyside, WA, area member organization working to
clean up pollution caused by the dairy factories. All of CARE's board
members are members of farming families who have lived in the community for
many decades.
The Western Environmental Law Center, which represented CARE, is a
not-for-profit public interest law firm with offices in Eugene, OR, Taos,
NM, and Ketchum, ID. WELC provides litigation services to grassroots groups,
Native American Tribes, and local governments seeking to enforce our
nation's environmental laws.
For more information on concentrated animal feeding operations, please visit
www.factoryfarm.org. For a copy of the report, phone Helen Reddout or Mary
Lynne Bos from CARE at (509) 854-2990.
