The report by the Sierra Club and Consumers Union's Southwest Regional Office says the waste burden has impaired at least 388 miles of Texas streams and over 23,000 acres of lakes. Air testing near cattle feedlots shows sporadic, high particulate levels above state and federal standards.
Neighbors also testify that odors and dust have led many to sell their homesteads and move away.
Once known primarily as a beef cattle state, Texas is now also home to thriving dairy, chicken, egg, and hog production facilities, ranking among the top 10-15 states for each category of production. While other states have addressed environmental concerns and implemented effective solutions, Texas has stood still and even regressed. Kansas, Iowa, and Georgia have all adopted new rules regarding waste application. In Minnesota, the state has applied air standards to safeguard neighbors from health-threatening emissions. Meanwhile, Texas is still at the drawing board, allowing hog, chicken, and cattle waste to pollute the state's air and water.