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The operator of this hog farm on Haskins Chapel Road has been accused of dumping over a half a million gallons of manure near Sutten Creek, which later allegedly contaminated the water supply of residents in neigboring Marshall County. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Order this photo] |
A Bedford County hog farmer has been charged with polluting the water sources of four Marshall County homes with hundreds of thousands of gallons of manure.
Charles Edward "Charlie" Haskins, 61, of Haskins Chapel Road was recently charged in Marshall County with four counts of causing pollution, five vandalism counts and six counts of reckless endangerment.
According to District Attorney Chuck Crawford, officials with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) brought him information about Haskins' farm from an on-going investigation several months ago.
However, Haskins told the Marshall County Tribune that he had liability insurance and that "they (nearby residents) signed off on (an agreement) and they were happy and they (Haskins' insurer) took care of it."
"I don't know where they get vandalism from spreading manure. I hired a company that's reputable in spreading it," Haskins said.
TDEC steps in
Haskins was served with a Director's Order from TDEC's Division of Water Pollution Control on Jan. 29 for violating the terms and conditions of his Class I Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and "operating a Class I CAFO without permit coverage in Bedford County."
Crawford said that Haskins is charged "with contaminating the water supply by dumping excessive amounts of waste from his hog production facilities."
"Farmers who have to dump huge amounts of waste ... must have a plan" for disposal, Crawford said. "He had a plan... We expect the proof to show that he exceeded the limitations placed on him by his plan."
The vandalism law "spells out contamination" as an offense, Crawford said, noting three pollution charges, and a reckless endangerment count in the indictments issued under seal on Aug. 19.
Haskins' case was presented directly to the Marshall County grand jury and he was arrested by Bedford County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Holton, booked in Shelbyville, and released on $5,000 bond.
Crawford added that he has prosecuted one case that was vandalism based on contamination, "but not on this scale."
Haskins' farm is located near Duck River Speedway where the borders of Marshall and Bedford County meet.
Paper trail
The Director's Order from TDEC stated that Haskins was issued a Notice of Violation on Aug. 29, 2008 for failing to submit an application for a renewal of his NPDES permit and claimed that Haskins submitted an incomplete permit renewal application on Sept. 26, 2008.
Then on Nov. 14 of last year, personnel from TDEC's Columbia field office investigated "multiple private well complaints" in the vicinity of Haskins' hog operations.
"DWS (Department of Water Supply) personnel noted discoloration to several private wells in the area and noted an odor in the wells consistent with that of hog manure," the Director's Order read.
Three days later, a Department of Agriculture report stated that the potential sources of the contamination were farms in the area, one of which was Haskins'.
An inspection on Haskins' property was conducted the next day and found that the spreading of manure was done in November instead of March through June as required by the permit, there were no records of storage tank liquid manure levels kept and that nearly three times the permitted amount of hog waste had been spread onto a field next to Sutton Creek.
According to the TDEC document, "approximately 570,000 gallons of liquid manure waste had been applied" to the field in question.
The Director's Order also said that Haskins had failed to keep required records dealing with hog manure and assessed him a fine of $10,000, plus damages of $706.50, giving him 30 days to come into compliance.
Appeal
Haskins appealed the order a week later, claiming he had not seen the results of the waters tests and requested an extension of 120 days.
Robert Cox, Environmental Legal Counsel for TDEC, is assigned with handling the appeal of the director's order, but is not assisting with the criminal case against Haskins.
The hog farmer claims that the homes with the contaminated wells were 1.8 miles from his operation. Haskins also told the Marshall County paper that he has been dealing with TDEC for a year over the matter.
"I just wanted it to be over with and then they just up and did this," (the indictment) Haskins said. "There are these manure permits, I've got a book here like an encyclopedia on what you can do" and what's not allowed.
"They've got more regulations than you can imagine," Haskins said. "They've got rules on manure, like you've got nothing else to do."
Haskins will face Circuit Court Judge Robert Crigler in Marshall County for a Sept. 9 hearing.
Clint Confehr of the Marshall County Tribune contributed to this report.
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Sounds as though they are out to put Mr. Haskins out of the hog business.
