Factory farms are taking over more and more of this nation's livestock production. Although some public health issues associated with livestock raised on factory farms are well known, such as antibiotic resistance, there is a new health concern emerging among those living closest to factory farms: the pollution of the air and water supply produced by the hordes of animals.

In the past, when these concerns were brought to state or federal agencies, they were ignored or dismissed. However, a recent victory by the citizens of Yakima Valley in Washington against four industrial dairy farms in the area may set a new precedent for the way courts view the dangers of industrial farm pollution, and hopefully inspire and motivate other citizens with similar concerns.

In the suit, the Community Association for Restoration of the Environment (CARE) and Center for Food Safety (CFS) argued that the manure management practices of the four industrial dairy farms may contribute to drinking water pollution, are not enough to protect public health and the environment, and that they should be held responsible for the damage done. The case resulted in the court ruling that the industrial dairies' manure is unquestionably dangerous to public health.