Photo by Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism
On Sunday concerned citizens gathered at Norfork Brewing Company for a panel discussion on the implications of Arkansas Senate bill SB290 which would make mass hog feeding operations possible in the Buffalo River watershed. Current legislation prohibits such operations.
The meeting, which saw over 75 in attendance, hosted speakers from the Friends of the White River, brewery owner and environmental lawyer Jason Aamodt and other concerned environmental groups. Speakers discussed the bill and fielded questions as well as shared how state representatives could be contacted to voice concerns.
Senate Bill SB290 would prohibit a current moratorium on the issuance of permits for large scale hog farms in the watershed of the Buffalo River allowing a company to open factory hog farms that in the past have proven to pollute the river and surrounding areas.
Aamodt says the state already had to clean up pollution from such an operation along the Buffalo just over a decade ago.
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When asked who is behind the push to allow these farms back in the watershed, Aamodt states no one seems to know.
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What isn’t a mystery to those who oppose this legislation is the damage both ecologically and economically this could have on citizens and businesses that rely on the clean waters of the Buffalo River.
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Even for those in the Twin Lakes area who may not spend much time on the river, Aamodt states that permitting such factory farms in one area could spread pollution and encourage other operations to open along other waterways.
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On Tuesday the bill will go before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development at the state capitol for further discussion and debate.
Aamodt states that concerned citizens can visit www.facebook.com/naturesbeer for information on how to contact state representatives and voice any concerns as this bill makes its way through the legislative process.
To view Senate bill SB290 follow this link. sb290
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