2015 CAFO Stench Alerts

Dec 9 – Hudson Dairy CAFO is out in force, draglining liquid manure and also spreading solids, at two sites – both very close to the City of Hudson wellhead protection area. Multiple tanker trucks are hauling liquid manure to a draglining operation set up (for the second time this fall) along M-34 west of the City of Hudson, between Nye Rd and Elm Rd. Solids are being heaped and spread along US-127 just north of the City of Hudson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Hudson wellhead protection area – from Nye Rd/Elm Rd area and southeast, crossing near intersection of M-34 and US-127 at Hudson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-9-15 – Hudson Dairy tankers at the liquid manure dumpbox along M-34 between Nye and Elm Rds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-9-15 – Hudson Dairy dumping and spreading solids along US-127 just north of Hudson.

Dec 8 – New Flevo CAFO is applying liquid manure on Demings Lake Rd, west of Furman in Dover Twp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-8-15 – New Flevo Dairy tanker pumping liquid manure to field equipment for application, Demings Lake Rd.

Dec 7 – Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy CAFO is draglining on a hayfield, ponded area in the foreground, east of the dumpbox on Packard Road Rd, west of Dillon Hwy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-7-15 – Hudson Dairy draglining on a hayfield, Packard Rd west of Dillon Hwy.

Dec 4-6 – Several reports of stench over the weekend from a draglining operation at M-34 and Seneca Hwy. The draglining at that location was shut down on Sunday afternoon Dec 6 and the dumpbox was moved to Packard Rd west of Dillon Hwy. The Packard Rd field is listed on both Medina Dairy and Hudson Dairy 2015 CNMPs (Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans – field #800-027C on their manure maps – see snips from 2015 CNMP updates below) for manure application.

 

 

 

12-6-15 – green dumpbox and dragline operation at M-34 and Seneca Hwy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-6-15 – same green dumpbox hauled to Packard Rd, field #800-027C, listed for manure application in BOTH Medina Dairy and Hudson Dairy field maps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manure maps of Packard Rd fields: Medina Dairy and Hudson Dairy 2015 CNMP updates; Medina Dairy on top (p.48, fields on Packard circled in red); below, Hudson Dairy, same fields (p.59).

Nov 23 – CAFOs spreading on snow-covered ground – Terrehaven CAFO and Hartland Farms CAFO are hauling and spreading solids on snow-covered ground, one of the highest risk practices. All it takes is sun or thaw to send contaminated meltwater into drains and tiles and streams. With Lake Erie at risk, Ohio has banned manure application on snow-covered ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11-23-15 – Terrehaven CAFO manure application on snow, on Forrister Rd.

Nov 18 – tankers from Milk Source’s Medina Dairy CAFO are hauling in the rain to a draglining operation on Maple Grove Ave, just north of the City of Hudson. The field is adjacent to Bean Creek on the west.

 

 

 

 

11-18-15 – manure tanker from Medina Dairy at the dumpbox on Maple Grove Ave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11-18-15 – Top: Tanker leaving dumpbox at manure application field on Maple Grove Ave; Image immediately below: draglining, with Bean Creek downslope at far tree line.

Nov 12 – Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy draglining in the rain, tankers running into the evening, east of Kelso Rd, through the dragline from the dumpbox on M-34, west of the City of Hudson. Neighbor reports, “major stench alert to people west of the spreading, ferocious wind spreading the emissions.”
 
11-12-15 – Hudson Dairy manure tankers hauling to the dumpbox along M-34, 6:34 p.m., in the rain.

 
11-12-15 – Hudson Dairy draglining in the rain, near Kelso Rd, through dragline hose from dumpbox on M-34.

Nov 11, Veteran’s Day – “Awful strong” emissions east of Hudson – Winds are picking up, neighbors in several directions are breathing the bad air. Milk Source’s Medina Dairy tankers are hauling load after load of liquid waste to a dumpbox on Cadmus Rd and Munson Hwy, acoss from Butch’s Tavern. Not far away, on Dowling Hwy near M-34, Hartland Farms CAFO is spraying “awful strong” liquid manure – “…sends you inside.” 
 
11-11-15 – Tankers lined up at the Medina Dairy CAFO dumpbox on Cadmus Rd. 
 
11-11-15 – Medina Dairy CAFO field at Cadmus and Munson Hwy is soaked.

Nov 10 – “As bad as Adrian’s stink*” – “Nobody should be breathing this,” reports a passer-by, one of several reports about the ferocious stench from Hudson Dairy CAFO draglining operation at M-34 and Waldron Rd. “More stench and emissions from Milk Source on Maxson’s fields. Corporate CAFOs making the community pay on Veterans Day for their profit.” This is a huge field; 4-5 tankers are hauling non-stop. No crop, no crop to come for months.
*See the Daily Telegram article today on yesterday’s Adrian Twp meeting, and residents’ concerns about the month-long stink from “biosolids fertilizer pellets” applied on farm fields. The manufacturer of this product told Adrian residents “the odor most likely will not entirely go away. For the farmer, he said the fertilizer is cost effective and yields a higher level of crops.” Welcome to the world of industrial agriculture, where what’s good for the farmer may not be at all good for the neighbor. Whose lives matter?
 
11-10-15 – A glimpse of sun, a BLAST of stench from this Hudson Dairy CAFO draglining at Waldron Rd and M-34.
 
11-10-15 – Tanker pumping into Hudson Dairy dumpbox along M-34 west of Hudson. “Nobody should be breathing this.”

Nov 9 – Medina Dairy CAFO dragline and a dumpbox set up late in the day on Cadmus Rd, just east of the City of Hudson. Draglining into the evening, no crop, and no crop to come for months. Nov. 10 – rain overnight, no action here; maybe all the tankers are aross town, hauling for Milk Source’s other CAFO, Hudson Dairy. 
 
11-10-15 – day after Medina Dairy draglining began, rutted field along Cadmus Rd. All’s quiet so far today, Nov 10, after rain overnight. 
 
11-10-15 – Medina Dairy field on Cadmus Rd near Munson Hwy, ready-to-go, no tankers in sight yet today.

Outrageous stench widespread around the City of Adrian and various field locations. The Adrian Daily Telegram asked on Facebook yesterday, “We’re looking for some help with a story. We’ve received some reports of a strong, manure/sewage odor around the north side of Adrian and northwest and west of town, especially in the morning for the past few days.”
The Telegram got 400+ Facebook replies, including:
“… on Valley Rd just east of Bent Oak. They put it on the fields all around us. It’s disgusting it should be banned.”
“I thought it smelled like someone dropped a bomb of aspagras pee on adrian. it was gag worthy just being outside.”
“…all of us would like to know EXACTLY what this stuff is. it smells so bad. and the smell lingers for a long time. Its a cross smell between something dead and brussel sprouts. omg you can hardly breathe.”
“I live north of Morenci. A week ago when the wind was strong from the east we could smell it strong. I think it is the liquid manure they spray on the fields.”
“I live on Wolf Creek Highway between Pentecost and Tipton I was following a tractor pulling a trailer that had the most disturbing smell I’ve ever smelled in my life a mile before I approached the trailer and a mile before it became coming in my vehicle after I passed the vehicle I could not get the smell out of my vehicle for probably four miles with the windows down it was a mix of manure and something dead it …was burnt in my nose for an hour probably.”
“It’s probably manure. They do it every year especially along Tipton. I won’t even drive near there this time of year. And with the warm, sunny weather…well there you go.”

