320 Nelson Street, P.O. Box 778, Tiffin, OH 44883
Phone (419) 448-3200 Fax (419) 447-3274
General E-Mail: adtrib@bright.net
Newsroom E-Mail: atnews@bright.net

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1998

Buckeye Egg woes have had benefits

Groans could be heard across the state Tuesday when it was announced that final approval had been given for Buckeye Egg farm to add another 3 million chickens.

Buckeye Egg plans to reach a total of 18 million laying hens withing a seven-mile radius in Wyandot, Hardin and Marion counties.

There was plenty of reason for the groans. Buckeye Egg has been anything but a good neighbor.

The startup of its operations has been laced with environmental, labor and nuisance problems and violations.

Despite all the trouble, Ohioans have benefitted from having Buckeye Egg (formerly Agri-General) as the corporation that introduced animal mega-farming.

Legislation that will protect Ohioans and the environment has been enacted and more is on the way because of Buckeye Egg.

Citizens also are more aware of the consequences of mega-farming.

Local governments are looking at ways to protect their constituents when farms with huge numbers of animals are introduced.

In short, dealing at the outset with what probably will be the worst case has made us better prepared for the long haul.

There still is a need for tougher legislation, especially in regard to dealing with animal wastes.

The General Assembly needs to enact a requirement that -- in instances such as with Buckeye Egg -- a minimum number of acres be required for disposal of each ton of manure produced in a year. The only alternative would be construction of an on-site, EPA-approved sewage treatment plant.

State government must ensure that animal mega-farms are not a detriment to other citizens and pursuits. The arrival of Buckeye Egg has shown Ohio was not ready for that challenge.

The next step is to fix the problems and plug the loopholes.

It also would alleviate a lot of fears if another corporation set up shop and showed that a mega-farm can be a good neighbor.