Q&A: Behind Tewksbury's pig controversy

In Tewksbury, a fight over a pig farm's stench is causing a furor in the community north of Boston, turning neighbor against neighbor. Reporter Megan Woolhouse, who wrote about the controversy in today's Globe, answers questions about pig farming in Massachusetts.

Q: How did you come across this story?

A: The issue had been reported by local newspapers, including our regional editions, but I was surprised to learn that there were 900 pigs living in the middle of a suburban town not far from Boston. Nine hundred pigs is a lot, and this operation has a lot of similarities to a corporate operation. The pigs sit in pens over a 500,000-gallon manure pit. The state has no rules regulating farm odors. Perhaps most surprising was that state officials thought divulging the size of the farm was a breach of national security. The neighbors said there was nothing secret about the stench.

Q: How big is pig farming in Massachusetts?

A: Not big, compared to states like Iowa and North Carolina. There are currently 12,000 pigs living in the state, according to the USDA. State agricultural officials said the pigs live on 58 pig farms of 10 or more pigs. According to the agency's data, the number of pig farms in Massachusetts rose from 250 in 2005 to 300 now. But that agency counts anyone with one pig or more, and includes potbelly pig owners.

Q:. In Tewksbury, what are the main complaints of residents?

A: The stink. There are also concerns about manure and runoff from the farm polluting rivers and streams. Some residents also complain of dust from dried manure blowing in the air and settling on their cars and backyard playground equipment.

Q: What's the next step in the dispute?

A: Tewksbury residents will vote on Oct. 2 whether to pass local legislation regulating pig farms. If it passes, the measure will also need state legislative approval.

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