Factory Farms
Pollution from large scale farms in Idaho
In Idaho and across the nation, small-scale farms are being replaced by large-scale factory farms known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Idaho is home to dairies and beef feedlots and the number of animals raised on these operations is rapidly increasing, causing an increase in public health and environmental problems.
Many Idaho residents who live near these CAFOs have been overwhelmed by noxious odors and polluted drinking water. Living near a CAFO has had a negative impact on their health, has decreased their property value and diminished their livelihood. Individuals living near CAFOs experience extended periods of time where they cannot open their windows, have a family barbecue or go for walks because of the excessive fumes emanating from nearby CAFOs.
In addition to causing air pollution, massive feedlots and dairies also cause water pollution. Improperly managed manure and waste water from these farms release environment pollutants such as:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Heavy metals
- Hormones
Dairies and feedlots continue to receive exemptions from laws that were created to protect our air and water. Lax regulations have made Idaho a haven for large polluting dairies and feedlots. In communities throughout southern Idaho, toxic chemicals and waste threaten air and water quality. In the Magic Valley alone, dairy cows produce as much waste as a city of 4 million people - with no sewage system to protect drinking water for citizens.
