Mich. environmental agency rejects dairy permit application, saying it would lower wages in area

For the first time, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has denied a permit to a large-scale farming operation," The Associated Press reports. The DEQ rejected a permit application from Vreba-Hoff Dairy for a dairy in St. Joseph County's Leonidas Township that would have 2,260 cows. (Encarta map)

"Under state regulations, the company was required to show that a reduction in water quality from the farm operation was necessary to support social and economic development in the area," AP reports. "The DEQ says Vreba-Hoff failed that test. The agency says opponents provided evidence that any jobs created by the farm would lower the local median wage level and replace higher paying jobs at smaller farms." (Read more)