MDE provides updates on Hebron DAF tank spill, lawmakers and policy analysts respond
HEBRON, Md. – The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) provided an update on Thursday about Monday’s spill from the Porter Mill Road DAF tank.
Update on Spill
MDE has revised their spill estimate again, down to between 30,000 and 36,000 gallons of DAF material. The agency also clarified that their previous estimates were based on those given to MDE by “those engaged in or overseeing the cleanup at the site.” MDE told 47 ABC on Wednesday that it was monitoring the cleanup, which is being done by a contractor hired by the tank owner.
MDE adds that the cleanup is expected to be completed by the end of Thursday. The agency also says it expects to receive further information, that should provide a more concrete figure on the amount spilled and cleaned up.
New Legislation Could Have Helped, Say Supporters
Supporters of Senate Bill 743 say the legislation could have prevented the Porter Mill Road DAF tank from ever being constructed.
“Regardless of where it was zoned, [the legislation] applies to permits, rather than zoned areas,” said Katlyn Schmitt, Senior Policy Analyst for the Center for Progressive Reform. “So, that 3 million gallon DAF storage tank in Hebron, Maryland would be covered under the bill. It does require, essentially, an above ground storage tank permit to contain the chicken sludge.”
Schmitt adds that the Hebron DAF tank exists in a community that lawmakers have classified as a “low-wealth” population. She says the community meets the top fifth percentile for sensitive data criteria under SB743. Scmitt also says the area meets the fortieth percentile for socioeconomic factors.
“Our bill would have caught this DAF tank earlier in the permitting process, and it would have flagged that it is nearby a low-wealth community, that may already be overburdened by other agricultural operations,” said Schmitt.
Lawmakers Speak
Meanwhile, members of the Eastern Shore delegation are also speaking out on the spill.
“I think that citizens that live near that tank have a reasonable complaint that should be heard, and applied to future developments. I will say, we’re from the Eastern Shore, we have agriculture and poultry is the defining industry for the region,” said Delegate Chris Adams.
Del. Adams says he believes the existing MDE process of approving projects is adequate. However, he believes Wicomico County citizens should have been more included in the permitting process.
“My concern, back when this was created – the DAF tank – was that it happened without public engagement,” said Del. Adams. “They could have perhaps had input on the application, and what actually occurred there.”
