Livestock Watering Dispute Heats Up

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Story Published: Dec 2, 2008 at 5:59 PM PST

By Rudabeh Shahbazi

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BENTON COUNTY-- Some people in the agricultural community are furious about what they say is a threat to livestock water resources, and that the people behind it, belong to the Department of Ecology.

The controversy started when DOE opposed some water uses from a well in Eltopia. Easterday Ranches says it needs to use the well for a new feedlot, and that it has the right to use it for multiple purposes, based on case law.

Supporters of Easterday, say the operation is vital to the economy, and have written the governor and attorney general to say so.

"We're trying to improve the economy of the state, and here is an agency coming in with what is an arbitrary rule, trying to stop development," said Darryll Olsen, a resource economist. "Bad timing."

Now, it's a fight over water law interpretation. DOE wants the water to be used to water cattle only, not for dust control and misting. Opponents of the feedlot, say in this dry region, there are concerns about running out of water.

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