Olivera Egg Farm Scandal

Last Thursday, a federal judge found that San Jose-based Olivera Egg Farm, whose estimated annual revenue is $8 million, spoiled evidence before a scheduled environmental investigation of the site by dredging sludge from its 16.5-acre fecal and urine lagoon. The factory farm, which cages up to 700,000 laying hens, also faces six counts of operating and expanding its facilities without permits. The Humane Society of the United States encouraged state air regulators to investigate after years of complaints from local residents had been filed with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and county Board of Health. The complaints cited the lagoon’s proximity to children’s play areas, its stench, and its noxious fumes.