A scrutinized mass production swine farm in northwest Arkansas underwent drilling tests to determine if the waste storage ponds on the property are leaking contaminants into the soil and groundwater.
A team from Cascade Drilling completed the drilling tests Friday, September 23. Field work was completed by Harbor Environmental and Safety Monday.
Under the direction of Harbor, Cascade Drilling reached a depth of 120 feet. The crews completed cementing the borehole Monday.
Soil and water samples were collected and distributed to designated laboratories. Sample cores were sent to, and secured in, the Arkansas Geological Survey warehouse in Little Rock.
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality says validated laboratory results and analysis will require approximately six weeks, and Harbor will submit a final findings report to the ADEQ by January.
The C and H Hog Farm along Big Creek near Mount Judea is about 7 miles from where the creek flows into the Buffalo National River. It’s permitted to have 2,500 sows and 4,000 piglets and has been criticized by nearby residents and environmental groups about the perceived risk of pollution from hog waste.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI