To the editor:

I attended the August 14 Sytsma family’s forum in the Yakima Convention Center where the intention was to convince attendees that the development of a 7,000 dairy cow feed lot  operation would not be harmful to residents, air or water of the Yakama Nation. 

Health of the communities surrounding the dairy location and of the Toppenish Creek is at high risk for contamination from ground and air pollution. Seven thousand cows in a confined area could easily saturate the ground’s absorption capabilities leading to runoff.  The land is located above the level of the Toppenish Creek and residential wells.  Emission of noxious levels of gasses generated by factory farm feeding lots can cause illnesses such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory disorders.  Air borne toxins will definitely impact families and the environment not immediately adjacent to the feedlot operation.

The Yakama Tribe has a water code which includes the issuance of well permits; no wells on the Reservation can be drilled legally without this permit.  The Yakama Nation does have authority over this 480 acre feeding lot.  The Tribal members have spoken:  No feed lot or dairy operations shall be established or expanded on the Yakama Reservation.

Colleen Meachem Reimer
Tribal Member, Toppenish