The Battle for Big Creek

Transcription

1 The Battle for Big Creek Photo by Michael Moser Soil Science, Spring 2016 Mr. Seibert EMPACTS Project Presented By Andrea Korbelik Jordan Cops Jose Hernandez Michael Moser

2 Mission Statement With new technological advances and a rapidly growing population, our natural environments are at risk. With soil sampling and analysis along the Big Creek Watershed, we hope to ensure the preservation of our local ecosystem. Photo by Michael Moser

3 Project Overview Methods and Technology On March 3 rd, our group gathered soil samples and developed visual cues around the farm. Samples were collected above the farm to create a control for our experiment. Four more samples were collected downstream along the banks of Big Creek. The samples were collected in low lying areas influenced by run-off. With assistance from the Benton County Extensions Service, we were able to process the samples and investigate available nutrients within the soil. Our sample soil analysis was made available on April 12 th. Through research and communication with local organizations, we hope to see a relocation of the C & H Swine Farm.

4 America s first national river The buffalo river was established as our first national river in It remains one of the few undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Within the 94,293 acre park, over 300 species of fish have been observed. Historic homesteads and farms remain standing, offering a glimpse into the past. Big creek is one of the larger tributaries that feeds the buffalo river. The buffalo river is known for its unique karst topography and hundreds of caves and sinkholes.

5 Karst topography Karstic features are created through the dissolution of soluble limestone. It is a dominate characteristic found throughout the Ozark Mountains (47,000 sq. Miles). These features lead to the formation of caves, sinkholes and springs. This is due to the porosity of the rock. The quick absorption rate allows toxic materials to infiltrate the water table and private wells without the natural filtration process. Photo by Michael Moser

6 The C & H Swine Farm The swine farm rests on 630 acres within the Big Creek watershed, which finds its way into the Buffalo River. The facility consists of 17 waste application fields and several holding ponds that equate to a 1,904,730 gallon capacity. This concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) has over 6,000 pigs. The population creates 2 million pounds of sewage each year. Swine manure contains nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and many metals. We expect to see an increase in the primary and secondary nutrients through soil testing. High amounts of air pollution and water pollution are synonymous with large operations. This concerns the local population of Mt. Judea because the school is only 1/16th of a mile away.

7 The C & H Swine Farm The holding ponds take advantage of naturally occurring bacteria to break town the waste. They are lined with several inches of clay, leaving them exposed to the open atmosphere. Byproducts associated with swine farms are ammonia, methane, hydrogen sulfide, and antibiotic resistant bacteria. The farm is designed to accommodate the effects of a 25 year rain event. Within the past 40 years, Big Creek has seen one 50 year flood in Property values have decreased within a 3 mile radius. The Mt. Judea community was completely oblivious to the construction of the swine farm. Public information regarding this CAFO was buried deep within the ADEQ online database. Unfortunately, an environmental impact statement is not required in the state of Arkansas. In 2011, the EPA made alterations to regulations that created general restrictions and permits across the state. This does not account for sensitive environments such as the karst landscape around the Buffalo River.

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9 Notice the location of the Farm and waste application fields. Each field lies above a tributary that makes its way into Big Creek and eventually, the Buffalo River. Mt. Judea School (k-12) is surrounded by these waste application fields. ig%20creek%20karst%20facts.jpg

10 Sample 1: Big Creek (above pig farm) Qat Alluvium and terrace deposits. Unconsolidated clay, silt, sand, and gravel including deposits on one or more terrace levels. Sample 2: Big Creek (below pig farm) Qat Sample 3: Left Fork of Big Creek Qat Sample 4: Big Creek (after Left Fork joins) Qat Sample 5: The Buffalo River (where Big Creek rushes in) Qty Unconsolidated clay, silt, sand and gravel along the Buffalo River. The tops of terraces are generally tree-covered and flat. Approximately feet thick

11 Left Fork of Big Creek Photo by Michael Moser Collecting samples above the C & H swine farm. Photo by Michael Moser

12 Sample 1 (above farm) Sample 2 (below farm) Elements Parts per Million Elements Parts per Million P 14 K 56 Ca 2277 Mg 58 SO4-S 4 Zn 3.1 Fe 119 Mn 128 Cu 1 B 0.2 ph value: 7.5 Soil texture: silty clay loam Estimated CEC: cmolc/kg P 11 K 63 Ca 1634 Mg 73 SO4-S 4 Zn 2.6 Fe 94 Mn 87 Cu 0.9 B 0.2 ph value: 7.1 Soil texture: Silt loam Estimated CEC: cmolc/km

13 Elements Sample 3 (Left Fork) Parts per Million P 19 K 50 Ca 4076 Mg 73 SO4-S 14 Zn 5.4 Fe 242 Mn 103 Cu 1.6 B 0.8 ph value: 7.5 Soil texture: clay Estimated CEC: cmolc/kg Sample 4 (after merging with Left Fork) Elements Parts per Million P 12 K 42 Ca 4359 Mg 34 SO4-S 11 Zn 3.7 Fe 186 Mn 129 Cu 2 B 0.5 ph value: 7.6 Soil texture: clay Estimated CEC: cmolc/km Sample 5 (Buffalo River) Elements Parts per Million P 17 K 39 Ca 1862 Mg 61 SO4-S 7 Zn 5.4 Fe 197 Mn 117 Cu 1.2 B 0.6 ph value: 7.1 Soil texture: Silt loam Estimated CEC: cmolc/km

