The Red Rock Township Board has denied Jerry and Lisa Risius a CUP for a 1,875 hog confinement building because the size of the facility would have the capability of housing more hogs than allowed. The Risiuses have decided to fight the township’s decision by filing a probable lawsuit where defense expenses could raise taxes.

The proposed hog barn would be situated on five acres, currently owned by Ron & Al Akkerman, and within a half-mile of an existing hog barn. The Risuises made the decision to purchase acreage rather than place the hog barn on their 70-acre home site citing financial feasibility; yet, they intended to overbuild the proposed hog barn by $40,000! The hogs would be owned by Holden Farms, the same company involved with the Fanzen lawsuit.

According to statistics, the average 150 pound-pig creates 10 pounds of manure per day, or 18,750 pounds of untreated waste per day for a facility of this proposed size. In addition to the unpleasant odor, diminished quality of life and decreased property values, the health hazards to neighbors range from toxic ammonia and hydrogen sulfide gases, which cause irritation and respiratory distress to antibiotic resistance. These hazards are especially dangerous to children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory problems. Once a year this untreated waste is deposited onto fields in the surrounding community.

It’s clear why the Risiuses don’t want the hog barn built on their 70-acre site. But most surprising is that fourth-generation members of the community would allow their moral compass to be so swayed by personal gain that concern for the health and welfare of their neighbors is so blatantly dismissed.

If any of these issues offend your sensibilities, please attend the next Red Rock Township meeting on July 8 at 7 p.m. in Township Hall.

Concerned Red Rock Township Residents

Laura and Daryl Anderson, John and Janice Holst, Russell, Lynn and Liz Weber, Carolyn and Mark White