More details on the horrible Adrian stench today, Nov 5, and photos to ECCSCM of one of the many sites mentioned in Telegram posts: “Where did this come from?! Application was occurring on the north side of Valley Rd., between Bent Oak and Carson Hwys. Same stench south of Terrehaven on Hunt Rd., spreading southwest towards Pfister and southeast to Lenawee Hills and down to Forrister, seemed like it was following the path of Wolf Creek all the way to Lake Adrian.” 
 
11-5-15 – tanker, trucks, tractor at Valley Rd and Bent Oak, doing field application of…what? Let’s hope the Telegram finds out.
  
11-5-15 – same location, Valley Rd & Bent Oak, black heap of ?, loading, unloading, hauling, spreading, “stench…like rotting bodies.”

Also 11-5-15, stench at Townline and Burton Rd, this application:
 

11-4-15 – Weirdly warm weather – and liquid and solid CAFO waste is being sprayed, draglined, and spread on many fields – alll with NO GROWING CROP. Morenci resident reports Raymond & Stutzman tankers are hauling from both State Line CAFO and Legend CAFO on M-156 through Morenci today – “from 7:35 through 9:46 a.m. at least 14 tankers went through.” Resident also reports “tankers coming and going from Legend yesterday; didn’t quit until after 6 p.m. last night.” Hartland Farms is spreading solids on Dowling Hwy field; Medina Dairy CAFO continues draglining along Elm Rd south of Beecher Rd.

11-3-15 – Morenci resident reports manure tankers traveling south on M-156 through Morenci and west on Main St, going so fast “it makes the house shake.” Elsewhere, Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy is still hauling CAFO waste to the dumpbox at Waldron Rd & M-34, draglining. Still extremely foul for school and for neighbors. And even more draglining starting up, Milk Source’s other CAFO, Medina Dairy, began hauling with the usual tankers to a dumpbox on Elm Rd just south of Beecher Rd.

11-2-15 – “WORST MANURE SMELL EVER. LIKE ROTTED BODY PARTS” – Horrendous stench at the Hudson Dairy dump box on Waldron Rd, across from a school, and very close to neighbors and their well in the front yard. Reports say the stench is “brutal, disgusting,” “like rotted body parts.” Draglining began this morning on the large field at Waldron Rd and M-34. Neighbors are suffering. And fed up. Elsewhere, a neighbor of Bleich CAFO reports: “Hanging out the wash today on the Indian Summer breeze is a putrid combination stench of something between a spittoon and a sewer.”
 
11-2-15 – Three tankers, one waiting in the road, are hauling Hudson Dairy CAFO waste to a dumpbox at intersection of Waldron Rd and M-34.

11-2-15 – Tanker dumping into dumpbox, some liquid spilled on the ground – (“worst manure smell ever,” “disgusting”).

 
11-2-15 – Hudson Dairy draglining field black at Waldron and M-34, low area and upslope.

October means weeks of heavy fall manure application, with NO CROP. And no crop to come for months. Good reason to call this what it is: waste disposal, not fertilizer. Just in the last few days, before ECCSCM’s Water Monitoring Oct 27, and before the prediction that day for heavy rainfall – a forecast prohibiting CAFO waste application – tankers and haulers had been applying at multiple locations, including these:
•Milk Source’s Medina CAFO had been draglining on Dillon Hwy, north of the Durfee Cr Extension (Lime Cr/Bean Cr Watershed); also hauling to the north side of Posey Lake, along Plank Rd.
•Bakerlads CAFO had double applied at the corner of Beecher and Morey, field draining to South Branch of the River Raisin.
•Hartland Farms had applied along Beecher west of Hughes Hwy, field draining to Bear Cr, River Raisin Watershed.
•NOTE: Raymond & Stutzman manure tankers observed on Oct 27 on M-156 and Ridgeville Rd, in spite of MOS forecast prohibiting application that day.

Bulletin! OFF THE CHARTS – E. coli at Site #36, Shierson Drain: 150,000/100mL – ECCSCM Water Monitoring E. coli results from Oct 27 are just back from the DEQ lab, showing an E. colicount of 150,000/100mL at Shierson Drain on Ridgeville Rd, Morenci. Legend CAFO fields and one State Line CAFO field lie immediately upstream. Ammonia levels at Shierson Dr were 6 ppm (see photo below), the highest we’ve seen on Hach test strips at any site. Ever.
-Michigan’s water standard for E. coli is 1,000/100mL, for partial body contact.
-Ammonia in streams should range between 0.01-0.10ppm, and results above 0.10 ppm are “of concern.” 

Shierson Drain is a tributary of Silver Creek which flows into Bean Creek below Morenci, and on to the Maumee River and Lake Erie.

Two other sites also tested at extremely high levels of E.coli: 
91,000/100mL at Deline Cr Extension on Tomer Rd, a site draining Hoffland CAFO fields
5,500/100mL at Lime Cr tributary on Ingall Hwy near Packard Rd, a site draining Medina CAFO fields
 
Lime Cr tributary on Ingall Hwy, with E. coli count at 5,500/100ml, also had extremely low DO of .23 mg/L. Michigan water standard for Dissolved Oxygen is 5 mg/L or higher, and 3 mg/L is fish-kill level. 

Oct 9 – Dangerous air near Hartland Farms CAFO waste application – high Hydrogen Sulfide emissions. Yesterday, Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) exposure reached 0.4ppm (parts per million) near Hartland Farms CAFO waste application on Beecher Rd. Hydrogen Sulfide is the “rotten egg” part of the CAFO waste stink. Several states – NY, KY, New Mexico – have an air standard for H2S, a 1-hr limit of 0.01ppm. Michigan has no air standard for H2S. Hydrogen sulfide can cause headaches, breathing problems, and with severe or chronic exposure can cause neurological damage – it’s a brain poison. Health Dept and other agencies were notified.

 
10-8-15 – Drager meter with oxygen reading (20.5%) and Hydrogen Sulfide reading of 0.4ppm.

Oct 7 – Why it’s so hard to document where ALL the CAFO stench comes from – it’s OUT OF SIGHT! (Unless you happen to fly overhead)
In a field listed on the Hudson Dairy CAFO CNMP (Comprehensive Nutrient Managment Plan) a semi-tanker is spraying black swaths today, out of sight from roads, back against trees in the middle of a square mile east of US-127, south of Lime Creek Rd (see location below). 

 

Oct 6 – Massive manure applications all around, hard to keep up with reports of black stinking CAFO fields and foul emissions. Here are a dozen or so photos (Milk Source’s CAFOs – Hudson Dairy and Medina Dairy; New Flevo Dairy CAFO; Halliwill CAFO, Hoffland CAFO). Just a glimpse of the mess neighbors are dealing with, again. And again, and again.

