Planned Poultry Farm Draws Opposition

RISON - A resident of the Calmer community asked members of the Cleveland County Quorum Court Monday night if there was anything the county could do to prevent the construction of a new set of poultry houses being planned along a section of Hwy. 63 across from M.L. Wilson Road.Janet Kimsey, who lives along M.L. Wilson Road, told the quorum court that while she understood the importance of the poultry industry to the local economy, she said the impact those farms have on the residents around them should be considered as well.Kimsey said  the odor, dust and ammonia associated with poultry houses can impact the health of nearby residents as well as their property values. She said she was especially concerned about her 83-year-0ld father who suffers with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a lung disorder) and lives very near the site.In addition, she also had concerns about the environmental impact it could have, noting that operations with more than 2,500 chickens must be registered with the state for a waste management plan.Kimsey asked the quorum court what role the county could play in protecting the rights of residents. She said she could not find much information about the owner of the new farm other than it was a group from the Pinebergen community in Jefferson County, nor could she find an agency to file a compliant.County Judge Don Triplett said the county really has no recourse in such situations as some of the justices of the peace pointed out that the jurisdiction falls more under the state than the county, though some were sympathetic to her plight.“I think concerns like this should have a voice,” said Justice Donnie Herring, suggesting that the county could pass a resolution requiring the state to address such concerns.Steve Orr of the Woodlawn area led an effort this past December asking nearby residents to oppose a six-house poultry farm that was proposed within  a mile of the W...