At issue is a proposal by Easterday Ranches Inc. to build a feedlot for 30,000 head of cattle that would withdraw a shade under 1 million gallons a day from the ancient Grande Ronde Aquifer during the driest months of the year. Full Story »
Posted by Dwight Rousu
Some aspects of the water dispute are covered, but many tough and related issues are not addressed, or lightly addressed. He fails to pursue why a deep well would not draw water from the shallower wells. Excess American consumption of beef is not looked at, along with the climate effects. Excrement runnoff is not brought into the topic. The question of whether water is a part of the commons or can be privatized is only tangentially addressed.
Many do not realize much of eastern Washington is dessert. Corporate agribusiness there is threatening a way of life, as well as water supplies and wildlife.