Southern York County Life

Hopewell joins in farm limits

The Hopewell Township supervisors unanimously passed a new ordinance last night that regulates large-scale farming operations.

Although no large operations have yet been proposed there, the supervisors said they were prompted to act by the controversy surrounding a proposed 2,200-hog farm in nearby East Hopewell Township. Hopewell’s new ordinance will regulate large farms and the odor and pollution that critics say come along with them.

“This is the hottest topic around right now,” said Supervisor William Streett, explaining why the township was taking action.

At least 60 ordinances: The farms, known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), are regulated by at least 60 municipalities across the state—including seven others in York County: East Hopewell, Hellam, Manheim, Penn, Shrewsbury, Springfield and Peach Bottom townships.

Township solicitor William H. Poole said the purpose of the ordinance is not to prevent CAFOs, but to regulate them to the extent that the law allows.

The new ordinance requires any plan for a farm with more than 750 hogs to receive a zoning special exception and meet setback requirements.

While hog farms often draw the most fire from neighbors, the ordinance also sets regulations for poultry and other livestock.

Poole said that the standards used in Hopewell Township’s ordinance were based on both local and federal regulations.

Wants residents protected: Resident Jean McKee said her only concern about the new ordinance was it would protect the township from a situation like the one in East Hopewell.

Streett and fellow supervisor Peryl McDonald said they were also concerned about the legitimacy of hydrogeologic studies, conducted to determine if there is enough water to supply a farm without hurting the surrounding area.

Their concern arose from discussion at an East Hopewell meeting earlier this week. Farmer John Marsteller Jr.’s plan for a 2,200-hog farm is not considered a CAFO under East Hopewell’s ordinance; however, many residents remain concerned about what it would do to neighboring wells.

Marsteller’s lawyer, Paula Leicht, said a hydrogeologic study showed the below-ground water supply could accommodate more than 7,000 swine, but acknowledged the study was conducted off-site.

The Hopewell Township supervisors said an off-site study is not good enough and asked Poole to add an on-site survey requirement, including on-site well testing.

-- Reach Heidi Bernhard-Bubb at 854-1575 or news@yorkdispatch.com .

Source: The York Dispatch (we obtain permission for external material)
by Heidi Bernhard-Bubb
Posted by Dan Baldwin on 09/03/2004 at 03:07 PM in News

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