Iowans seek relief from stench of hog farms

In farming communities, the occasional whiff of manure is just part of life. In some Iowa communities, however, the smell is more than a sometime nuisance — it's a constant problem. Across Iowa, huge "factory farms" concentrate thousands of hogs in small areas, and that means there is a concentrated odor, too, reports Henry C. Jackson of The Associated Press: "A steady proliferation of huge hog confinements - many with upward of 5,000 hogs - has drawn complaints from longtime Iowans and concerns that the odor could hinder efforts to attract businesses. And all residents can do is stay indoors." (In photo by AP's Charlie Neibergall, an inspector checks odor levels in an Iowa hoghouse.)

In Lorimor, Iowa, a town which boasts just one gas station, the smell stalls any economic development. Even the town's annual garage sale was ruined this year when hog farmers spread manure. Critics complain the state has too few limits on the hog farms, which cannot be sued under the Clean Air Act as long as they pay a fee to the Environmental Protection Agency. State legislators have formed a livestock odor study committee, but many, such as those in Lorimor want relief soon. (Read more)