Dairyman Faces Possible $15-Million Federal Fine
A dairyman who built his 9,100-cow facility in Tulare County without applying for an air permit is facing a federal lawsuit seeking a $15-million fine.
Fred Schakel moved his Chino dairy to Tulare County last year. He started building the facility on Jan. 6, 2004 -- five days after a law took effect requiring large dairies to apply for air permits.
A group of local activists sued last month, saying it is time that farmers did their part to help the Central Valley deal with air pollution.
Schakel’s lawyer said his client and the industry were disgusted by the suit.
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