BERLIN -- The ongoing legal battle between a Berlin family farm,
Perdue and an environmental watchdog group over alleged pollution runoff
violations is headed for an October trial unless a settlement can be
reached.
In March 2010, the New York-based Waterkeeper Alliance, along with
the Assateague Coastkeeper and the Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT), filed
suit in U.S. District Court against Perdue and Berlin’s Hudson Farm, a
contract Perdue factory farm operation of about 80,000 birds. The suit
was filed when sampling in ditches adjacent to the property allegedly
revealed high levels of harmful bacteria including fecal coliform and E.
Coli in concentrations above state limits.
The Waterkeeper Alliance filed suit in federal court accusing the
Hudson Farm of violating the state’s Clean Water Act. The Assateague
Coastkeeper and the Assateague Coastal Trust were later dismissed as
plaintiffs in the case. After months and months of legal wrangling, both
sides met for a settlement conference in March, but no middle ground
was met. With no resolution apparently forthcoming, a trial date has
been set for Oct. 9.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
There's no point in this unless somebody with ties to Waterkeeper's Alliance has their eye on the Hudson's property. for shame
ReplyDeleteThe suit was filed when sampling in ditches adjacent to the property allegedly revealed high levels of harmful bacteria including fecal coliform and E. Coli in concentrations above state limits.
ReplyDeleteIf it didn't come from the farm where did it?