KAY PRICE, Prosser

After reading John Hamilton's letter in the Dec. 28 Herald, regarding the proposed feedlot on the foothills of Rattlesnake Mountain, I thought there were things I would like to add. I also am concerned about this project because of the lack of water. The Wanapum aquifer where this feedlot will be drawing water from is and has been in a state of decline for the past 20 years, dropping on average two to three feet per year. This can be verified by the state Department of Ecology.

Ecology has denied permits for temporary relief during drought years from this aquifer in 2001 and 2005. With a stock watering well, there is no limit on how much can be drawn. Add to this the increase in flies and odor, and I believe our organic farming to the south of the proposed feedlot may be in jeopardy, as well as our wine industry. Since Benton County is only required to notify landowners within 300 feet of the proposed site, I believe this is a good way to get the word out and let others contact the Benton County Planning Department with their comments by the deadline Wednesday.