This is a tragedy. An environmental tragedy. What is DNREC thinking? Chicken waste contains salmonella bacteria, and it also contains campylobacteria, both of which can make a person sick or dead. When these bacteria affect the food or water supply of humans, it can infect the digestive systems of people. In other words, eating products grown from chicken poop could be dangerous.
I beseech DNREC, Gov. John Carney, elected officials, Sussex County executives to explain to me and the public at large: How can DNREC permits that expired in 2009, originally issued to complement a proposed 3,700-unit housing project, be approved for a 2017 agricultural waste project? Those are different uses and different projects with a whole set of different criteria. Most importantly - where are the studies that prove that Allen Harim explored environmentally friendly alternatives? e.g. composting. I repeat, overlooked by the governing authorities are the new homes and new wells that have been constructed since 2009, which are in the wake of this project. Where are the environmental impact studies that are an application requirement, and which prove that no new wells would be affected, nor would there be any level of impact to the environment (air/flora/fauna). How about air quality impact studies. I know of no malodorous waste.
Let's not overlook the native plant and native animal impact studies? How about real estate value studies? The EPA shut down this project a few weeks ago because Allen Harim/Artesian were constructing without a permit. DNREC was not effective in its policing of its own expired permits. How can we be assured that DNREC will police this proposed project any better in the present or future? This is a very creative way for Allen Harim to pass/push their compliance burden onto Artesian. I would suggest that a performance bond or environmental insurance be required as part of this fast-tracked approval. Can anyone say: superfund sites?
L. Colon
Milton
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