Senate Bill 14 is making its way through the Legislature right now, and Section 6 of this bill has me worried. This bill blocks transparency by preventing people living near concentrated animal feeding operations aka CAFOs from knowing the number and scope of operations in their neighborhoods and how those operations may impact them, their property, and their livelihood.
I believe in transparency. Im a farmer myself directly marketing beef and lamb to individuals and wholesalers in the region and transparency is one of our operating principles. We want our customers to know about our operation and how we raise our sheep and beef.
Clearly these CAFOs dont strive for the same level of transparency, which is understandable since they operate on a different business model. However, as a neighbor to several large CAFOs, I believe we have a right to know the businesses that are operating in our watersheds.
This bill would prevent people living near CAFOs from knowing basic information, such as how many animal units are housed on the site, which should not be kept hidden. As CAFOs have moved into my area and others have expanded, I have repeatedly been told that CAFOs are good neighbors. A good neighbor doesnt have to hide basic information about how many animals they house or even the very existence of their operation.
Thousands of animals crowded onto a small site pose risks to our water.
Downstream neighbors should be able to view water pollution control permits. This bill leaves too much discretion up to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, adding uncertainty for citizens and local governments alike.
It is time to ask ourselves if the state government has the best interests of the citizens in mind, or only the success of businesses. Lets keep records accessible to citizens. SB 14 is bad for transparency and bad for neighbors.
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