I am so glad that they have finally charged him for this . . . some of my family live close by to his area(I lived there for a short time) and it is a shame what he has done to the land and how he acts to his neighbors. One time he went riding around on a four wheeler using a shotgun on Rattlesnake Lodge Road and claimed he was shooting at dogs when none were around and even threatened my aunt when she asked him to not do that because he could accidently hurt someone. I could tell some wonderful stories about Mr. Haskins . . . glad to see some justice done here!
I hope you don't like bacon Jax.
Here are the animal activists and pushing thier agenda again....force them out, possess the property back to the government...remember 2010
So, why is this just getting into our paper, when this was published last week in Lewisburgs' paper. And also, why wasn't his name in the police intake???????????
Chef Boy RD . . .what does that have to do with anything? I love bacon and pork but what Haskins has done for many years is wrong plus he is a pompous jerk who could care less what he does to the people around him.
East side . . . you should go have a look at the area in question before making such a statement and see if you would like to live around that filth.
To gm4 and other commenters:
The story that was published in the Marshall County Tribune last week did not include all the details the Times-Gazette published in today's edition.
Also, the charges against Mr. Haskin were published in Tuesday's Times-Gazette.
Kent Flanagan
Editor
The Haskins family is a wonderful family they would not do anything to harm any other family.
What about all the dairy farms, chicken barns,and horse stables in the area,
maybe those need to be checked out.
Give us some examples of what you are talking about Jax
I thought some certain person(s) could not understand why others are concerned with people carrying weapons. What happened to constitutional right to bear arms. "Who's paranoid"?
I know; People don't care when it involves other people or their children, but it is a different story when it becomes a risk to them or their loved one. I get it now, no need to explain... WOW!
All I can say is,Mr.Haskins had to of made someone mad.Because as long as you don't make someone mad,then you have nothing to worry about.
And as soon as you cross someone or don't agree with them.Thats when they will go do what ever they have to do to make your life miserable.And they will all say some things behind your back.And when they are faced with what they say face to face,they deny it.
He is not doing nothing that they aren't doing with the other dumping the Wheel Com.except he did not line someones pockets with the green backs.......
So I guess the ones who turn him in are;"As happy as pigs in mud."
All I can say is,Mr.Haskins had to of made someone mad.Because as long as you don't make someone mad,then you have nothing to worry about.
And as soon as you cross someone or don't agree with them.Thats when they will go do what ever they have to do to make your life miserable.And they will all say some things behind your back.And when they are faced with what they say face to face,they deny it.
He is not doing nothing that they aren't doing with the other dumping the Wheel Com.except he did not line someones pockets with the green backs.......
So I guess the ones who turn him in are;"As happy as pigs in mud."
All I can say is,Mr.Haskins had to of made someone mad.Because as long as you don't make someone mad,then you have nothing to worry about.
And as soon as you cross someone or don't agree with them.Thats when they will go do what ever they have to do to make your life miserable.And they will all say some things behind your back.And when they are faced with what they say face to face,they deny it.
He is not doing nothing that they aren't doing with the other dumping the Wheel Com.except he did not line someones pockets with the green backs.......
So I guess the ones who turn him in are;"As happy as pigs in mud."
I would venture a large wage that the ones complaining came to settle in Charlie's neck of the woods long after he did. Charlie Haskins is doing the just about the only thing the land in his area is fitting to do and that is raise pigs. I would also venture to bet that his hawgs help control the rattle snake population in his community quite efficentially. What the EPA needs to look at is: Instances where so called "Farmers" up and build chicken houses beside someone's EXISTING residence and RUINS their property values, Not instances where people move into a neighborhood and complain about something that was there way before their time. I'm sure Charlie is no saint, but what else can you doo with acres of cedar bushes and flat rocks? I quess if I were in his shoes, I would build some chicken houses beside whomever filed the complaint!!!!
