With so much misinformation and misconceptions being circulated, we felt it was in everyone’s best interest to assemble a panel of experts to address the issues.
Working with the office of Governor Hogan to secure the most knowledgeable people in the State, we were able to schedule the forum for March 22nd at the Wicomico Civic Center. Responsible parties from the Maryland Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Health & Mental Hygiene, in addition to several
local representatives, answered questions, many submitted in writing by the more than 500 citizens in attendance. Almost all the panel members were from agencies within the Maryland departments that are responsible for regulating, permitting and inspecting CAFOs.
While emotions were high and those who adamantly oppose CAFOs picketed outside, we were pleased that the audience was respectful of the panel members and each other. For nearly two hours, the health and protection of the Paleo Channel was discussed along with waste management and potential health risks.
Significant points made by the panel included:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set very protective
standards for levels of nitrates in water. These standards are implemented by the State of Maryland through regulation, permitting and inspection.
Storage of waste, including the chicken housing, are “under roof”, meaning rain water does not reach the waste to cause run-off.
Properly permitted and maintained poultry operations produce less effect on the environment than run-off from fertilized lawns.
Compliance is key. If permits are adhered to, there will be no discharge of waste in excess of the nutrient management plan.
Field crops use significantly more water than poultry houses.
The Department of Health & Mental Hygiene finds there is no significant evidence that poultry workers have increased health issues from exposure to chicken houses.
The aquifers in Wicomico County are among the best in the State. Water levels have stayed consistent since the 1960s and the “recharge” nature provides is adequate.
Areas that need further discussion and examination are:
Permitting process – It is important that those who plan to build CAFOs apply for a CAFO permit in the beginning of the process and not at the end.
One presenter suggested that the CAFO permit be the first one applied for and then work backwards from there.
Inspections – Inspections are conducted every 5 years or if a complaint is received. Should more frequent inspections be considered?
Health/Environment – There are currently no standards or testing for particles emitted from chicken house exhaust fans. However, odors and particles are of some concern with regards to asthma. It is hard to quantify because each individual is different and everyone is not affected.
Currently, there is not enough known by DHMH to set any standards for CAFO construction. However, consideration should be given to location of houses in relationship to residential homes.
At the conclusion of the forum, I personally felt there were adequate regulations in place to protect the Paleo Channel and other aquifers. I am aware that there is data that may say otherwise. It is a question of whose data do you trust and whose data is being used by authorities to make their decisions. Let’s remember that opposing data can be found for almost any subject you want to name.
My real take away from the forum, however, was when a zoning question was asked or the panel referred to something as a “zoning issue”, it drew the most audience applause. At the end of the day, I believe that is the true concern of our citizens. No one wants a CAFO within view or “smell” of their homes or businesses. It boils down to economic impact.
We must recognize that economic impact cuts both ways. Wicomico County has and continues to reap enormous economic benefits from the poultry industry through employment, taxes and support of local businesses. Even the social fabric of our county has been improved by the generosity of poultry families to Salisbury University, WorWic Community College, Peninsula Regional Medical Center and so much more. Wicomico County cannot afford to have the poultry industry leave.
At the same time, we cannot let our home values and residential and commercial property values decline. Investors will not want to develop new businesses close to CAFOs and home owners will lose equity, both resulting in lower tax revenues to sustain the County.
So, what do we do? It is up to the Wicomico County Council to develop a balanced approach to our zoning laws, so all can find a way to prosper. Given the findings from the forum, I believe there is a pathway to find the right answer. It is what our friends in the poultry industry deserve as well as our taxpayers.
18 comments:
Enormous economic value for the rich.
There are a lot of 'manure sheds' around delmarva that are full of ag equipment and hay.
The smell will go good with the name the" Bury".
A lot of If's And's and But's
EPA? = joke
And one error brings years of punishment to the citizens.
Just ask the waste water treatment plant.....small fine - years of toxic pollution.
One of these CAFO's goes under and they walk away, the taxpayers pick up the bill of cleaning up the toxic mess.
“under roof” - as long as it is maintained and does not become a leaking shed of crap.
All rainbows and butterflies folks..... until someone doesn't follow the rules or holds up their end of the deal.
I am sure that the County Council is not totally evil. Perhaps some of them really think that they are serving the citizens of Wicomico county. But we know from reading the emails obtained through the freedom of information act that the County Council has had permission from its bosses at DPI for months to give the meager concessions in terms of zoning that they are now finally providing... they can act like these new regulations are the results of listing to their handpicked panel of "experts" but we all know that this was just a way to make it seem like they are listening to our concerns.
The idea that the hundreds of people who have been gathering information about the health, environmental, and economic impact are all misinformed is insulting to say the least. How about this Culver. Let us chose a panel of the most respected scientists, economists, and health experts in the country and have them answer real questions in a real town hall meeting.
We have seen the two hydrologist reports already done on the Paleochannel aquifer, we have seen the CDC reports, and all of the scientific peer reviewed studies from john Hopkins, Tufts, Purdue, the CDC and the EPA. And now you want to allow people to own CAFOs without even being fake residents of Maryland (at least you are getting rid of the pretense). You are selling off our land, or health, and our well-being for what?
Whether you like it or not, you live in the State of Maryland and the United States of America. Our national and state governments have the responsibilities for regulations. "Hand picked" panel? They are the people responsible for implementing regulations and inspecting. If you don't like the rules, work at the national and state level and quit blaming the local governments.
