On the other hand, swine production in North Carolina can produce significant odor, reduce neighboring property value, and harm tourism. Also, as shown in the above graph, the number of hog farms has decreased from almost 70,000 to under 5,000 facilities. Environmental and Public Health Impacts Swine waste management practices have improved considerably since 1993. Waste management plans, lined lagoons, Waste Applicator Certification, and capital investments have all helped swine producers be better stewards of the environment. However, the environmental and public impacts of the swine industry demand further action by the State and the swine industry.
Swine production impacts the environment and public health are listed below.
Surface water can be contaminated by discharges from the lagoons or run-off from sprayfields. In 1998, there were 107 documented discharges from swine facilities with 31 of these reaching the surface waters. Groundwater can be contaminated either through leaking lagoons or leaching of sprayfield applied waste. DENR data show that conventional sprayfields seem to be just as problematic as lagoons. Odors are generated from lagoons, sprayfields, or swine houses.