Looking Back
What have we accomplished so far?
- state, national and international media have covered the story of the giant mistake Arkansas made in permitting a hog factory in the watershed of American's first National River.
- our federal lawsuit resulted in the tightening of procedures for the granting of federal loans to CAFOs across the country.
- public notification of CAFO permit applications is now mandatory in Arkansas.
- there is a temporary ban on further medium to large hog factory operations in the Buffalo River Watershed.
- there is no longer any question that C&H sits on porous karst topography.
- the public has learned about the environmental risks posed by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Several groups are in the process of forming with the express purpose of opposing all such operations in the State of Arkansas. (BRWA remains committed to protecting the Buffalo Watershed)
- our website is the go to resource for researchers, legal scholars, reporters, and anyone interested in more details concerning the C&H controversy.
- our Facebook page has garnered nearly 9000 Likes and some posts receiving 25,000 views.
- the Governor stated that, since taking office, he had received more letters of concern about the Buffalo than any other subject.
- the Buffalo River received IBA status from the National Audubon Society.
- membership and financial support have increased with especially strong growth over the last few months.
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Where we are now.
We await ADEQ responses to our questions regarding the Harbour Environmental drilling report which was supposed to investigate the possibility of pond leakage and a fracture in the substrate under the ponds. To read the questions submitted by BRWA click here.
There are many discrepancies in the report and instances where there appear to be contradictions. Here is one sample, just to give you a taste: The words "fractures" and "voids" are used, yet Table 1 states, "No voids encountered". Later the report states, "Due to fracture zones encountered in the subsurface, the borehole took more grout than calculated for its volume". We ask why is there no discussion of the mentioned void? Understand this: It took 50% more grout than calculated to fill the bore hole! The problem appears to have been first encountered at a depth of 25 feet. Could this void extend under the pond? If so, a very serious problem was discovered.
The study in no way resolves the questions surrounding the electrical resistivity results. To read more go to the BRWA website home page where links to the report, our press release and other details are provided.
If anyone is not convinced there are serious problems with the study they are encouraged to read these additional questions submitted to ADEQ by informed Arkansas citizens. Click here to read a few outstanding examples.
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A Look Forward
- Awaiting response by ADEQ to drilling report questions submitted by the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance and others. Date: unknown.
- Awaiting ADEQ response to the C&H hog factory request for a Regulation 5 permit and subsequent public comment period. Date: unknown.
- Ruling by Judge Moulton on EC Farms Permit appeal by the "Three Grandmothers" Date: January 27, 2017.
- First meeting of the Buffalo River Action Committee (BRAC) This is part of the Beautiful Buffalo River Action Initiative established by Governor Hutchinson. For details on the BBRI go to our website page devoted to the subject. Date: January ? TBA
- Live Music Fundraiser for the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance at Georges Majestic Lounge Fayetteville Cate Brothers, Bill Dollar and Loose Change, The Sumler/Huff Band, Jim Mills and the Hellbenders, Leah and the Mojo, Doctors Date: January 29
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Stand by.
In the coming months Buffalo River country will need you more than ever.
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