  
10-6-15 – Medina Dairy slurry application, extremely thick, on Canandaigua Rd field, east of Ingall. 
 
10-6-15 – Hudson Dairy spray-irrigating north of the facility along US-127. Also, not pictured, spray-irrigation again west of the facility along Elm Rd. 
  
10-6-15 – New Flevo Dairy slurry application, awful goo, at Burton and Springville Rds.
 
10-6-15 – New Flevo Dairy road slop from slurry hauler, Springville Rd. 
 
10-6-15 – New Flevo Dairy stockpiles, liquid draining from piles, Rome Rd east of US-223. 
 
10-6-15 – New Flevo Dairy manure application from Oct 1, still not incorporated, as required by the CAFO Permit.
 
10-6-15 – Hoffland CAFO draglining, Haley Rd east of M-156.
 
10-6-15 – Halliwill application, Burton Rd east of Wilkinson.
 
10-6-15 – Halliwill sprayer from tanker, Forrister Rd west of Posey Lake Hwy. 
 
10-6-15 – Halliwill truck application, at Forrister Rd and Townley Hwy.
 
10-6-15 – Hartland Farms CAFO still stockpiling at Forrister Rd and Hawkins Hwy.

Oct 5 – Another day of intense CAFO waste application, morning to night. “They are at it again this morning,” reports a neighbor near Hartland Farms CAFO manure application. “Showering the land on Beecher and Hughes, so much that it’s pooling.” Late in the afternoon, a report from another neighbor, “It’s a wet black field, to the road [Beecher Rd]. Stinks all the way to Posey Lake.” Hartland Farms was also stockpiling on a hay field at Forrister and Hawkins; also still applying at Cadmus Rd and Hughes Hwy, south of the waterway. Other CAFOs spreading, spraying, draglining today are: Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy CAFO (still spray-irrigating east side of Elm Rd west of the facility) and also draglining at Waldron Rd and Dey Rd; Milk Source’s Medina Dairy CAFO, spreading “HEAVY” solids, multiple applications east of Ingall Hwy on Canandaigua Rd; Hoffland CAFO applying waste – “strong emissions – at Haley Rd and Wheeler Hwy; and semis hauling liquid waste to surface application on Halliwill CAFO field along Forrister Rd just west of Posey Lake Hwy.
 
10-5-15 – (left) Hartland Farms spraying manure in the morning, at Beecher Rd and Hughes Hwy. By 4 p.m., (right) whole field was wet and black and stinking. 
 
10-5-15- Hartland stockpiling manure on hay at Forrister and Hawkins Hwy.

 
10-5-15 – Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy CAFO heavy draglining application, completely black, at Waldron and Dey Rds.

 
10-5-15 – Milk Source’s Medina Dairy CAFO, another “HEAVY” application of solids on Canandaigua Rd east of Ingall Hwy.

 
10-5-15 – Hoffland Farms CAFO application, “strong emissions,” at Haley Rd and Wheeler Hwy.

 
And last, 10-5-15 – semis hauling liquids, surface application on Halliwill CAFO field on Forrister just west of Posey Lake Hwy.

Oct 3 – 10:00 a.m. – Neighbor of Hartland Farms reports the CAFO is: “Actively spraying liquid manure while it is raining.” 

Oct 1 – Another “disgusting” day of liquid manure and slurry and spray-irrigation – untreated animal sewage on acres and acres of fields here – from almost every CAFO in the vicinity. 
Take your pick from the line-up, photos below:
1) Hartland Farms CAFO

10-1-15 – Hartland Farms, draglining, no applicator, just spewing liquid waste, east side of Hughes north of Cadmus Rd.
  
10-1-15 – Hartland Farms, no incorporation within 24 hrs as required in their CAFO Permit, at multiple locations: Beecher Rd west of Morey (left) and Hughes Hwy, south of Beecher (right); also, not pictured, application on Hartland field, north side of Forrister at Hawkins Hwy.

2) Medina Dairy CAFO
  
10-1-15 – Medina Dairy black slurry waste field, north side of Canandaigua Rd east of Ingall Hwy.
  
10-1-15 – Medina Dairy draglining west side of Dillon Hwy south of Medina Rd.

3) Hudson Dairy CAFO
 
10-1-15 – Hudson Dairy spray-irrigating west of the facility, east of Elm Rd. Passer-by notes the spray “smelled very sour and nasty.” Also points out, “Corn has been harvested, so what are we irrigating?”
 
10-1-15 – Hudson Dairy draglining on Packard Rd, east of US-127.

4) Halliwill CAFO – trucking, applying waste on Forrister west of Posey Lake Hwy. 

5) New Flevo CAFO
  
10-1-15 – Stockpiled waste and New Flevo hauling slurry, north side of Rome Rd near US-223. Also, not pictured, applying liquid waste from tanker on Onsted Hwy north of US-223. 

6) Bakerlads CAFO
 
10-1-15 – Bakerlads CAFO draglining east of the facility on Cadmus Rd. Waste application is too close to this tile riser, a surface inlet. CAFO Permit language is clear: “CAFO waste shall not be applied closer than 100 feet to … conduits to surface waters…open tile line intake structures...”

10-1-15 – Bakerlads waste application from last week on Cadmus Rd, still no incorporation, in violation of the CAFO Permit which requires incorporation within 24 hrs.

One last photo from 10-1-15, Hoffland CAFO’s Rice Lake Drain, clogged with algae, a degraded stream with a decade-long history of contamination. 
No changes in bad waste practices, no sign of good water here.

Sept 30 – “One mile south of Hudson Dairy, Hudson Michigan. Strong ENE wind. High stench emission. No visible waste application. Likely from facility.” In Hudson Twp, following Hartland Farmsapplication in rain yesterday, there’s visible ponding over the Miller Tile, which drains to the South Branch of the River Raisin. 
  
9-30-15 – ponding over Miller Tile, draining to S. Branch of the River Raisin, following Hartland Farm CAFO waste application in rain.

Sept 29 – Hartland Farms CAFO applying during rainfall, a practice prohibited in the CAFO Permit. 
 
9-29-15 – Hartland Farms surface-spraying during rainfall, field along Beecher Rd west of Morey Hwy.

Sept 25 – Milk Source’s Medina Dairy CAFO is applying solids east of the facility, again. “Putrifying stench.” South Medina Drain, which begins at the CAFO facility and flows east, is “looking worse.” 

9-25-15 – South Medina Drain, a stream already listed as “impaired,” is gray water today, “looking worse.” 
 
9-25-15 – Medina CAFO spreading solids, again, east of the facility.

Sept 24 – Emissions continue – “Same as yesterday. Hudson Dairy applying raw animal sewage on field at US 127 & Donnelly. Staying inside is the healthiest choice.”

Sept 23 – “Unbearable…for several days” – And today, a beautiful first day of fall, CAFOs are fouling the air in at least 5 townships (Adrian, Rollin, Hudson, Dover, Medina). A neighbor nearTerrehaven CAFO reports: “Unbearable stench coming from cow farm and spreading of manure from Terrehaven Farms for several days.” Also, report from Lime Lake near US-127: “Putrid emissions causing headache. Traced source and found Hudson Dairy applying animal sewage on field at US-127 and Donnelly. Less than a mile away. Northeast wind. Keep the windows closed and any children inside thanks to industrial agriculture.” 
Look at the 9 photos below, all taken today, 9-23-15 (Milk Source’s Medina Dairy CAFO and Hudson Dairy CAFO; Bleich CAFO, Bakerlads CAFO, Hartland Farms CAFO, New Flevo Dairy CAFO). Photos show just a fraction of the CAFO waste being sprayed, spread, hauled, draglined around us. 
Medina Dairy CAFO spray-irrigating, Ingall Hwy
 Medina Dairy CAFO spreading solids, Ingall Hwy
 Bleich CAFO draglining, Hillside Rd
 Bakerlads CAFO draglining, Cadmus Rd
 Hartland Farms surface application, Cadmus Rd
 Hartland Farms surface application, Hughes Hwy 
 Hudson Dairy CAFO draglining, Donnelly Rd
 New Flevo Dairy CAFO, Forrister Rd, east of Rollin Hwy
 New Flevo Dairy CAFO, Forrister Rd east of Townley Hwy

Sept 21 – Two reports of “awful” emissions from Hartland Farms CAFO waste application along Beecher Rd, west of Hughes Hwy. Neighbors report headaches, burning eyes, “we’re sick over here.” With light wind and aerosolized manure spray, the emissions can drift far around and affect many neighbors. Another reports, “Had to shut all the windows — again. Why is it legal to spray sewage in the air?”

 
9-21-15 – Hartland Farms liquid CAFO waste application along Beecher Rd west of Hughes Hwy.

Sept 19 – Neighbor of Bakerlads CAFO reports liquid manure was sprayed within the last 24 hours, during a period of predicted rainfall when CAFO waste application was prohibited. The CAFO Permit prohibits waste application when NOAA weather forecasts predict .5-.9” precipitation within 24 hrs. (when “Q24” code equals 4)
 
Bakerlads liquid waste application north side of Cadmus Rd, west of Morey Hwy, during time of predicted rainfall when waste application was prohibited.

Sept 15 – Report of “EXTREME STENCH” at Hudson Dairy CAFO waste application, recently draglined, on Squawfield Rd, west of US-127. Several CAFO waste applications today, including Medina Dairy CAFO, spraying waste on growing hay through the NE irrigator near Medina Rd and Ingall Hwy; also waste application on White Farms CAFO field just west of the main Lime Lake Inlet, an impaired watershed. 
 
9-15-15 – “EXTREME STENCH” – Hudson Dairy field, recently draglined, on Squawfield Rd west of US-127.

 

9-15-15 – Medina Dairy CAFO spray-irrigating waste on growing hay, near Medina Rd and Ingall Hwy.

 
9-15-15 – CAFO waste application, White Farms field, just west of the main Lime Lake Inlet.

Sept 10 – Another report from resident south of Hudson Dairy: “It stunk like sh*t last night and it still stinks like sh*t this morning.”

Sept 9 – Neighbor of Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy reports: “Winds coming from the northeast. Another beautiful evening destroyed by putrid emissions from factory farms. Stay indoors. It’s a shame you can’t send photos of the stench because there would be many.”

Sept 1 – Second application this season – Medina Dairy CAFO is draglining field on north side of Canandaigua (draglined this same field before – see entry for Aug 7). 
 
9-1-15 – Medina Dairy draglining, for the second time (first time 8-7-15), north side of Canandaigua Rd east of Ingall Hwy.

Aug 29 – Variable winds this morning, emissions come and go. A neighbor of Bleich Dairy CAFO reports, “An overbearing sulfur-like stench having who knows what kind of health effects. Luckily it didn’t last very long.” Intermittent, repeated exposure to low levels of Hydrogen sulfide (and other gases) is a serious health concern for neighbors (and for workers at CAFOs). In reports to ECCSCM, neighbors often mention headaches, nausea, watery eyes, coughs, etc. The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry notes that Hydrogen sulfide is a mucous membrane and respiratory irritant, absorbed through the lungs. Chronic exposure “has been reported to cause low blood pressure, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, ataxia, eye-membrane inflammation, and chronic cough. Neurologic symptoms, including psychological disorders, have been associated with chronic exposure. Chronic exposure may be more serious for children because of their potential longer latency period.”

Aug 26 – More manure application along US-127 north of Hudson, just north of Forrister Rd. Hartland Farms CAFO is applying manure, north side of Beecher Rd east of Dowling Hwy, with “sickening, putrid” emissions affecting neighbors in several directions, with variable winds today. ” 

Aug 25 – “Stinks to high heaven,” a driver reports, from manure applications on both sides of US-127 north of Hudson, just north of Forrister Rd. Hudson Dairy CAFO is hauling tankerloads of liquid waste south of Hudson to Waldron, with dump box on Hartley Rd, application on field next to Waldron Elementary School. Another dump box is set up in on Camden Rd.

Aug 22 – Several reports of intense emissions this morning. From south of Hudson Dairy CAFO in Wright Twp, Hillsdale Co, a neighbor reports: “No wind. Ammonia-like emissions hanging in the air. No one should be forced to breathe this any day, let alone a beautiful morning like this. I have to keep the grandchildren inside. I hope these factory farms are proud of their profits at the expense of the health of fellow human beings. I speculate they don’t really care and bottom line is what really matters.” Also, from a driver at M-34 and Cadmus Rd, Dover Twp, Lenawee Co – “had to shut the windows of the car, terrible stink for several miles. Can’t see the field, but it’s near here.”

Aug 13 – “Economic development trumps human health once again” – a beautiful summer day and evening, destroyed by foul CAFO air: DAY 4 –”another day of tankers” from State Line CAFO,hauling pig manure through the City of Morenci. Hartland Farms CAFO has moved its tanker/draglining operation to the Village of Clayton. “Horrible” for residents there from the Hartland application on Cadmus Rd just northwest of town. Also, this report: “Lime Lake residents getting attacked by noxious CAFO waste emissions as the result of CAFO waste being draglined at the intersection of Burt Rd and Coman Rd. Tankers are coming from Hudson Dairy. Simply spreading the cost of doing business on to the rural residents who must suffer at the actions of CAFOS. Economic development trumps human health once again.”

 
8-13-15 – Hartland Farms draglining operation on Cadmus Rd west of Morey Hwy, just outside of Clayton.
 
8-13-15 – extreme emissions in Clayton from this Hartland draglining, field wet and pooled in places, Cadmus Rd west of Morey Hwy.

