THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 8, 1997 TAG: 9701080396
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Briefs
LENGTH: 57 lines
RICHMOND - State environmental officials filed a brief Tuesday with the Virginia Supreme Court that disputes Smithfield Foods Inc.'s claim that spilled hog-slaughter waste did not enter state waters.
An Isle of Wight County judge last month ordered daily inspections of the company's waste treatment plant after a state inspector discovered unreported overflows. Smithfield has asked the state's high court to dismiss the order, arguing that the waste did not enter the Pagan River and therefore did not violate the company's pollution permit.
The state officials said the permit requires Smithfield to report any discharge ``which enters or could be expected to enter state waters.''
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Breeder in legal trouble
ROANOKE - A dog breeder accused of animal neglect in Franklin County has had legal problems in three other areas of southwest Virginia, and an investigator questioned how the woman was allowed to remain in business.
Animal control officers and humane society representatives searched Valery Green's property and removed her dogs after they received permission Friday from Franklin County Circuit Judge B.A. Davis III.
Searchers found 119 dogs on the rental property, including 23 puppies that were taken to a local veterinarian for emergency care.
Green is scheduled to appear in a Franklin County court Jan. 15 on a charge of failing to properly care for her animals.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Legal aid group criticized
FAIRFAX - Fairfax General District Judge Ian M. O'Flaherty, in a letter Monday to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, criticized Legal Services of Northern Virginia as ``worthless'' in representing poor clients in court. He recommended suspending the county's financial support of the nonprofit.
A recent report by the Fairfax Bar Association also was critical of the agency, finding it handles an ``inordinately small'' number of court cases.
The group has been criticized for spending too much money on administration and seminars to help tenants and welfare recipients understand their rights.
Also. . .
FREDERICKSBURG - Two letters George Washington wrote in the 1780s before he became president have been donated to the Kenmore Foundation, curator of the site of his boyhood home. The letters expressed his views on freedom of the press and the importance of reading and education. The letters' value was not disclosed.
KEYWORDS: SMITHFIELD FOODS