Wicomico Co. Executive responds to poultry concerns

The Wicomico County Executive is speaking out, in regards to the possibility of a new poultry farm in the area. On Friday, Wicomico County Executive, Bob Culver, released a statement about the possible construction of a new chicken farm in the County, that is apparently raising concerns for residents.

“As Wicomico County Executive, I want to address the apprehension some of our citizens have expressed regarding the poultry farm that is being considered on West Road.

Many of the statements that have been made during public comments in County Council meetings along with emails that I have received personally and articles in the media have been less than accurate. I take this matter very seriously and have my own concerns about this issue. Because of these concerns, I have reached out to experts on the topic who are charges with the responsibility of protecting public health and our environment.

I have invited the Secretarites of Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and have asked them to conduct a public meeting locally to share the facts as they know them and to answer our citizen’ concerns.

I have also been meeting with poultry companies, the Delmarva Poultry Industry, our local Health Department and others attempting to collect factual information on an operation of the size being considered at this time.

Until all of this information can be compiled, I believe it is premature to attempt to legislate or regulate a business as important as the poultry industry is to our county and to restrict citizens’ property rights.”