(AP) _ A hog farm in Newton County has filed a request to stay the state’s decision to deny the farm a new operating permit to replace its expired one and effectively shut down the facility.The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that attorneys for C&H Hog Farms filed the request with the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, the appellate body for the state’s Department of Environmental Quality.
The farmers released a statement Thursday calling the department’s decision to deny their permit request “politically motivated.” The statement says the Newton County farm hasn’t had any environmental violations since opening nearly five years ago.
Some environmental groups oppose the farm, fearing its proximity to the Buffalo National River could jeopardize water quality.
It’s unclear when the farm would close if no action is taken to stay or reverse the department’s decision.
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