The Impact of Factory Farms on Water Quality

In this episode, host Thomas Hynes delves deep into the environmental impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) with expert insights from Dr. Michael Mallin, a research professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Cape Fear Riverkeeper, Kemp Burdette. 

The discussion covers the extensive pollution caused by swine and poultry farms in North Carolina, the devastating effects of hurricanes on these facilities, and the subsequent impacts on water quality, ecosystems, and public health. Key topics include the pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus leading to algae blooms, the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the inadequacies in CAFO waste management and regulation. 

The guests highlight the challenges faced in regulating non-point source pollution, the powerful industry lobbying, and the urgent need for more stringent policies, while underscoring the importance of sustainable farming practices. 

This episode is a call to action for better regulation and transparency to protect the environment and public health from the adverse effects of industrial agriculture.