RICHLAND, Wash. – A massive feedlot north of Pasco, Washington can draw as much water as it needs from a deep well according to a decision by a Franklin County Superior judge [today] Friday. Dryland wheat farmers who have been fighting the 35-thousand cow feedlot were stunned and worried after the ruling.
The plaintiffs,
including dryland wheat farmers and the environmental group
Earthjustice, say Washington State's water laws were meant for small
family operations and didn't intend industrial farms to pump as much as
they want from wells. The defendants were Washington's Attorney
General's Office and the feedlot's owners Easterday Ranches. They say
there is no clear proof that drawing large amounts of water will dry up
neighbors' wells. After a heated debate over grammar and how the law
should be read, the judge ruled in favor of the cattle feedlot.
Afterwards, third-generation wheat farmer Blain Dougherty stepped
outside.
Blain Dougherty: “If my well goes dry I'm done. So what do I do? Haul water or that or pack up and leave the farm.”
The owner of Easterday Ranches declined to comment. The cattle feedlot will have as many as 35,000 head of cattle. It's under construction now.
Blain Dougherty: “If my well goes dry I'm done. So what do I do? Haul water or that or pack up and leave the farm.”
The owner of Easterday Ranches declined to comment. The cattle feedlot will have as many as 35,000 head of cattle. It's under construction now.
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