[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 79 (Monday, June 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5392-S5393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         WEST VIRGINIA POULTRY FARMERS COMMITTED TO STEWARDSHIP

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, the Sunday, June 1, 1997, edition of the 
Washington Post featured a front-page article on pollution in the 
Potomac River from poultry production. The story was prompted by a 
ranking by American Rivers, which is a national environmental 
organization, of the Potomac River on the group's annual list of the 10 
Most Endangered Rivers in North America, and inspired by American 
Rivers' interpretation of a 1996 U.S. Department of Agriculture study 
that detected nutrient and bacterial contamination in the waters of the 
South Branch of the Potomac.
  American Rivers' annual promotion of its top 10 list is an effort to 
advance public awareness about the fragility of the Nation's water 
resources, a laudable goal, and newsworthy, as well.
  Regrettably, however, the media missed the real story of worth, 
namely, the exemplary efforts by a nonpartisan coalition of public 
officials and West Virginia family farmers to balance economic 
interests with environmental goals. And, more importantly, the media 
missed the spirit of cooperation needed to accomplish these goals 
through the voluntary implementation of farm management practices 
identified in USDA's 1996 study as improving the efficient use of 
farmland and reducing threats to the Potomac River.
  I might add that, contrary to the negative impression left by the 
Washington Post writer, the heart of this industry is situated in the 
charming town of Moorefield. This is an area which was settled in the 
early 1700's and contains a federally designated historic district. 
Moorefield's antebellum homesteads and streets are enriched by the 
presence of hard-working family farmers, who not only earn a real day's 
wage, but also represent the backbone of our Nation's economy and 
spirit of community.
  The poultry industry has dramatically expanded in the Potomac 
Headwaters, from production at approximately 46.6 million birds in 1992 
to 90 million birds in 1996. Recognizing the potential growth of the 
industry, as early as 1990, a cooperative program between Federal and 
State agencies was launched to design and implement the best soil and 
water conservation management practices. Rapid growth of any industry 
usually is not achieved

[[Page S5393]]

without problems. However, these problems have been identified and 
efforts are underway to ameliorate these consequences of expansion.
  To date, 80 percent of the eligible farmers in the Potomac 
Headwaters, which I understand is a higher than average percentage for 
similar USDA programs, have electively enrolled in the Potomac 
Headwaters Land Treatment Watershed Project, the recommended action 
plan to protect the Potomac from possible agricultural pollution. I am 
proud that I have been able to secure funds to support the Federal 
share of this project.
  By enrolling in this project, West Virginia farmers have voluntarily 
agreed to develop nutrient management plans and install animal waste 
structures and dead bird composters, and to improve livestock 
confinement areas and vegetative buffer zones. Implementing these 
measures will cost the average farmer in the program $12,000 over 5 
years. The average farmer in the Potomac Headwaters has a net annual 
income of $15,000 from poultry production.
  I believe that most Americans would commend the farmer who 
voluntarily spends 16 percent of his income over 5 years to protect the 
waters of the Potomac River. Nevertheless, that is exactly what is 
happening in West Virginia.
  Thanks to the West Virginia farmer, the Potomac Headwaters Land 
Treatment Watershed Project will achieve benefits for a broad base of 
interests, extending from my beautiful state to the Chesapeake Bay. It 
would seem that this is the kind of effort that newspapers and 
organizations like American Rivers should be recognizing and 
encouraging.
  Mr. President, how many minutes do I have remaining?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator has 4\1/2\ minutes remaining.
  Mr. BYRD. I thank the Chair.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may proceed for 15 
minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. BYRD. I again thank the Chair.

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