Save Tonopah Oppose Poultry Plant
About Tonopah STOPP
Discover how a small unincorporated town has united against a formidable challenge to protect its community and environment.
Fighting for a Better Tomorrow
Discover the Heart of Our Mission
Our Journey
Learn how a small town rallied against adversity to protect their community from the impact of a massive egg factory.
Our Purpose
Understand our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the environment, preserving community health, and opposing harmful practices.
Our Impact
Explore the campaigns and initiatives that showcase our determination to drive change and create a cleaner, healthier Tonopah.
Save Tonopah
Our Journey
Tonopah STOPP’s journey began with a vision of safeguarding our beloved town from environmental threats. From humble beginnings, our commitment to preserving Tonopah’s unique beauty and heritage has fueled our growth into a passionate and dedicated force for change.
In 2014, the residents of Tonopah, Arizona, learned of a massive egg factory planned within their community. Hickman’s Family Farms, having relocated from Glendale after being forced out due to its initial scale, had purchased 360 acres in Tonopah. They aimed to construct a Concentrated Animal Feed Operation (CAFO) that would house millions of chickens, projected to reach an astonishing 12 million at full capacity. This would make it one of the largest facilities of its kind in the entire United States.
In response to this imminent threat, Tonopah STOPP was born. Save Tonopah Oppose Poultry Plant (STOPP) was formed as a community-driven initiative dedicated to fighting for Tonopah’s well-being. The passion to preserve the environment, protect community health, and ensure a better future propelled the organization to its status today.
Save Tonopah
Our Mission and Purpose
At Tonopah STOPP, our mission is clear: to defend our town, protect our environment, and stand against harmful practices that jeopardize our community’s quality of life. Our purpose is to ensure Tonopah thrives sustainably, for generations to come.
Our journey began with attending meetings, voicing our concerns, and initiating an anticipatory nuisance lawsuit against the poultry facility. However, we faced challenges as various levels of government seemed to stifle our efforts. Before we could even have our day in court, the facility was already under construction and filled with chickens, leading to the dismissal of our initial lawsuit. Although several other groups filed similar suits, these remain pending.
The stench from the Hickman’s Tonopah facility travels for miles, especially at night and in the mornings. The overpowering odors, accompanied by swarms of flies, render outdoor activities impossible. Despite these challenges, our determination remains unshaken.
Save Tonopah
Our Efforts and Impact
Through tireless advocacy, community engagement, and strategic initiatives, we’ve made a significant impact on Tonopah’s environmental landscape. From successfully challenging harmful projects to spearheading initiatives that promote responsible development, our efforts continue to shape a brighter, greener future for our town.
Tonopah STOPP has left no stone unturned in its efforts to protect the community. We engaged with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD), expressing concerns over the facility’s emissions, dust, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide.
Even as we demanded accountability and a Title V air pollution permit for Hickman’s, our efforts encountered obstacles. Our expert-backed pleas were met with resistance, but we persist. To ensure change, we’re raising funds for a Title V citizen suit in federal court, which would require 24/7 air monitoring and substantial reductions in pollution.
Through battles with legal entities, agency indifference, and even attempts to halt air monitoring, we remain resolute. Our mission to secure a cleaner, healthier Tonopah continues, and we invite you to join us in making a lasting difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tonopah STOPP?
Tonopah STOPP, which stands for Save Tonopah Oppose Poultry Plant, is a grassroots community organization formed to oppose the construction and operation of the Hickman’s Egg Farm in Tonopah, Arizona. We are committed to advocating for a cleaner environment, protecting community health, and ensuring a better quality of life for all residents.
Why was Tonopah STOPP founded?
Tonopah STOPP was founded in response to the discovery of plans to build a massive egg factory within our town. Recognizing the potential negative impact on the community and environment, we organized to oppose this development. Our aim is to raise awareness, drive change through campaigns and initiatives, and stand against practices that could harm Tonopah’s well-being.
What campaigns and initiatives does Tonopah STOPP undertake?
Tonopah STOPP is actively engaged in various campaigns and initiatives to address different aspects of the egg farm issue. These include:
- Clean Air for Tonopah
Focused on improving air quality by addressing harmful emissions from the poultry facility. - Safe Communities, Healthy Future
Aiming to safeguard community health and well-being amidst the facility’s operations. - Eco-Friendly Tonopah
Promoting sustainable practices and environmentally responsible solutions.
How can I get involved with Tonopah STOPP?
You can join our cause in several ways:
- Volunteer: Participate in our campaigns, events, and initiatives.
Donate: Support our efforts financially to drive impactful change. - Spread Awareness: Share information about our cause and the challenges we’re addressing.
- Attend Meetings: Join community meetings and forums to engage directly with our mission.
- Contact Us: Reach out to us for more information on how you can contribute.We welcome your involvement in our journey to protect Tonopah and build a brighter future for our community.
Save TONOPAH!
Support Our Cause!
Join us in standing up against harmful practices and ensuring a brighter future for our community. Every donation makes a difference!
Campaigns and Initiatives:
Discover How We're Making a Difference
Save Tonopah!
Tonopah STOPP is dedicated to taking action and driving positive change.
Our campaigns and initiatives are at the forefront of our mission to oppose the Hickman’s Egg Farm and protect our community and environment.
Each effort is strategically designed to address specific aspects of the challenge we face.
Here are some of our ongoing campaigns and the progress we’ve made:
Tonopah STOPP - Top Campaigns and Initiatives
- Objective: Improve air quality by addressing the noxious odors, ammonia, and other harmful emissions from the poultry facility.
- Progress: Through community mobilization and advocacy, we’ve raised awareness about the detrimental impact of the facility’s emissions. We continue to collaborate with regulatory agencies to demand stricter air quality regulations and comprehensive monitoring.
- Objective: Safeguard the health and well-being of Tonopah residents by minimizing the adverse effects of the egg farm, such as health concerns, excessive flies, and related issues.
- Progress: We’ve initiated public awareness campaigns to shed light on the health risks posed by the facility’s operations. Our efforts have prompted discussions and engagement with local health authorities to ensure proper health assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Objective: Promote sustainable practices and advocate for environmentally responsible solutions that align with Tonopah’s ecological harmony.
- Progress: Our advocacy has led to heightened awareness about the environmental impact of large-scale egg farming. We’re working to foster community dialogue and collaboration on sustainable alternatives that respect the balance between nature and industry.