Aug 12 – Foul, intolerable day all around:
•State Line CAFO is at it AGAIN in Morenci – “day three underway” of manure tankers hauling through downtown. Think how many hog pits – how deep the waste – to fill all those tankers for 3 days. Think how much untreated waste is going on fields within a mile or so of town. CAFOs are city-size in terms of waste. The hog waste from State Line CAFO, just that one CAFO, is greater than the human waste from the Cities of Morenci, Hudson, and Tecumseh combined. But no city could spray its waste on the ground untreated. It’s time to bring CAFOs into the 21st century – haul them out of the 19th century! – and require them, like other cities, to treat their waste. 
•Dead fish in Rice Lake Drain – the tragic consequences of untreated waste are very visible today: degraded water quality. DEQ, DNR have not investigated, although the EPA details theRiver and Stream Impacts of animal waste: “Manure, and wastewater containing manure, can severely harm river and stream ecosystems. Manure contains ammonia which is highly toxic to fishat low levels. Increased amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus…can cause algal blooms which block waterways and deplete oxygen as they decompose. This can kill fish and other aquatic organisms, devastating the entire aquatic food chain.” Rice Lake Drain drains Hoffland Farms CAFO facility and fields. Dissolved oxygen levels are well below the Michigan water standard of 5.0mg/L or higher at several locations, and way below fish-kill levels of 3.0mg/L. DO at Rice Lake Drain is 1.25mg/L; even worse, in Durfee Creek Extension, which drains onlyMedina Dairy CAFO facility and fields, the DO is 0.58mg/L. 
•Hartland Farms CAFO is draglining untreated waste on cut wheat, NO incorporation, just spewing, at M-34 and Dowling Hwy, just east of Hudson.
•E&R tankers (Bleich CAFO hauling operation) spreading untreated waste on cut hay on the north side of Rome Rd between Kiel Hwy and Rollin Hwy. 
•Hudson Dairy CAFO hauling via Briskey tankers to field on Coman Rd south of Burt in Wright Twp, Hillsdale Co.
  
8-12-2015 – dead fish in Rice Lake Drain at Haley Rd, just downstream from Hoffland CAFO facility and fields.
  
8-12-15 – Rice Lake Drain Dissolved Oxygen (1.25mg/L), way below fish-kill levels of 3.0 mg/L; and worse at Durfee Cr Extension (0.58 mg/L).
 
8-12-15 – Hartland Farms CAFO draglining, spewing, at M-34 and Dowling Hwy, with NO applicator, NO calibration, NO incorporation.

Aug 11 – Stutzman tankers are back at it, hauling State Line CAFO liquid pig manure through downtown. Foul for city residents. “Yesterday …almost called the gas company to check for a leak, but it also had a manure odor to it … finally figured out what was going on.” Northwest of Adrian, “Putrid, disgusting, eye-watering stench” at Terrehaven CAFO facility on Hunt Rd, and south. A resident reports, “It’s a 10 on the stench-o-meter on this beautiful summer day.”

Aug 10 – Humid, funky, off-and-on rain day. Emissions hang in the air. Morenci resident reports Stutzman “tanker after tanker after tanker” hauling State Line CAFO liquid (pig) manure ALL DAYthrough town: “That’s a lot of manure.” Tankers are turning west from M-156 onto Main St, to Ranger Hwy, south 1/2 mi towards State Line Rd. Manure field is on the Michigan side of the border. At 4:30, still hauling. At 5:30, rains hit. Bakerlads CAFO was also applying manure on a hay field at Morey and Beecher. 
 
8-10-15 – Stutzman tanker hauling State Line CAFO liquid manure to Ranger Hwy field, just north of the Ohio line, in Michigan.

Saturday, Aug 8 – Clayton Summerfest today, but it’s not too festive with Bakerlads CAFO “awful, ferocious stench,” from liquid manure spray application on a field within village limits. 
 
8-8-15 – This Bakerlads field within Clayton village limits on Morey Hwy smells “awful” for Summerfest.

Quite a weekend – Aug 7-9 – “Celebrate Hudson” Festival, with US-127 Yard Sales and Neighborhood Garage Sales everywhere. Also, just down the road on M-34, Clayton Summerfest, with Hartland Farms listed as “Proud Sponsor” (see Hartland Farms “Dairy-air” contribution below).
Weather Forecast – great summer weather.
Manure Forecast – it’s in the air, & it stinks. 
Here’s why: liquid manure draglining operations have just finished or are just starting from several CAFOs in the Hudson & Clayton area: Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy on US-127 just south of Hudson is draglining on Munson Hwy, not incorporating) and Milk Source’s Medina Dairy on Dillon Hwy southeast of Hudson just draglined on Gallup Rd, also Canandaigua; and Hartland Farms CAFO on Hughes Hwy, Clayton (still stench from previous application at Cadmus & Hughes) is now ready-to-go with a dumpbox on cut wheatfield at Dowling and M-34 east of Hudson. 
 
8-7-15 – Hudson Dairy draglining on Munson Hwy, manure spraying on the surface, disk in the air, not incorporating.
 
8-7-15 – Medina Dairy dumpbox and draglined field on Canandaigua Rd.
 
8-7-15 – Medina Dairy field on Canandaigua (labeled with CNMP field number) surface-applied, not incorporated.

 
8-7-15 – Medina Dairy leftover manure rivulets in tracks and field after draglining, Gallup Rd. 
8-7-15 – dumpbox set up on Hartland Farms field at Dowling Hwy and M-34 east of Hudson, ready to go.

Aug 5 – Several reports of “extreme stench” in multiple locations, a nightmare this beautiful summer evening. Emissions are carrying for miles in light and variable winds. Hartland Farmssurface application of liquid manure on Cadmus Rd at Hughes Hwy was causing “extreme stench all the way to Clayton” (2 miles to the east), and all the way to Dowling Hwy (2 miles west). Another neighbor wrote, “couldn’t sit on the porch, in a minute my shirt stank. Hair stank. At least Hart hair will stink too, they’re even closer.” Hartland Farms was also draglining liquid manure on both sides of Hughes Hwy, south of Plank Rd, same fields where solids were applied on July 27. New Flevo Dairy was applying liquid manure, up and down slopes, on Forrister east of Skinner. Hoffland CAFO was draglining on Haley east of M-156 and on Haley west of Wheeler. Medina Dairy CAFO has set up draglining operation at Gallup Rd fields, Packard Rd and Ingall Hwy. So there’s more, much more, to come. 
 
8-5-15 – Hartland Farms tanker surface-applying liquid manure along Cadmus Rd east of Hughes.
 
8-5-15 – “Extreme stench” from this Hartland liquid manure application on slope along Cadmus Rd, east of Hughes. 
 
8-5-15 – Hartland Farms field after draglining liquid manure (on top of manure solids), on Hughes Hwy south of Plank Rd.
 
New Flevo Dairy black surface application, up and down hills, on Forrister Rd east of Skinner Hwy.

Aug 4 – ” Pee-yew” – Waterland (New Flevo) equipment applying liquid manure on the same Shepherd Rd field where solids were applied on Aug 1 and Aug 2. Emailer asks a good question: “Is manure frosting on top of dry chunks a new conservation practice?” Also, just east of Loch Erin, Warner Farms tankers are applying liquid manure on cut wheat, east side of Pentecost Hwy, just north of Reed Rd. Report to ECCSCM: “Pee-yew.“
 
8-4-15 – Waterland/New Flevo equipment, liquid manure application over solids, Shepherd Rd.

 
8-4-15 – Warner liquid manure application, Pentecost Hwy, dust and drift and stink.

Aug 2, and Aug 1 – Big chunks – Passer-by reports: “Dry solids applied on Aug 1 and 2 on cut wheat field, with no incorporation within 24 hours,” on Shepherd Rd., Adrian Township. Unknown source. “It stinks, especially after rain last night. Those are some big chunks.” 

 
Stench reported from manure solids, some very big chunks, on a cut wheat field on Shepherd Rd, Aug 1 and 2, 2015.

Aug 2 – Sunday Stench Alert! – Bleich Dairy CAFO neighbor reports: “It stinks. The wind is blowing it this way. I can’t say for sure it was because of the stench but this morning when the dog was being let out it took a big whiff and choked.”

July 29 – Still hot, 90 degrees, very humid – misery for neighbors near manure applications: Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy CAFO is stockpiling and spreading solids along Prattville Rd between Gilbert & Tripp in Ransom Twp, Hillsdale Co – with dust & particulates rising and drifting. Medina Dairy CAFO continues draglining along Ridgeville Rd, north & south sides. 
 
7-29-15 – Hudson Dairy CAFO stockpiling and spreading solids, Prattville Rd.
 
7-29-15 – Dust and particulates rising, drifting from Hudson Dairy manure spreader on Prattville Rd.

7-29-15 – Ponding following Medina Dairy draglining, which continues along Ridgeville Rd today.

July 28 – It’s hot, it’s dry, and CAFOs are hauling, draglining, spreading, and spraying manure. Bad days for neighbors. Medina Dairy CAFO is draglining on Ridgeville east of US-127, industrial-grade manure application; Hartland Farms CAFO applying on cut wheat ground, both sides of Hughes Hwy south of Plank Rd; New Flevo Dairy CAFO is spreading on Forrister east of Skinner Hwy; manure application on Halliwilll CAFO field on Burton west of Shierson. Also, Marowelli ditch of concern – full of black goo – along Burton Rd east of Townley.
 
7-28-15 – Medina Dairy tankers & dumpbox along Ridgeville, pump & dragline in foreground.

 
7-28-15 – New Flevo Dairy manure application, Forrister east of Skinner.

 
7-28-15 – manure application on Halliwill CAFO field, Burton west of Shierson.

7-28-15 – black goo and scum in Marowelli ditch along Burton Rd east of Townley.

July 22 – Several reports of Hudson Dairy CAFO on US-127 spreading manure solids in the Lime Lake Watershed, Coman Rd & Squawfield Rd, on a new field bordering Lime Lake Inlet. With so many inlands lakes, like Lime Lake ( and Lake Erie downstream) distressed with excess phosphorus, neighbors monitor manure applications in Lime Lake Watershed closely. Solids spreaders are “entering just north of the waterway on Coman and coming out on Squawfield…loading from the north lagoon at the Hudson Dairy applying on a field of weeds.”

July 21 – “Extreme stench” reported from neighbors of Hartland Farms CAFO along Beecher Rd. “Can’t breathe outside. Sore throat, burning.”

July 10 – Another weekend – with this Stench Alert sent in from a driver northwest of Adrian: “What a beautiful Friday afternoon in a Michigan summer! That is, unless you live near Terrehaven on Hunt Rd…or near the Warner barn on Pentecost Hwy in Franklin Township. Stench is bad…neighbors can’t enjoy the fresh air today. What a way to start the weekend.”

July 5 – Fourth of July weekend – A neighbor of Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy CAFO on US-127 reports, “Strong, offensive emissions. No air movement, stench just hanging. Hoping for a wind from the south soon. Thank you factory farms!”

June 16 – “On a level of 1-10 (with 10 being the worst) about an 8. Almost, but not quite vomit stage. Another night stuck inside with the windows closed,” reports a neighbor one mile SE of White Farms CAFO (hogs) and a mile south of Hudson Dairy CAFO.

June 5 – Friday evening, weekend coming up – Neighbor near Milk Source’s Hudson Dairy CAFO on US-127 reports: “Strong north wind bringing offensive feces odor from Hudson Dairy. No sleeping with the windows open tonight or even enjoying sitting outside.” Friday morning, Milk Source’s Medina Dairy CAFO, Dillon Hwy, is hauling liquid waste, spraying on a cut hayfield along Medina Rd, north of the facility. Neighbor reports: “Odor is worst I’ve smelled in last ten years. Semi tankers hauling waste … at five to ten minute intervals since…6 in the morning.” Many people can’t just leave when emissions are terrible. Like this neighbor, “What option do I have, it’s my home.”

6-5-15 – Medina Dairy liquid waste application on cut hayfield, Medina Rd.
 
6-5-15 – close-up of ponded liquid waste, Medina Dairy application, Medina Rd.

June 3 – AGAIN – New & stinking manure has been surface-applied on field at Elm & Beecher (same field as below). Nearby, intense silage stench, eye-burning, from Bleich CAFO is hitting neighbors today (wind from the east); terrible smell all the way west past the facility on Stewart Rd to Somerset Rd and beyond.

June 1 – MDEQ has informed ECCSCM that it was NOT Medina Dairy that was spreading waste on the field in question on May 29 and they will look at this further. The field in question is Field #806-14A on Medina Dairy’s 2014 CNMP field maps, p. 72. 2015 field maps for Medina Dairy CAFO are under revision and not yet available. Thanks to all who assisted in getting this information corrected and we will update when possible.

May 29 – (See June 1, 2015 for Update) Hot day today, humidity rising, with report of “sinus-burning stench north and east of New Flevo, drifting at least 3/4 of a mile. Looks like another stinky weekend for neighbors.” CAFO waste continues to be applied to the field at Beecher & Elm (portion of field closest to St. Joseph Creek – one of the highest quality streams in SE Michigan). The National Weather Service forecasts a high probabilily of rain in excess of 1/2″ within 24 hrs — applying CAFO waste at such times is a violation of the CAFO Permit. Smells terrible along Beecher Rd where Consumer Energy trucks are working on the power line. Better hold their noses! (In reporting which CAFOs are applying manure on particular fields, ECCSCM relies on public information provided by CAFOs to the State of Michigan, including maps showing each facility’s manure application fields. This field is Field #806-14A on Medina Dairy’s 2014 CNMP field maps, p. 72. 2015 field maps for Medina Dairy CAFO are under revision and not yet available. )
 
5-29-15 – Medina Dairy CAFO applying manure today, far right area with St. Joseph Cr just beyond in the woods.

