There is a current expansion program in play regarding new poultry houses on the Delmarva Peninsula. It is estimated that roughly 200 poultry houses have been approved. However, several environmental groups are asking for a moratorium on these new houses, stating that this progress will worsen the region’s pollution problems. The concern is that such a project should not move forward until new state regulations are set fully and implemented, geared at curbing over-population of phosphorus-rich animal waste as fertilizer. Such farms will provide a significant source of algae blooms and poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and subsequent waterways.
Issues with proper water-quality is a major concern, asking for monitoring stations on rivers surrounding any poultry growing operations. Proceeding with these proposed poultry houses would only create more concerns until these new regulations are in effect, which may take years. You can read the full report and story at http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/green/blog/bal-environmentalists-call-for-moratorium-on-growth-of-shore-poultry-industry-20150908-story.html.
The phosphorus in poultry manure has escalated by 80 percent leading to major issues and a representative of the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy states that "New chicken houses should not be allowed until strict regulations are in place requiring new operations to dispose of their chicken waste in a way that does not add an phosphorus pollution to the Chesapeake Bay or her tributaries.” In order to reduce pollution, environmentalists believe that a moratorium is imperative on the implementation of these new poultry houses until regulations are in effect for the old and new chicken houses, providing safeguards for water quality.
Help us in our efforts to encourage both the USDA and the EPA to consider a moratorium on poultry industry until enforced regulations in effect by signing and sharing this petition. Your support on this issue is greatly appreciated.
