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Phelps farmers argue their herd was killed off by DOT along Thruway

On Monday a trial will begin for a case involving cows in Ontario County.

John and Jan Fredericks will be in court, finally getting the opportunity to prove what they believed happened over a 15 year period at their farm alongside the New York State Thruway.

“We’re looking forward to the Fredericks finally getting their day in court,” said the lawyer, Amy Kendall to the Democrat & Chronicle.

Kendall must show that the salt, and de-icing agent that is used on the Thruway contaminated the farm that runs adjacent to it. The Phelps farm spans 291 acres, between exits 42 and 43.

In a four year period, during the peak of the problem, 88 animals died. IN 2010, several years after it happened, testing revealed elevated levels of sodium chloride inside the well, according to the D&C.

The Frederick’s were able to rebuild their herd by moving them to a different water supply.


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