Dairies Unjustly Blamed

* Instead of dairies being appreciated for the product they produce, there is now discrimination and false accusations against them [“Got Milk? Got Problems Too,” Aug. 20].

Dairy facilities have been concerned and involved with environmental issues for years. We live with our children and grandchildren on the dairy facility. We want to have clean water and clean air for the health and well-being of ourselves and others.

The statement by Luke Cole, director of the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, that dairy farmers have used the valley’s air as their toilet bowl is not true. Dairies have complied with state standards and health inspections for years.

The center has filed lawsuits to stop dairy expansion. Dairy permits have not been allowed for about 18 months.

As the world’s population grows, so does the need for milk and milk products. There might come a day when you say, “Got milk?” and we sadly reply, “So sorry, no!”

JANE VANDERHAM

Ontario

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* The map of California accompanying the article identified Merced County as Tulare County--off by two counties.

The article identified some serious concerns of many of us living in the Central Valley. If you do not believe the proliferation of dairies is a serious problem, we invite you to drive up and smell our dairy air.

JEROME KLEINSASSER

Bakersfield