Hello,
 
In an effort to protect family farmers' and the citizens' health, we will be 
accepting donations to help defray legal expenses that will incur to appeal 
Judge Stephen Carroll's decision regarding Worth County's Rural Health and 
Family Protection Ordinance.
 
During the March 17th board meeting, The Worth County Board of Supervisors 
elected to appeal Judge Carroll's ruling against their health ordinance.  The 
ordinance was written by the Worth County Board of Health and a special 
community task force of eleven citizens.  It sets standards for air and water 
quality which could impact animal confinement feeding operations and outlines 
a complaint procedure.  It also sets standards for worker safety and water 
pollution.  It covers any new operations and gives existing operations until 
Jan 1, 2012 to be in full compliance, unless a bona fide complaint is 
validated earlier.
 
This ordinance was adopted by the Worth County Board of Supervisors in the 
summer of 2001, and immediately challenged legally by a group of local hog 
producers backed by the Farm Bureau.  This ordinance and its journey through 
the legal system are seen to be a pioneer test case for this issue in the 
state.  Many counties have enacted similar ordinances based on this one, or 
are considering doing so.
 
A successful appeal to this ruling will have the effect of giving counties 
the right to take back control of health issues within their own borders.  
The board expressed concern about the costs that may be incurred.  As this 
appeal could have an impact on all Iowa counties and their citizens, it seems 
appropriate to ask the citizens for monetary support.  We believe the appeal 
could cost up to $20,000.   It is important to let the Supreme Court decide 
whether local county governments have the ability and intelligence to protect 
its citizens' right to good health by requiring that producers protect our 
air and water.
 
The outcome of this case may determine whether Iowa counties have a right to 
protect their residents health by passing ordinances which may effect 
livestock feeding operations.  Your contributions will play a significant 
role in making this happen and will be greatly appreciated now and for many 
generations to come.
 
Please mail your contributions to:
 
Worth County Legal Defense Fund
P,O. Box 122
Hanlontown, IA
 
Thanks for your support
 
Contact people:    
                     
Curt Evans        
3833 Dogwood Ave.
Joice, IA  50446 
e-mail <A HREF="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>   

Evelyn Holtan       
P.O. Box 85   
Hanlontown, IA  50444    

Jim Rice
3806 Grouse Ave
Hanlontown, IA  50446
                       
 





Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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www.iowa.sierraclub.org

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