Would love for you to bring in your "own" panel of national experts. I'm sure they are standing in line to fly in to Wicomico County for you.
Blogger Ernie Bond said...
I am sure that the County Council is not totally evil. Perhaps some of them really think that they are serving the citizens of Wicomico county. But we know from reading the emails obtained through the freedom of information act that the County Council has had permission from its bosses at DPI for months to give the meager concessions in terms of zoning that they are now finally providing... they can act like these new regulations are the results of listing to their handpicked panel of "experts" but we all know that this was just a way to make it seem like they are listening to our concerns.
The idea that the hundreds of people who have been gathering information about the health, environmental, and economic impact are all misinformed is insulting to say the least. How about this Culver. Let us chose a panel of the most respected scientists, economists, and health experts in the country and have them answer real questions in a real town hall meeting.
We have seen the two hydrologist reports already done on the Paleochannel aquifer, we have seen the CDC reports, and all of the scientific peer reviewed studies from john Hopkins, Tufts, Purdue, the CDC and the EPA. And now you want to allow people to own CAFOs without even being fake residents of Maryland (at least you are getting rid of the pretense). You are selling off our land, or health, and our well-being for what?
March 30, 2016 at 10:54 AM
Ernie Bond you are a Douche Bag and hopefully you will lose your job at the College like Gabby Marie did! Can't wait!
I was at the forum. I think this is a very thoughtful analysis. I am sick of the loudmouths who blame everyone who doesn't agree with them. How do they know all their experts are correct? They choose to believe them.
I agree with the previous comment. The protesters or naysayers or whatever they are, need to complain to the US government or State. It seems to me Culver and the other local officials are trying to find a solution working within the existing laws and regulations.
Thanks Mr. Culver for your statement and being able to look at all sides. Most of all, thank you for being respectful. That is more than can be said about those who oppose CAFOs and the county government.
12:44 - Loved your comment. These people are so full of self-importance, I think they fully believe all these experts are dying to come to Salisbury and save the community from regulated, permitted chicken houses. They need to get over themselves. Perhaps if they took a different approach, like working through the regulating departments and agencies in a respectful manner, they'd have better success at being heard. Go to the source of your problem. It isn't Wicomico County government and the taxpayers.
People need to realize NO FARMS NO FOOD.' This country has all too often penalized and run farmers out of business for a variety of reasons. The way that these buildings are built now the smell isn't as bad as it used to be. Now before you all jump my shit I grew up on a chicken farm. It was the old style with the curtains that rolled up. Did it smell?? Yes. Is it that bad now with the new chicken houses?? No. I still live near chicken houses so don't go there either. Also do all of the people who are complaining realize that if we don't start working together to find solutions our meat processing is going to go overseas?? Do you know how much higher meat prices would be?? Plus there aren't strict rules overseas so you don't know what they will be injecting the meat with. Think about it and calm down a little. Maybe the location can change. There are many solutions but going off about it doesn't solve anything. We need farms to provide meat for people. God knows I don't want to eat meat made from China or anywhere else for that matter. Think about the summer months coming up and how great is it where we live to be able to get the best strawberries in the country. How about the sweet corn?? We are blessed to live in an area where we can go get the freshest produce at any roadside stand in this county. When people yell and scream nothing gets solved (and don't say you all weren't yelling and screaming and not listening cause your mugs were all up on tv having a temper tantrum). NO FARMS NO FOOD
Back in the day, people not into the farming/chicken business could live in Salisbury and not have to deal with the smells that come along with the farming industry. Now, with the great suburban flight to avoid neighborhoods with drugs, prostitution, gangs and high crime, the residents forced to the burbs are not liking the farming atmosphere. This is why things have had to be reconsidered. Maybe it would be a good idea to stop building Section 8 on the river and start cleaning up the city so people can live in peace. But hey, that's just too much common sense for our apathetic city hall, isn't it?
"So, what do we do? It is up to the Wicomico County Council to develop a balanced approach to our zoning laws, so all can find a way to prosper. Given the findings from the forum, I believe there is a pathway to find the right answer. It is what our friends in the poultry industry deserve as well as our taxpayers."
That last paragraph. Sounds to me like Bob Culver just threw the County Council under the Bus!
5:42 - you must not realize that Cannon is a genius. I'm sure he has an answer. Or he can ask Ed Baker. He can't seem to live without him.
Threw the Council under the bus? They are responsible for legislation. Saying they should find a balanced approach so all can prosper sounds like common sense to me. Unlike some people, it read to me like Culver considered all sides. Good job Mr. Culver!
5:42 comment: we all should throw the council under the bus. they are one lame bunch with a pompous @ss as president. j holloway is the only one who is truly looking out for the taxpayers and the rest of them make fun of him. cannon's thirst for power is disgusting. he needs to be relieved of the presidency....AGAIN!
Yes because that's what you do in a democracy fire everybody who disagrees with you. Go join the Taliban anyomous
Has anyone mentioned the landfill ? Seems to me that this would have a greater impact on the water than anything. Lord only knows what goes into that place. I saw on TV that they had taken a core sample of a similar land fill and they had a hot dog still intact because lack of Oxygen .
We need chickens to eat , lots of em !!
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