May 26 -A field listed in Milk Source’s Medina Dairy CAFO’s Comprehensive Nutrient Managemnt Plan is being applied with manure solids . Neighbor writes: “Gag! It stinks at Elm and Beecher, manure solids spread thick…they sure don’t want it where they live.” Correction & Note on Field Data: Milk Source informs ECCSCM that Medina Dairy was not applying to this field on May 26. We appreciate corrections of fact. The stench, however, was reported to ECCSCM on May 26. It’s possible the application occurred May 25. (In reporting which CAFOs are applying manure on particular fields, ECCSCM relies on public information provided by CAFOs to the State of Michigan, including maps showing each facility’s manure application fields. This field is Field #806-14A on Medina Dairy’s 2014 CNMP field maps, p. 72). 2015 field maps for Medina Dairy CAFO are under revision and not yet available.)

May 22 – Memorial Day weekend coming up – Report from Rollin Hwy: “Stench is terrible today again at [Bleich CAFO] application site, no injection and no incorporation, more than 24 hours afterwards. I feel so sorry for the folks who are coming to visit graves just downwind and across the road at the historic Rollin Friends Church and cemetery…”
 
5-22-15 – Bleich CAFO manure application, Rollin Hwy, no incorporation.

May 21 – Air really stinks at the Bleich CAFO production area on US-127 north of Hudson, where they’re expanding with a new barn. MORE emissions for neighbors to try to live with. And today, a driver reports, “Bleich tankers are spreading the stench far and wide,” hauling liquid manure to a field that “smells awful” on Rollin Hwy, just north of Rome Rd.

May 20 – Neighbors report Hudson Dairy CAFO is hauling liquid manure again, in tankers from the north concrete lagoon; and also hauling solids “dump trucks running for the last two days,” west of the facility on Tamarack Rd; near Clayton, Bakerlads CAFO is applying manure north side of Cadmus Rd, west of Morey Hwy.

May 7 – A neighbor of Bleich Dairy CAFO reports: “It is very uncomfortably warm in the home today but I dare not open the windows as there continues to be a nostril burning putrid stench on the spring breeze coming from Bleich Dairy from early this morning until present, hopefully not all through the night.” When CAFO emissions interfere with neighbors’ daily lives, when they can’t open windows in the heat, that’s a public health threat.

May 3 – “Horrendous stench” from Bakerlads manure application with no incorporation, spread before predicted rainfall, north side of Cadmus Rd, west of Morey Hwy, and next to South Branch of the River Raisin. 
 
5-3-15 – Bakerlads manure application, spread before predicted rain, next to South Branch River Raisin (green strip in center of photo).

May 1 – More bad news for Packard Rd, and worse for neighbors in the area – reports coming in of Medina Dairy hauling manure today on Packard to field at the NE corner of Packard and Munson.

April 30 – Hoffland CAFO is hauling tankers of liquid manure, stench even from passing tankers, to a field west of M-156, north side of Tomer. This field is bisected by Bear Creek, the inlet to Lake Hudson, immediately downstream, across Tomer Rd. Draglines stretch down a slope out of sight, towards Bear Creek. Report notes, “Couldn’t see over the slope, down the hill to where they were draglining. Three tankers were waiting to dump in the dump box.”

April 29 – Milk Source’s Medina Dairy has been hauling solids along Packard Rd, same as last week (see below). Now more damage, the last 2 days. This email just came in: “The new dairy owners are using Briskey Construction to haul manure. In the last two days after tearing up Packard Rd. especially between Dillon and Ingall we have witnessed dump trucks running non stop uncovered, waste flying out of trucks (and even hitting a driver’s car), 3 vehicles out of control one almost landing in our yard, one almost hitting a tree in our yard. We have a high volume of traffic with school busses and Lenawee transportation as well as residents, and the impact on the road has made it almost impossible to keep a car under control. The road is beaten down to a sand pit and driving on it is very dangerous.” 
  
Medina Dairy road damage last week, April 23. Same problem for neighbors, AGAIN, from hauling the last two days.

April 27 – fields are drying out, fecal dust and particulates are in the air. As the child said yesterday (see entry below), “It smells like poop out here!” Stench and emission reports are coming in from south to north in Lenawee Co: in Seneca Twp, Legend Dairy CAFO, Morenci, has tankers hauling liquid manure to application at Stutzman Farms, Packard Rd and Seneca Hwy; also hauling to northwest and northeast fields at intersection of Ridgeville Rd and Seneca Hwy. Nearby, intense hog manure stench on Ridgeville Rd and Mulberry Rd (“felt really sorry for the people downwind”) east of State Line CAFO, Morenci. In Dover Twp, Hoffland CAFO is draglining again, this time north of the facility, east side of Wheeler Hwy. And from Rollin Twp, New Flevo CAFO has “at least 4 trucks hauling” and stockpiling, spreading solids, south side of Rome Rd, east of Glen Hill Hwy. 

4-27-15 – Legend Dairy CAFO application at Stutzman Farms, Packard Rd and Seneca Hwy. 

4-27-15 – Legend draglining at northwest field at intersection of Seneca and Ridgeville Rd. 

 
4-27-15 – Legend applying with tanker at northeast field at intersection of Seneca and Ridgeville Rd. 

4-27-15 – New Flevo dumping, stockpiling, spreading manure solids, Rome Rd east of Glen Hill Hwy.

April 26 – this email describes what close neighbors of CAFOs often live with, in this case Hudson Dairy CAFO, US-127 south of Hudson: “A nice sunny day on Sunday the 26th of April, 2015. It was extra special because the grandchildren were visiting. We walk outside and immediately a 5 year old says ‘It smells like poop out here!’ I explained to him as best I could that some people are more interested in making money, no matter how it ruins what should be fun activities for families. They don’t feed the world, they feed their bank accounts. I live one mile south of Hudson Dairy and we had a northeast wind that brought the toxic emissions to my home.”

April 23 – stench, more draglining, Hoffland CAFO at same location as yesterday, with dragline apparently crossing Rice Lake Drain. New Flevo Dairy is draglining north of M-34, east side of Sword Hwy. Elsewhere, Medina Dairy is trucking solids, stockpiling and spreading on south side of Packard Road west of Bothwell. 
 
4-23-15 – Hoffland CAFO dragline apparently crossing Rice Lake Drain, pumping liquid manure overland more than a mile to field on M-156 north of Bear Creek.

4-23-15 – New Flevo Dairy CAFO draglining north of M-34, east side of Sword Hwy.

 
4-23-15 – Medina Dairy CAFO trucking, stockpiling, spreading solids on Packard west of Bothwell. 

April 22 – Hoffland CAFO is draglining liquid manure (in a field not listed in its CNMP as of 11-30-14), along M-156 south of Haley Rd.

April 14 – more stench for neighbors, more liquid manure on wet ground, and more road damage at several locations as manure-tankers continue hauling – Forrister Rd, a dozen damage sites between New Flevo CAFO and Skinner Hwy; also damage on Shepherd Rd east of Wisner Hwy (Warner hauling).
 
4-14-15 – Shepherd Rd west of Wisner. Warner manure tankers are taking Shepherd east to M-52 then south to Gady

Warner tankers yesterday at Gady field.

