The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) announced today that they have notified 51 large-scale hog operations throughout Iowa, North Carolina, and Oklahoma that they intend to file lawsuits for the "unreported releases of the hazardous pollutant ammonia". 

Peter Brandt, HSUS' senior attorney for farm animals explains what HSUS is calling the legal violation. "If you are operating a facility that emits more than 100 pounds of ammonia in any 24 hour period you just have to report that. That's it." he says. "Based on all of our research none of these facilities were reporting that information." 

According to HSUS none of the parent companies of the facilities have plans to phase out the use of gestation stalls. We know these are companies that are involved in intensive confinement, they have no plans to phase it out, and they defend the practice," he says. "And... Umm... They are.. uh... you know... So we took a close look at them and uh... this is what we found." 

The National Pork Producers Council says they are reviewing the allegations made by HSUS and points out HSUS is not alleging environmental harm but rather is pointing out paperwork violations of EPA's emissions reporting rule.

BrownField AgNews

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