August 20, 2002
Ozark Chapter and CLEAN file motion to intervene in state case against Premium
Standard Farms
Press Release by Ken Midkiff
Today, in Jackson County Circuit Court, two citizens groups filed a joint Motion to Intervene in the case of the State of Missouri v. Premium Standard Farms/ContiGroup (PSF/CGC). The groups, acting as co-interveners, are the Citizens Legal Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), and the Sierra Club.
The Attorney General's Office is representing the State of Missouri in the suit that involves violations of state clean water laws and regulations, and stems from incidents dating to 1999. During that time period, PSF/CGC was issued Notices of Violations of Missouri's Clean Water laws and regulations for releasing hog wastes that entered area streams and flowed onto neighboring lands.
PSF/CGC has facilities in the counties of Daviess, Gentry, Mercer, Putnam, and Sullivan counties in northern Missouri, and has recently expanded into other counties though the use of contract growers. Neighbors of PSF/CGC facilities have long complained of water pollution and foul odors.
Ken Midkiff, Clean Water Campaign Director of the Sierra Club stated, "There have been legal actions against this company by the State of Missouri in the past - and the cases ended up being settled in ways that did not result in any improvements to air and water quality. Our members who live near the operations are still suffering, and their property values have declined dramatically."
"Our petition to the Court to enter this case is to protect the interests of our members and to ensure that stiff fines and penalties are issued. Further violations should result in closure. The time has run out on this chronic polluter who has promised for years to clean up its act. How many times must this company be allowed to flout the laws of our state and nation before decisive action is taken?"
Terry Spence, President of CLEAN said, "CLEAN has a special interest in the state's suit against Premium Standard. At the request of the state, a large portion of the violations mandated in the state's suit were carved out of the recent federal case against the company because the state wanted to hold the company accountable for these violations. CLEAN feels that as citizens of this state, the public interest deserves the right to be represented. In CLEAN's opinion the Consent Decree of 1999, between the State of Missouri and Premium Farms has been violated repeatedly. It's time a final resolution is reached with this company that reflects the seriousness of their past and present actions regarding Missouri's environment and the health of Missouri citizen's."
Contact: Ken Midkiff Director, Sierra Club Clean Water- CAFO Campaign 1007 N. College Ave. Columbia, MO 65201 Ph: 573-256-5705 FAX: 573-256-8816