4-14-15 – Warner application at Gady Rd; waste not incorporated, streaming on the surface.

 
4-14-15 – New Flevo draglining, same field as yesterday on Manitou Rd. Tires on the tractor are packed in mud. Field drenched in waste.

April 13 – New Flevo CAFO draglining liquid manure, at least 5 tankers hauling to Manitou Rd. Serious road damage on Forrister Rd. Warner Farms also applying with multiple tankers hauling to Gady Rd east of M-52. 
  
4-13-15 – Road damage on Forrister in front of New Flevo Dairy CAFO; (right) NFD tankers loading, hauling at the facility.

4-13-15 – New Flevo draglining field, south side of Manitou Rd. 

April 6 – Rain forecast the next 3 days – but more draglining continues: New Flevo Dairy CAFO at Hoddinot & Wilkinson again; and Bleich CAFO south of the facility on the east side of US-127.

April 2 – A neighbor of Bleich CAFO reports to ECCSCM, “It has rained most of the day, when coming home on Culbert Rd, I could tell they had spread manure, it smelled, the roads were a horrible muddy mess. I had thought I read that they are not to spread when rain is in the forecast. This is the Bleich farms. They spread all winter long in the snow…”

April 1 – (See aerial photos of Bleich lagoon-pumping today.) With thaw, the surge of CAFO manure application is in full force at several locations, including north of Addison, Bleich Dairy – “massive” application – pumping out of a dump box at US-127 and Defay Rd on slope surrounding a wetland; New Flevo Dairy northwest of Adrian, is draglining north side of Hoddinott Rd east of Wilkinson Hwy. We appreciate neighbors’ concerns and encourage all to contact ECCSCM, send details or photos when you see manure applications during this high-risk spring season. 
 
4-1-15 – Bleich CAFO draglining around a wetland south side of Defay Rd, at US-127 north of Addison. 

 
4-1-15 – (Above), New Flevo Dairy CAFO draglining north side of Hoddinott Rd; and (below), black field application. 

Also April 1, (below) Warner Farms silage heap appears uncontained, draining and pooling in field at Elton Hwy.

March 29 – spring & spray is on the way – manure dump box for draglining liquid maure is placed at US-127 and Defay Rd north of Addison; other draglining preparations also observed near NFD in recent days, a pump along Forrester Rd, and more set-up on Hoddinott Rd.

March 10 – major thaw has begun, with temps in the 40s and 50s this week. Runoff from manure application fields is already pooling in fields, many with tile inlets draining to streams. March is the month the “surge” of dissolved phosphorus begins to flow from fields to tiles to streams, to Lake Erie. A few photos of runoff near manure application fields and CAFO production areas:
 
3-10-15 – Black Creek at Beebe Hwy, downstream from (second photo) Warner Farms manure application field on Elton Hwy. (See 2-23-15 photo of Warner manure application) 

  
3-10-15 – Black Creek at Wolf Creek Hwy, downstream from Terrehaven manure application and drainage area of back-of-field barns.

 
3-10-15 – Pooled runoff east of Terrehaven production area, draining into residential area and catch basin to Baker Tile.

March 9 – Neighbor of Bleich Dairy CAFO reports: “Never ending stench emitting from Bleich dairy all of the day and into the night. Disgusting.”

March 2, March 4 – ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – ongoing Hartland Farms CAFO manure application on a field listed for NO winter application in Hartland CNMP, Beecher Rd east of Dowling Hwy.

Feb 27 – ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – Hartland Farms manure application, south side of Cadmus Rd west of Hughes Hwy. 
 
2-27-15 – Hartland Farms manure application, Cadmus Rd west of Hughes Hwy.

Feb 23 – ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – Multiple manure applications by Hartland Farms CAFO, Bleich Dairy CAFO (2 locations), and Warner Farms: 
 
2-23-15 – Hartland Farms manure application, north side of Cadmus east of Hughes Hwy.

 
2-23-15 – Bleich Dairy manure application, east side of Gardner Rd north of Stewart Rd.

 
2-23-15 – more Bleich manure, north side of Culbert 1/2 mi. east of Waldron Rd.

 
2-23-15 – Warner Farms manure application, east side of Elton Rd.

Feb 4 – Report from neighbor near Bleich CAFO: “…at 2 AM this morning, I could smell stench from Bleich dairy outside … It is 8:15 AM, now the putrid stench from the bottom of the lagoons is inside and outside the house.”

Feb 3 – ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – Bakerlads CAFO, again, manure application on south side of Cadmus Rd west of Morey Hwy. 

Jan 27 – ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – More fresh CAFO waste applications by Bakerlads and Hartland Farms, along Cadmus Rd west of Morey. 
 
Bakerlads CAFO application, south side of Cadmus Rd west of Morey Hwy.

 
Bakerlads, north side of Cadmus west of Morey.

 
Hartland Farms CAFO application, approx. 1 mi west of Morey, north side of Cadmus Rd.

Jan 16 – ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – Bakerlads still applying along south side of Cadmus Rd just west of Morey Hwy. 
 
1-16-15 – Bakerlads still applying, Cadmus Rd, South Branch of River Raisin Watershed.

Jan 15 -ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – 2 CAFOs spreading manure in Hudson Twp: Hartland Farms on Hughes Hwy south of Beecher Rd; Bakerlads west of Morey Hwy on Cadmus Rd.
 
Hartland Farms CAFO manure application of Jan 15, far back in field, mostly in low areas, drains to Bear Cr, River Raisin Watershed

Jan 13 – ON FROZEN AND SNOW-COVERED GROUND – Bakerlads CAFO spreading solids just north of the South Branch of the River Raisin, on east side of Morey Hwy, north of Beecher Rd.

Jan 2 – ON FROZEN GROUND – Voluntary compliance? (NOPE) with DEQ’s request to CAFOs to stop manure application on frozen or snow-covered ground in Lake Erie Watershed. Two CAFOs here are applying both liquid and solid manures today, on ground frozen solid. New Flevo/Waterland Dairy CAFO is hauling to at least 3 locations: spraying liquid manure, northeast corner of Slee and Brooks Rds, just west of the village of Onsted, on a field not included in their CNMP; also spreading solids on Forrister Rd, 1/2 mi. east of Wilkinson, with no setback from a tile riser; and also hauling in tankers, spraying liquid manure north side of Shepherd Rd, 1/4 mi. east of Pentecost Hwy in Adrian Twp. Elsewhere, north of Hudson, Bleich CAFO is also applying manure solids, south side of Stewart Rd, just west of Somerset Rd. 
 
1-2-15 – both photos above: New Flevo/Waterland spraying CAFO waste on frozen ground, a field at Slee and Brooks Rd not in their CNMP, just west of Onsted. 

 
1-2-15 – New Flevo/Waterland waste on frozen ground, Forrister Rd east of Wilkinson, with no setback from tile riser.
 
1-2-15 – New Flevo/Waterland spraying on frozen ground, sloping field not in their CNMP, on Shepherd Rd east of Pentecost Hwy, Adrian Twp.