Discovery and Plans
In 2014, residents of Tonopah, a small unincorporated town, made a shocking discovery – an egg factory was set to be constructed in their community.
Hickman’s Family Farms, previously forced out of Glendale due to their few hundred thousand chickens, had acquired 360 acres in Tonopah.
The farm had received an agricultural exemption for the property and planned to establish a Concentrated Animal Feed Operation (CAFO) with a staggering population of millions of chickens.
At its full capacity, the facility would house a record-breaking 12 million chickens, making it one of the largest in the entire United States.
Formation of STOPP: Save Tonopah Oppose Poultry Plant
In response to the alarming plans, concerned citizens in Tonopah organized themselves and established STOPP: Save Tonopah Oppose Poultry Plant, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Their mission was clear – to fight against the construction and operation of the poultry plant in their town.
Early Opposition Efforts
STOPP began their opposition by actively participating in meetings to voice their concerns and by raising awareness about the potential negative impacts of the poultry plant.
They also took legal action, filing an anticipatory nuisance lawsuit against the facility.
Unfortunately, their efforts were met with obstacles as government authorities at various levels hindered their progress.
Before even receiving a hearing for their lawsuit, construction of the facility began, and the barns were filled with chickens.
As a result, STOPP’s initial lawsuit was dismissed.
However, several other nuisance lawsuits have since been filed by different groups of citizens and local landowners, which are still pending.
Environmental Concerns and Government Inaction
The Hickman’s Tonopah facility emitted strong odors that could travel for miles, causing significant disruptions to daily life for Tonopah residents.
The stench, along with millions of flies attracted by the odors, made it difficult for people to be outside, especially during nights and mornings.
STOPP raised their concerns with various environmental agencies, including the EPA, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD).
Unfortunately, their complaints regarding extreme odors, dust, and emissions of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were either ignored or inadequately addressed.
Representatives from these agencies sometimes provided untruthful responses.
Shockingly, approximately one-third of all odor complaints to MCAQD came from Tonopah residents.
Fighting for Air Pollution Permits
Determined to address the air pollution issue, STOPP fought against Hickman’s air pollution permits.
They demanded that the full extent of pollution from the facility be taken into account during permitting processes.
Specifically, STOPP insisted on requiring a Title V air pollution permit for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are ozone precursors.
Despite presenting expert testimony, MCAQD refused to mandate the Title V permit.
Now, STOPP is working diligently to secure funding for a Title V citizen suit in federal court, compelling the requirement of this essential permit.
A Title V permit would necessitate 24/7 air monitoring and substantial reductions in pollution.
The Concerning Model Results
In October 2016, ADEQ conducted modeling on ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from both the Tonopah and Arlington facilities, using conservative estimates and underestimating actual chemical releases by about one-third.
Despite these cautious calculations, the modeling still revealed reasons for concern, underscoring the severity of the potential impact.
STOPP continues to be steadfast in its mission to protect Tonopah from the adverse effects of the egg factory.
Their tireless efforts and dedication exemplify their commitment to safeguarding the community and its environment.
