But those cows are a major source of pollution, according to a new report by the Environmental Integrity Project. The Washington-based nonprofit contends that the state is failing to do enough to curb polluted runoff from feedlots and fields in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as not requiring the fencing of cattle away from nearby waterways. Both issues impair water quality and put at risk those who enjoy the river and its tributaries, the group says.
The EIP report estimates that 528,000 dairy and beef cattle in the valley generate one billion gallons of liquid manure annually. This waste, high in phosphorus, is typically spread over fields either owned by the livestock farmer or by neighbors, to fertilize crops. But the local farmland simply can’t absorb the tonnage of waste that needs to be disposed of, the EIP contends. The manure is piled on so heavily that crops can’t absorb all the nutrients, especially phosphorus, leading to runoff into nearby streams and rivers.
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3 comments:
"Pollution" from the production of animal products (human food). Go figure. PETA and the vegetarians are employing new tactics to force everyone to adopt their chosen lifestyle. Their ultimate goal? Ban farming altogether, its bad for the environment. Soylent Green coming soon to a supermarket near you.
By all means, get rid of them. We'd rather consume insects. (sarc). Well what can you do? A cow's gotta poop.
First you create an artificial problem that doesn't exist that will harm the environment or some innocent little critter, then form a non-profit based in DC and demand money to study the problem. Sound familiar?
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