14 Results Our findings indicate a presence of pollution entering the Big Creek Watershed. Yet, the increase in nutrients are entering from the Left Fork of Big Creek. The results conclude that there are high levels of phosphorous, sulfates, and iron entering the creek; components found in manure. Due to the fragile karst geology, it is difficult to trace the source of pollution. After investigating topography maps of the Big Creek watershed, there are several other farms that reside along the flood plains of the Left Fork of Big Creek. These other farms could be the source of the increase of foreign substances. Further studies on the Left Fork and main prong of Big Creek are necessary to locate the source of pollution. Photo by Michael Moser

15 C & H Swine Farm Left Fork of Big Creek Big Creek

16 Possible sources of point pollution on the Left Fork of Big Creek

17 Possible sources of point pollution on the Left Fork of Big Creek

18 Soil Contamination Excess amounts of phosphorous and calcium can prevent plants from taking up other vital nutrients. Acidic soils are usually associated with too much phosphorous or calcium. High amounts of iron can be toxic to plants, and prevent the absorption of other minerals. The leaves of plants can brown when there is too much available iron within the soil. These excess metals can be harmful to microorganism within the soil, damaging their cellular structures.

19 Ground Water Contamination Even though the C & H Swine Farm has taken extra precautions to prevent the infiltration of sewage into ground water, the karst landscape needs special protection. With 6,000 swine and 17 waste application fields, there will always be a chance of pollution. The porous rock found along the Buffalo River watershed allows liquids to enter aquifers and under ground caverns with very little filtration. Toxins that enter ground water systems can lead to widespread devastation within thousands of square miles.

20 Water Pollution Eutrophication is the accumulation of nutrients, usually phosphates and nitrates, within a body of water. This typically leads to an algae bloom that can dominate the water s surface. Once the algae dies, the organic matter accumulates and depletes the dissolved oxygen levels. The processes of eutrophication can devastate aquatic life, and impact the local food chain. Fish, reptiles, birds, and even humans can be affected from excessive amounts of nutrients found within fresh water sources.

21 The holding ponds are lined with several inches of clay, leaving them exposed to the atmosphere. More regulations are needed to protect our natural environments. These pictures are examples of swine farms farms that are located near rivers and lakes. Pig Farm in Eastern North Carolina Whitetail Hog Facility in Missouri

22 Air Pollution Large operations of confined animals and the storage of manure will introduce concentrations of toxic gases into the atmosphere. Studies show a 12% increase in children s asthma for those living within one half of a mile from a concentrated animal feeding operation. Hydrogen sulfide is an airborne pollutant found within these concentrated animal environments. This can result in an increased blood pressure for those living within the area. High blood pressure can lead to stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Not only are local communities affected by air pollution, the ecosystem and environment can be at risk.

23 What can we do? The Buffalo River Watershed is a precious treasure that must be protected. There are many other ideal locations for these concentrated animal feeding operations such as the C & H Swine Farm. More regulations are needed to protect the public, and ensure the health of our natural environments. As populations continue to grow and arable land becomes less available, we will see a rapid development of these large, concentrated operations. Location and regulations are going to play a critical role in ensuring a healthy environment. We the people must speak up and take action before corporations take hold of our sacred lands and rivers.

24 Phytoremediation By planting more trees, shrubs, and water loving plants along the waterway, we can reduce the amount of toxins that enter the water. This method uses phytoremediation, the natural accumulation of nutrients in plants, to absorb excess nutrients. This has been used since the 14 th century to prevent eutrophication and absorb high levels of metals.

25 Riparian buffer zones This satellite image of Big Creek shows very little vegetation along the creek. A riparian zone is an area along a body of water that slows the rate of infiltration. This method uses a variety of plants that uptake these excessive nutrients as they grow and accumulate mass over the years.

26 Conclusion Even though our findings are inconclusive of pollution leaving the C & H Swine Farm, we have stumbled upon other non-point sources entering the Big Creek watershed. These soil samples were gathered at the beginning of March, early in the spring season. It could be that the C & H operation had not applied any fertilizer yet this year. With 17 application fields, there is a high possibility that runoff will enter the watershed. The C & H Swine Farm has seen much criticism over the years and is tied down to several regulations. It is assuring that we do not see toxic levels of nutrients entering below the operation, although, further testing on a routine schedule is needed. Photo by Michael Moser

27 Acknowledgements Soil Science & Management: sixth edition Edward Plaster; Delmar Neil Mays with the Benton County Extensions Services Buffalo River Watershed Alliance National Center for Biotechnology Information USGS Arkansas Water Science Center University of Arkansas Clemons University Dianne Phillips Photo by Michael Moser