The Win Comes as the People Protecting Pierce Community Campaign Gains Momentum to Organize for Safeguards from CAFO Impacts for Wells, and Waterways

The Pierce County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an update to its waste storage ordinance on August 22, 2023 in a step towards safeguarding the well-being of local water and residents. The waste storage ordinance update gives Pierce County more oversight and enforcement over agricultural operations with liquid manure storage and management, including CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) in its jurisdiction. Significantly, the ordinance allows the county to levy fines against CAFOs found in violation, which may even lead to revocation of their certificates of use. Additionally, the ordinance strives to limit winter manure spreading, a practice known to pose threats to ground and surface water during snow melt.  The move is marked by community members as part of the People Protecting Pierce campaign. 

“I’m grateful to the Pierce County Board of Supervisors for taking care in developing the updated ordinance language to allow for increased protections of surface water and groundwater.” said Teresa Davis who has been organizing with neighbors on People Protecting Pierce since January of 2023. “Our county is blessed with unique water resources, and preventing pollution should be a high priority. We all deserve to enjoy drinking water we know is safe for our families and animals.  There are additional ways to protect our water and quality of life, but having an updated ordinance to help to protect against liquid manure storage issues and runoff after liquid manure field application is a positive step.  The board heard from us this week, and they will continue to hear from us, as there is more work to be done to protect the county we love.“