There was a condo owner in Fla that loved to take his two dogs with him to the beach however some owners fussed about it so he then started letting convicted felons use his condo for FREE. and the other condo owners really suffered.Mabey Mr Haskins could let some felons stay at his farm for a while just till they get on their feet!
leader_not_a_follower . . . . my grandparents and my father and his siblings lived in that area even before the Depression. I seriously doubt Charlie Haskins was even born then. I agree that the land is a bit rough but people do live there and that is no excuse for him to disregard those living around there and make the land look even worse. It would be different if he actually treated people in a nice manner but he always seem to disrespect someone and I know many people in that area that could care less about him. He was the main reason why my aunt decided to sell her house and move to town.
Oh well, all these people who seem to support him evidently don't live by this area or actually deal with him so why should anyone really acre what opinion you have. It is easy to judge when you have no clue about the situation.
Momof3&3step&1gran . . . your stupidity and ignorance shines brightly in your comments. Oh well, what would I expect from someone with your reasoning skills. The two issues are so unrelated that its mind numbing to believe you actually think they do relate.
I THINK CHARLIE HASKINS IS ONE OF THE NICEST MEN I HAVE MEET. HIM NOR HIS FAMILY DESERVE THIS. CHARLIE WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR ANYBODY.WE LIVE CLOSE TO HIS HOG FARM AND YEA THERE IS A AWFUL SMELL BUT SO ARE THE CHICKEN BARNS AND EVERYONE IS OKAY WITH THAT. TYSON POLLUTES AS MUCH OF THE AIR IS THE HOGS. THAT WAS A FARM THAT HIS KIDS AND GRANDKIDS WOULD HAVE. MAYBE ITS YAL THAT MADE CHARLIE MAD AND HE DONT LIKE YAL ITS NOT JUST HIM AND I BELIEVE THAT UNLESS YOU REALLY KNOW HIM AND HIS FAMILY U SHOULD NOT POST THESE COMMENT.
Actually I live almost next door to Charlie in Wheel and I would be most happy to defend him. I moved here eight years ago and have never had such a wonderful neighbor before. It amazes me that people actually do not think before posting on these blogs.
For starters, almost every time I go to the grocery store I place in my cart ham, sausage or bacon as I am sure almost everyone who has commented on this subject does as well. Where on earth do you think this wonderful meat came from? How many people were actually chewing on a piece of bacon or sausage this morning as they were reading this blog or commenting on it?
Do you honestly think that farm animal waste just up and vanishes in the middle of the nite? No, actually it is used for fertilizer. Most people that I know call farmers for loads of animal manure to spread on the gardens and fields of corn, beans and etc. So the way I see it recycling animal waste for corn to feed the animals is not vandalism.
Never have I went by any farm or house and saw an outhouse for any type of animal. Those of you who live in town let your dogs out to rid of waste in your yard or the neighbors yard. Hmmm sounds like a lawsuit to me.
Farming is a constanct job and is so easily taken advantage of by posting negative comments so quickly.
We unfortunatly live in a sue happy world. Look on tv at the lawyer ads that are advertising the many different reasons to sue someone. It is Charlie today and it can be you tomorrow.
The next time you are buying groceries or you sit down at the table with your family and you see pork ask yourself, "Did this come from Haskins Hogs"? Ask yourself, "If I am not supporting Charlie should I be eating meat?"
The same farmers that raise livestock also raise our veggies. They also use manure to fertilize.
"Stupidity and ignorance" really does shine brightly in the posts on here.
I understand the newspaper is in business to sell newspapers and will report whatever they believe will sell the largest quantity of newspapers. The information printed to date in the Marshall County Tribune and Shelbyville Times Gazette is based on "allegations and accusations". It may not be factual. At this time, no one is in a position to make additional accusations solely by individual preference or dislike. Defamation of character, slander, and ignorance are running rampant in some of the comments posted. I have yet to read anything concrete that would be of value or use to any court in the land regarding this situation. Also, has anyone bothered to review the financial situation, tax information, reference checks, and possible "agenda" of the Lee's who allege they have been wronged in this case?
MR.Haskins is a good man and a good family man i live close to him and know his family i think this aint right his land is rock all its good for is hogs whats it going to take for you eco idiots.... to go into a grocery store and nothing for you to buy no pork then your pitch a fit about veg and ther be no veg crop ether its is why the economy is so bad for you idiots that complain for some green (money) when we got other people putting nastier stuff in the ground down the road from there that you should be more concerned about
Jax, sounds like you have any ax to grind against the Haskins. If I were you, I would abstain from buying anymroe pork products in protest. Chicken too. Let's just do beef as well. Happy now?
