State Representative candidate

responds to recent UC fish kill

Andy Schemenaur, Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 33, Friday expressed concern regarding the recent manure spill that resulted in the death of thousands of fish in the Mississinewa River near Union City.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources has counted about 10,000 dead fish and expects the number to possibly reach 40,000. The spill was caused by heavy rains that washed manure from a hog operation into a drainage tile into the river. The farm had recently applied 27,000 gallons of manure to a field near the river.

Schemenaur said whether this spill could have been avoided has yet to be determined, yet it brings the issue of protecting Hoosier waterways, neighborhoods and families front and center.

“I am saddened by this news and it sheds light on the need for us to review our efforts to ensure our rivers, streams, and water sources are safe," he said. "We must take precautions to keep our families and communities safe. This will be one of my top priorities.”

As a fourth-generation farmer, Schemenaur said he believes in protecting the quality of life for Hoosier

families. He supports common-sense regulations on Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) such

as setback requirements that prohibit CAFOs from being built too close to places such as child care centers, schools, health facilities, neighborhoods or water sources.

Schemenaur said if he is elected, he will work to ensure sensible regulations are enacted to prevent incidents like the recent spill from occurring.

“We can place sensible standards on CAFOs that won't hurt the farming industry but will better help make sure our communities and wildlife are protected from harmful chemicals and waste,” he said.

“There are common sense solutions that if had been enacted, could have helped to prevent this from

happening. It is a shame that it will probably take a disaster like this to occur for meaningful action to be

taken at the State House.”

Schemenaur said he intends to represent the needs of his constituency and do all that he can to benefit Hoosiers. A Portland native, he is a farmer, school principal and a long time participant in local politics.

State Representative Bill Davis (R-Portland), who will face Schemenaur in the November election, said, “It's very unfortunate when accidents like this happen. The IDEM emergency response team is working with the Department of Natural Resources and local officials to minimize the impact this will have on the local ecosystem. Clean-up has begun and the owner has taken full responsibility. The emergency response crew has taken the appropriate actions to prevent any more manure from contaminating the river.”

--Bill Richmond