By AP/Dan Modlin
Owensboro, KY – A Federal Judge has ruled that Tyson Foods Inc. shares
responsibility for air pollution from three farms it helps to
operate in western Kentucky. District Judge Joseph H. McKinley, Junior
says the company instructs the growers in facility design, specifications
for equipment, and the optimum conditions for chicken growth.
The judge's ruling concludes that Tyson was "an operator" of
the factory-scale farms, despite the fact that a local contractor
runs the facilities. The ruling is binding only in the western
district of Kentucky. However, an attorney representing local
farmers says the decision could have far-reaching
consequences for animal-feeding operations.
Tyson spokesman Ed Nicholson says the company has
not determined whether it will appeal the ruling. Tyson is
based in the state of Arkansas.