LETTER: Swine operation not a wise option for SD

Talk about it

To the Editor:

The proposed swine unit that will soon be before the county commissioners will be a detriment to Baker Township and in the long run, to the county, state and country. Can’t we learn from our neighboring states who are tired of the rural mess from big confined animal operations? Health issues are terrific from the direct order of breathing the ammonia/sulfur gases that South Dakota prevailing winds will carry. South Dakota has very lenient rules and regulations on such large animal operations, and big investors know this and are coming our way.

Jackrabbit Family Farms is not a family, but a factory. The investors (we still don’t know who they are) can’t get ___ for their money in banks so they come to our rural area, ruin our quiet, clean air and rural life by putting their investment in large swine operations with no consideration for those who have been living in Baker Township, Davison County, for years and have been here first.

Manure will be knifed in the ground, our water will deplete from the 225,000 gallons a day usage and dairy operations very close to the site would be subject to disease from runoff and spills. Remember, county government still retains its responsibility for the protection of individuals against the threat to our health and environment.

Why are the residents close to Mitchell (3-4 miles) so much more important than us? If anyone thinks this swine operation is so great and good, put it in your own backyard.

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