USGS Points to Big Ag as Cause of Eastern Shore Nutrient Pollution

Statement by Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter

Washington, D.C—“A new report released today by the United States Geological Survey found that concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus on Maryland’s Eastern Shore are among the highest in the nation and attributes these pollutant loads primarily to agricultural activities. The Eastern Shore is home to giant chicken companies like Perdue who leave behind hundreds of millions of pounds of animal waste on the ground each year, while refusing to contribute to the clean up of the Bay. Instead, the USGS report also notes that historic levels of taxpayers’ dollars are being used to clean up Perdue’s and other chicken companies’ wastes. Tomorrow, the state assembly’s Environment and Transportation Committee is holding a hearing on a piece of legislation call the Bay Tax Equity Act that requires these billion dollar companies to finally contribute their fair share to the cost of Bay restoration and ease the burden on taxpayers. Now is the time to correct this injustice and hold big poultry companies accountable for their waste.”

Background and Additional Resources

• U.S. Geological Survey Report: Eastern Shore Contributes Excess Nutrients to Chesapeake Bay
• Food & Water Watch Report: Ending Big Chicken’s Free Ride
• Food & Water Watch Report: Abusive Poultry Contracts Require Government Action

Contacts:

• Michele Merkel – 202-683-4967, [email protected]
• Scott Edwards – 202-683-4969, [email protected]
• Rich Bindell – 202-683-2457, [email protected]