I will buy all the pork, chicken, and beef I want . . . maybe you can actually post something of relevance for once then we can all be happy also. How about that Chef Boy RD . . . do you feel witty now?
Maybe I am bitter but you would be too if he shouted profanity in a threatening manner at your aunt who happened to be a retired elderly woman just because she didn't want him shooting toward our property while he was driving a four wheeler on a public road. She actually had to call the police on him that night.
I think I know who you are Jax. Now I know why you make your comments. Perhaps she was happier living closer to town. From what I can gather, she must have been the only person in that area to have disdain for Mr. Haskins. If you would be so kind as to enlighten the rest of us about the illegal activities Mr. Haskins is alleged to have engaged in, we might have a better understanding of your position.
I've lived in and around this area all my life. I know the area well. I also know that the area has changed a lot over the years. Many currently living in the area are still on well water because county water only goes so far. I've dealt with Charlie before, and you can be certain profit was his bottom line in all of this. Cut a corner here save a little there. If it was your drinking water that was contaminated would you just forget it. Live with out water for weeks at a time, see how quick you are to defend any of this. Farming is a business that can cause as much pollution as the biggest factories. He should be glad he has been under the radar this long. 1.8 miles isn't that far either. Underground streams that connect water tables could take contaminants much farther. At minimum if its proven he is bankrupt most likely, At worse jail. Mr. Haskins I'm sure has many friends as these defending posts show. Another little fact is he has twice as many enemies from years of mistreating his surrounding neighbors. Glad to see eventually every thing comes back around to bite you.
At least Mr Haskins WORKS for a living and doesnt bum off of the taxpayer living on welfare and foodstamps.. leave Mr Haskins alone.
You all need to keep your thoughts to your selfs and remember Krama will come and get you i know all about chicken farms and they are just as nasty a a pig farm if he was not doing what he is supoose too then he would not be getting Pigs to raise if he is rasing them for a company my husband has ran chicken barns for many years and works foir a lot of chicken farmers and i know that chicken litter gets spread everyday through the summer and spring and fall and all the foods you eat is mostly grown locally Just remember you would starve to death if it was not for FARMERS
Lol you people forget the issue its not about voicing your concerns about dead beats or concerns about what foods you eat or how the hogs are raised. Simple fact is raising hogs is one thing. Spreading 3xs the limit of hog waste is a total different thing. Cloud it all you want still doesn't change anything. All your doing is dragging "Farmers" down to this mans level. I'm sure most farmers follow the rules n regulations as set by our governing bodies. Is this guy special? He doesn't have to abide by these rules? Excuses,Excuses all i hear any more. Life is hard deal with it. If you can't dispose of the waste then obviously he shouldn't of raise that many hogs. If his land in unfit for anything else, sell it. Many choices there. Other people suffer with out water because of these actions. There is no sympathy here for him or any one else who defends him. I can rant and rave about a lot of stuff here but I got better things to do like getting my mothers well tested.
Exactly TruhWillSetYouFree . . . I happen to know quite a few people who have a disdain for him and you are right, the real point is that he evidently broke the law and has polluted a water source. Why does that make him a hero?
Takenandhappy,
Please use proper punctuation when posting. Your refusal to do so makes you appear ignorant and any points you make are less likely to be taken seriously.
The acceptable levels of animal waste are not arbitrary numbers. They are values agreed upon by environmental scientists,mirobiologists, and other professionals to protect the population. If Mr. Haskins refuses to dispose of his waste according to proper protocol he should be, at the very least, heavily fined and at the most held criminally accountable.
So he's a jerk. Be that as it may, was his hog operation there before the urban sprawl? People just want that "good ole country livin" but don't care where they do it. Then when they realize it's next to a hog/chicken operation, all of a sudden their offended. Classic. However, EPA is EPA. If you don't comply then well, reep the whirlwind.
Hogwash