To the editor:
Kyle Mens is at it again.
Last year, he tried to build a factory farm near Hickory Grove Lake and was forced to stop because of a massive public outcry. Now, he is trying to build yet another factory farm near Collins on the Jasper/Story County line.
This 2,500 hog operation would fill the air of the Collins-Maxwell area with an unbearable stench and threaten the health and well-being of neighbors.
Story County residents must stand up to fight Mens’ plotting once again. Factory farms pollute the air and fill waterways with dangerous bacteria and nitrates.
There are already 628 polluted waterways in Iowa, and I believe I speak for fellow Story County residents when I say that we don’t want any more dirty, contaminated water in our area.
Despite what they may say, the DNR does have the authority to prevent Mens from building his factory farm and polluting our air, land, and water.
Dozens of Collins residents spoke out against the confinement at last Tuesday’s Story County Supervisors meeting with the organizing assistance of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, an organization that works to put people before politics, profits, and polluters. However, more pressure is needed to force the issue.
Mens and his corporate backers have the power of money on their side. The power of Story County residents is people power, and with enough public support, we can stop Mens and protect our county’s air, water, and family farms.
Patrick Stall
Huxley