CAFO Nitrogen Water Contamination

Do you live near a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), such as a poultry or hog farm? Are you or your loved ones suffering from adverse health conditions due to CAFO nitrogen exposure? If so, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help. We are currently investigating injuries related to the high levels of nitrogen used at CAFOs, which may have seeped into surface waters and caused groundwater contamination. Contact us today for a free consultation.


What Is CAFO Nitrogen?

The term “CAFO nitrogen” refers to nitrogen compounds from waste produced by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These operations house large numbers of animals, such as cows, pigs, and chickens, in confined spaces. The waste from these animals, which includes manure and urine, is rich in nitrogen. In small quantities, nitrogen from animal waste can be beneficial as it acts as a natural fertilizer. However, it can become problematic when environmental nitrate concentration is high, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Besides nitrogen, CAFO waste contains other harmful substances. The Sierra Club notes CAFOS often contain elevated phosphorus concentrations, another nutrient that can lead to water pollution and create dead zones where life cannot survive. CAFO waste also contains pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, which can contaminate drinking water and cause serious health issues. Additionally, CAFO waste includes heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, which are toxic to aquatic life and can accumulate in the food chain, posing risks to human health.

Where Does CAFO Waste Come From?

CAFOs play a significant role in agricultural production, but they also pose environmental challenges through the waste they produce, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Sources of this potentially harmful waste include:

  • Dairy cows produce CAFO waste through their manure and urine, which contain high levels of nitrogen and other pollutants.
  • Cattle contribute to CAFO waste through their excrement, which adds significant amounts of manure nitrogen to the pasture.
  • Pigs produce CAFO waste in the form of manure and urine, releasing harmful nutrients and pathogens into their surroundings.
  • Chickens generate CAFO waste through their droppings, which are rich in nitrogen and can pollute the environment without proper manure disposal.
  • Poultry operations produce CAFO waste through the accumulation of bird manure, which can contaminate air and water if not handled correctly.
  • Milkhouses generate CAFO waste from the cleaning of equipment and disposal of milk residues that contain harmful substances.
  • Farms produce CAFO waste through various activities, including the accumulation and management of animal manure and wastewater.
  • Cropland acts as a source of CAFO waste when there is an over application of animal manure, leading to nutrient runoff into waterways.
  • Streams can carry CAFO waste downstream when they pick up surface runoff from fields treated and agricultural land with excess manure, contaminating larger water bodies.
  • Farm fields become sources of CAFO waste when they receive too much manure as fertilizer, causing nutrient runoff and water and air pollution.
  • Soil can become a source of CAFO waste when it absorbs excess nitrogen and other nutrients from manure used as fertilizer.
  • Crops can indirectly contribute to CAFO waste when they fail to absorb all the nutrients from applied animal manure and produce runoff.
  • Fertilizers, especially when made from CAFO manure, can become a source of waste if overused, leading to nutrient pollution in waterways.
  • Animal manure, a direct byproduct of livestock operations, is a primary source of CAFO waste, containing nutrients, pathogens, and heavy metals.
  • Meat Processing Plants

How Do CAFOs Pollute Water and Air?

CAFOs can pollute water and air in several ways, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. When rain falls on fields where farmers have over applied manure, excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus can wash into nearby streams and lakes. This process, known as runoff, can lead to water pollution that affects drinking water sources. Additionally, CAFOs can pollute water directly if manure leaks from storage lagoons into groundwater or surface water. This contamination can introduce harmful bacteria and chemicals into water supplies.

The air near CAFOs can also become polluted. Gasses such as ammonia and methane get released into the air from the breakdown of manure. These gasses can harm air quality, contributing to pollution and respiratory problems in nearby communities.

Organizations like the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) impose regulations on CAFOs to reduce harmful pollution. The Clean Water Act and other regulations set limits on the amount of pollutants CAFOs can release, requiring them to implement best management practices that improve water quality standards. When CAFOs fail to follow these regulations, our air and water can become contaminated with harmful pollutants, posing serious public health risks to humans and wildlife.

Cattle eating hay at a concentrated animal feeding operation.

Potential Health Effects and Complications Linked to CAFO Nitrogen

The presence of CAFO nitrogen in the environment is not just an ecological concern. It also poses significant health risks to human populations. When nitrogen and other pollutants from CAFO waste enter our water and air, they can contribute to a range of medical conditions, such as:

  • Colon/Rectal Cancers (Colorectal)
  • Thyroid Disease: Exposure to excessive nitrogen from CAFOs can disrupt thyroid function, potentially leading to thyroid disease, according to a study of Iowa CAFO data.
  • Birth Defects: Exposure to harmful substances in CAFO nitrogen has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, due to environmental contaminants, as evidenced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to environmental contaminants.
  • Methemoglobinemia: Methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome can occur when CAFO nitrogen pollution contaminates drinking water, affecting the blood’s ability to transport oxygen efficiently.
  • Anemia: Excessive exposure to CAFO nitrogen can increase the risk of anemia by interfering with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, according to North Carolina Environmental Quality.
  • Kidney Disease: High levels of nitrogen from CAFOs can contribute to kidney disease by overloading the kidneys with more toxins than they can filter.
  • Tuberculosis: Exposure to airborne pathogens and compromised immune systems in communities near CAFOs have been linked to higher rates of tuberculosis.
  • Septicemia: Nitrogen-rich environments from CAFO waste can increase the risk of septicemia if pathogens enter the body and the bloodstream.

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Is Currently Taking CAFO Nitrogen Cases

If you know or suspect you have developed an adverse health condition due to CAFO nitrogen pollution in your community, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help. We’re currently accepting CAFO nitrogen cases in the following areas:

CAFO nitrogen cases can be complicated due to strong laws that protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits, as highlighted by a recent court case in Iowa. These laws make it harder for affected communities to seek justice for pollution-related health issues and environmental impact. A skilled attorney can overcome these hurdles by thoroughly preparing your case, gathering necessary evidence, and presenting a strong argument in court. Our experienced attorneys have recovered over $2.5 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including several record-breaking cases. We know how to work within the legal system to advocate for your rights. We aim to secure the compensation you deserve for any harm caused by CAFO pollution.

Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Case Consultation

Are you ready to take action against CAFO nitrogen pollution affecting your health and community? If so, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free consultation today. Our team is ready to listen to your story, explain your rights, and discuss how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.