SYRACUSE, Ind. – There are a number of confined feeding operations (CAFOs/CFOs) in Kosciusko County, particularly within the watershed of Lake Wawasee. This has raised serious concerns about impacts on the environment and tourism from the noxious odors, air emissions and water pollution often associated with these giant livestock factories.

The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation recently fought to prevent a large hog factory from locating less than a mile upstream and uphill from Lake Wawasee, which could have caused serious erosion, manure runoff into the lake and risked the safety of local drinking water. Still, manure runoff from other industrial livestock operations in the area continues to be an environmental and public health concern.

To discuss how best to address these concerns, the Hoosier Environmental Council and the WACF will be hosting a free workshop atom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the WACF Center, 11586 N. SR 13, Syracuse.

People who live near large animal factories are encouraged to come, along with those concerned about the pollution and economic impacts on the community. Participants will leave with a well-rounded understanding of the environmental, human health and community concerns, as well as possible solutions.

Part of the workshop content covers local government, land use and zoning laws, and environmental regulations so attendees will understand the legal framework applicable to CAFOs and CFOs.

“Although successful, the fight to prevent inevitable pollution from just one proposed CFO took a tremendous amount of resources and the process took a considerable amount of time and effort for the WACF board,” said WACF board member David Brandes. “It takes a lot of concerned people, armed with the tools and training to take meaningful action. I think people who are passionate about the issue would find a workshop like this a good place to start turning their desire for change into effective local activism.”

The workshop is free to attend and lunch will be provided, but attendees must register. Register online or contact HEC’s Valparaiso office at 219-464-0104, or by email at [email protected].