Letter: Reducing meat consumption would help nation in several ways

The regulations, developed jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will address management of the 1.4 billion tons of manure generated annually by factory farms. Yet, a 1995 EPA study found that nearly 40 percent of lakes, rivers, and streams are too dirty for fishing and swimming because of agricultural runoff.

Most runoff originates from grazing lands and croplands used to feed animals raised for food. It occurs when rain or melting snow carries topsoil particles laden with salts, pesticides, fertilizers and organic debris into a local waterway. The soil particles silt up the stream bed and smother fish eggs.

The salts and pesticides kill aquatic organisms. The fertilizers and organic debris promote growth of bacteria, algae, and Pfiesteria microbes that deplete the water's oxygen, kill fish, and generate foul odors.

Only a substantial reduction in the national consumption of meat and other animals can solve this national crisis in the long run. It would allow farmers to put sloping and other erosion prone lands into erosion-resistant trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Beyond cleaning up our lakes, streams, and estuaries, such conservation measures would create wildlife habitats and topsoil preserves to feed future generations. Moreover, reduced meat consumption would vastly improve the health of American consumers and halt the exploding costs of medical care.

Debbie Dill

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