Community Defense Strategies: Fighting Factory Farms at the Local Level

Animal Legal Defense Fund and the USC Gould School of Law Student

Animal Law Symposium March 28, 2015

Lynn Henning

Regional Associate, Socially Responsible Agricultural Project 2010 North American Goldman Environmental Prize Winner

Presentation Overview

n Introduction n The Socially Responsible Agriculture Project n Organizational Approach to Community Defense

n Community Defense Strategies

n On-The-Ground Organizing

n Case Study: The Traditions Megadairy

n Conclusion

Introduction

Organizational Approach to Community Defense

n Must receive a request for help

n Never turn down a CAFO SOS

n Goal is to STOP THE CAFO

n Hold the CAFO accountable for its impacts

Community Defense Strategies

n What are the legal hooks? n Identify the triggers to organize

around

n Organize! n Develop a strategy n Implement a multipronged

attack

n Do not give up!

Proven Techniques for Organizing Your Community to Fight CAFOs

Networking with other groups experienced at fighting CAFOs Water testing equipment and training on sampling procedures Air monitoring equipment and training on sampling procedures Fact sheets on health, environmental, and economic threats CAFO permit reviews by professional engineers Techniques for writing effective press releases Training on how to communicate with local decision makers Speakers, topics, and training for public informational meetings Connections to pro-bono legal assistance Help registering as a local non-profit organization Social media support Moral support and much more

CHALLENGES No clear performance standards for CAFOs No central database with all information No clearly defined strategy to protect water and air quality No training of staff for enforcement No identification of pollutants of concern Subsidy elimination Elimination of the liquid waste system. Change practices and standards that are not adequate to protect public health or the environment..

Environmental Justice Issues

n Decreased Quality of Life

n Road Damage

n Taxes

n Property Values

n Well Water

n Health Problems

n Taxes

n Dissension in the Community

n Air Pollution

n Surface/Drinking Water Pollution

n Groundwater Use/Contamination

n Illicit Tile Connections

n Irrigation

n Self Reporting

n Leaking Lagoons

n Siting

n Clean Up Costs

n Permit Compliance

n Disease/ Viruses/Bacteria/Pathogens

1 Public Health Nuisance Notification / Complaint Form This is a NOTIFICATION / COMPLAINT of a possible Public Health Threat or Nuisance from ____ Water Pollution ____ Odor/Air Quality ____ Dust/Particulate Matter ____ Pesticides, Chemicals ____ Other Complainant Name _____________________________________ Day Telephone: _(_____)_____________ Complainant Address __________________________________City, St., Zip_________________________ County _________________________________________Township: ______________________________ Name, Address, Location & Description of Nuisance (Use back if needed.) __________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ How Does the Nuisance affect YOU? Please check next to health symptoms you are experiencing. ____asthma symptoms ___acute/chronic bronchitis ____other respiratory (breathing) problems ____sore throat ____cough / severe cough ____mucous production / runny nose ___burning sinuses ____headache ____loss of sense of smell / taste ____nausea ____burning eyes ____increased anxiety ____depression ____anger ____fatigue ____confusion ____wounds that wont heal (MRSA) ____other Please make complete statement. Use back side or attach additional sheets, as needed. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ OTHER OBSERVATIONS: Are odors / Emission levels higher in evening or morning? ________________________________________ Are there excessive flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, dead birds? ________________________________ Are you requesting the Local Health Department to do drinking water testing? ________________________ Who Have You Contacted? ____Local Health Dept. ____Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ____Michigan Department of Natural Resources ____Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development ____Local Law Enforcement ____Government Official, Other?_________________________________________________ Signature / Date

Case Study: The Traditions Mega-Dairy

Photo courtesy of Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards (HOMES)

Photos courtesy of Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water (ICCAW) and the Light Hawk Group

Mega-dairy Story: Timeline of Events n November 1, 2007 - Notice of Intent to Construct

n May 30, 2008 - IDOA grants permit

n June 3, 2008 - HOMES files lawsuit against IDOA and A.J. Bos

n June 16, 2008 - Bos starts building

n June 2008 - Army Corps requires CWA 404/401 permit certification

n November 11, 2008 - CWA Section 308 complaint filed with USEPA

n February 17, 2009 - Discovery of first of numerous discharges

n April 8, 2009 - USEPA initiates CWA Section 308 action

n December 15, 2009 - Judge denies HOMES preliminary injunction

n February 16, 2010 - HOMES files appeal

Mega-dairy Story: Timeline of Events

n July 30, 2010 - Bos refuses to comply with USEPA

n October 1, 2010 - Fourth silage leachate discharge - BRIGHT PURPLE

n December 22, 2010 - Appellate Ct. rules against HOMES

n March 2011 - Il Sup. Ct. denies review

n April 20, 2011 - Il AGs Office files complaint

n Feb 24, 2012 - Bos tells DOJ he wont construct

n October 23, 2013 - Consent agreement with USEPA

n November 7, 2012 - Settlement agreement with IL AG

n November 14, 2012 - IDOA permit expires

Photos courtesy of HOMES & ICCAW

Conclusion: Strategies for Success

n How did HOMES succeed?

n Organized

n Continually gathered information

n Built relationships

n Legal action

n Fundraising

n Sought and addressed permits

n Media/public outreach

n Constant pressure on responsible agencies

n Aerial surveillance

n Water monitoring

n Did not give up! Photos courtesy of HOMES & ICCAW

Thank you!

n DISCUSSION

n QUESTIONS?

Photos courtesy of Goat Mountain Pastured Meats

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