Washington, Jan 24, 2006 -

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative John R. Carter applauded the City of Waco and dairy producers in Central Texas for settling a lawsuit that has been tying up the city and dairies since April 2004. The City of Waco sued a number of dairy men under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), stating that the manure from dairies was polluting the Bosque watershed which flows into Lake Waco. 

“Congress never intended animal manure to be considered a hazardous or toxic substance under CERCLA. I am pleased that the City and diary men have reached an agreement that will allow our Central Texas dairies to continue operations and their valuable contributions to the local economy while keeping the region’s water clean,” Congressman Carter said.

            John Cowan, Executive Director of the Texas Association of Dairymen said, “Dairymen have a vested interest in maintaining the environment – after all, they and their families drink the water and live on the land. Water quality has improved substantially in the Bosque watershed over the last decade. With the end of this lawsuit, both parties hopefully can move forward and work together toward a common goal – a clean, safe environment, including drinking water, for all Central Texans.”