Thread by @VICENews

NEW: For decades, the pollution seeping out of industrial hog operations’ manure cesspools has made life hell for the Black, Latino, and Native American communities living in eastern North Carolina. bit.ly/3leyJL2

Now, the world’s largest pork producer says it has a “green” solution that could cover up some of the enormous pits and potentially even reduce their horrific odor. But not everyone is convinced. bit.ly/3leyJL2

According to a complaint filed with the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of local civil rights groups, the company’s plans could make pollution in the area—and its associated health problems—even worse. bit.ly/3leyJL2

Chinese-owned Smithfield Foods wants to capture the methane from the poop lagoons at some of its swine operations to produce biogas, a renewable fuel made from organic waste, in partnership with electric utility Dominion Energy. bit.ly/3leyJL2

But the process risks releasing more ammonia into the air, which contributes to fine particulate matter pollution associated with serious health problems and even premature death, according to the complaint. bit.ly/3leyJL2

Environmental activists also argue the initiative won’t address the underlying issues with the lagoons—and will ensure the company uses them for years to come. bit.ly/3leyJL2

“Smithfield and Dominion’s plans will lock in this harmful system—this lagoon and sprayfield system—and make some of the pollution problems worse. This is a classic case of greenwashing.” bit.ly/3leyJL2