Friends and neighbors,

Please see the Upper Missouri Waterkeeper informational link below regarding the DEQ general CAFO permit renewal hearing/public comment period. The hearing is August 20th AM in Helena but the arguably more critical written public comment is due by the 24th. We understand the vast majority will not be able to make it out of the area for the hearing but our goal is two-fold: 1 – to show the DEQ/state authorities that there is strong community interest on this issue as the Madison “Food Park” threatens to take it to a disturbing never experienced level and 2 – To highlight technical deficiencies in the regulation that need to be addressed in order to protect people and our environment. We haven’t experienced the full force of industrial animal agriculture the way so many in states like Iowa and North Carolina have, but we’re on the radar. With open expanses and only about 130 registered CAFOs the issue is still in its infancy here. That said, we have been contacted by many individuals who have or do indeed suffer at the hands of a nearby colony or operation. As we have said, we encourage people to share personal experiences in person at the hearing or via written comment.

Our allies at Upper Missouri Waterkeepers and the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project have been hard at work digging into this highly technical document and we will have a technical critique to offer the state in writing before the 24th. The DEQ is required legally to respond to all issues raised. The link below contains a talking point memo outlining technical deficiencies identified thus far. Even in the best of circumstances CAFOs are woefully under-regulated. We believe fair and well outlined regulations smartly balancing sustainable animal agricultural practices and the property rights of people and health actually bolster our local farmers and rancher preventing needless conflict for all. We are incredibly grateful to the people at Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and Socially Responsible Agricultural Project for their selfless and tireless work on our behalf. We are incredibly fortunate that there are people who generously give of themselves for no other reason than to protect people and our precious resources. Please support the hard work by taking the time to make your comment and provide your input. Instructions are below and again, the Waterkeeper article below serves as a solid foundational guide.

Public comments are invited ANYTIME PRIOR TO CLOSE OF BUSINESS August 24, 2018. Comments may be directed to the DEQ Water Protection Bureau, PO Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620. All comments received or postmarked PRIOR TO CLOSE OF BUSINESS August 24, 2018 will be
considered in the formulation of final determinations to be imposed on the permits. If you wish to comment electronically, you may e-mail the Department at DEQWPBPublicComments@mt.gov

http://www.uppermissouriwaterkeeper.org/talking-points-publ…

Copyright © 2018 Great Falls Area Concerned Citizens, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Great Falls Area Concerned Citizens
1701 10th ave South
PMB 175
Great Falls, MT 59405

Add us to your address book