A federal judge in Washington state ruled earlier this month on a case that likely sets a national precedent for preserving the cleanliness of our own state's natural waters and streams such as our treasured Buffalo National River.
District Judge Thomas O. Rice of Spokane ruled that manure waste from an industrial dairy farm in that state posed an "imminent and substantial endangerment" to the environment and drinking water there.
The judge determined he "could come to no other conclusion than that the dairy's operations are contributing to the high levels of nitrate that are currently contaminating--and will continue to contaminate ... the underlying groundwater," an Associated Press story reads. "Any attempt to diminish the dairy's contribution to the nitrate contamination is disingenuous, at best," the judge wrote in granting a partial summary judgment.
This finding matters a great deal legally, according to the story. For instance, an attorney for Public Justice said this marked the first time a federal court has ruled improperly managed manure to be a solid waste, rather than a beneficial farm product.
It's also the first time the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which specifically governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, was applied to farm-animal waste.
More importantly to our state and others, the judge's ruling now means similar contamination standards can be applied to natural waters and private wells across America should animal-waste generators be discovered polluting with their animal manure and waste.
Save the old bridge
If one wanted to generate a small firestorm (if such a thing even exists) across Benton County and Northwest Arkansas, one sure way to strike the match is the threaten to tear down the 1907 War Eagle Bridge.
Thankfully, though, that reality may not come to pass with Benton County Judge Bob Clinard and Glenn Jones of the Benton County Historical Preservation Commission confabbing to help with final decisions about replacing that historic span.
Few would argue the time has come in the public interest to replace this structurally deficient bridge across War Eagle Creek at the fully operational grist mill and country store. There's no argument that this charming Parker through truss bridge constructed by the Illinois Steel Bridge Company is outdated structurally for today's larger and heavier vehicles.
But many folks, including this folk, want to see the county keep the original bridge for pedestrians and its unquestionable historic value.
And with the many visitors to this creek, the mill and each year at the annual War Eagle Crafts Fair where tens of thousands of folks fill the surrounding pastures, there's no doubt this bridge adds much to the ambience of such a special little corner of Benton County.
So count me, at this point anyway, as one with faith that Clinard and the leadership of Benton County will find a way to save the original bridge as they proceed in the coming few years with building a new one alongside the original.
In the long run, both practically and politically, I assure you that's the easiest, most efficient and practical way to go.
American sniper
I settled into a crowded theater in Fayetteville last week to watch the nation's popular blockbuster American Sniper. Having read the book, I was familiar with the story of late Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.
Kyle gained fame as our nation's deadliest and most legendary sniper with the most confirmed kills in battle (160) of any military sniper in U.S. history.
As credits rolled over two hours later, the audience left in silent reverence for Kyle's service and the toll it took on his personal life, including his murder, said to be by a troubled former Marine he was trying to help after retiring from the SEALs.
Many thoughts flashed through my mind about the magnificent movie I'd just absorbed: What truly went through Kyle's mind each time he squeezed the trigger, knowing his bullet was ending another life? Yes, these were enemies who wanted to kill him and those comrades he knew and cared about. Nonetheless, as a Christian (made clear by the Bible he carried), that's bound to be a sobering thought at the moment each terminal bullet spun from the barrel.
Even though he denied it, did Kyle's heroic actions under fire ever return to haunt him in his dreams?
And why, with a loving wife and babies at home, would he willingly return for four tours in the Middle East if it wasn't only out of love for his nation, individual liberties and for protecting the warriors fighting with him?
I left believing that, like many of us firstborns, he was conditioned to be protective. And that quality remained ingrained throughout his military career and life. For me, Kyle earned hero status as much from his commitments and intentions as for his remarkable physical skills as a marksman.
Incidentally, those condemning this film are frolicking in another reality.
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Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Email him at [email protected].
Editorial on 01/27/2015