A proposed commercial poultry farm near Sister Lakes has ruffled the feathers of its potential neighbors.
Dozens of residents flocked to the Silver Creek Township Hall Wednesday to express frustrations about a new proposal which would bring 45,000 chickens, four poultry barns and two manure storage structures to the property at 51501 Bakeman Road in Dowagiac.
Joel Layman, of Silver Creek Poultry LLC, applied to the Michigan Department of Agriculture Right to Farm Program on March 1. In the application, Layman states there will be 11,250 egg layers per barn, which will each be 42 by 500 feet in size. The two manure buildings will be 60 by 60 feet.
A standing room only crowd of voiced concerns including the potential smell, noise disturbances, property values declining, health hazards to drinking water and health of the surrounding lakes and rivers.
Environmental Concerns
Veronnica Kenreich – a member of the township planning commission, an environmental scientist focused on aquatic ecology with extensive knowledge of the Sister Lakes region and an advisor to communities on managing and restoring lakes – said chicken manure is very nutrient rich and degrading to waterways.
The site of the proposed farm is less than two miles from the neighborhoods on Dewey Lake, Magician Lake and Silver Creek, and less than five miles from the rest of the Sister Lakes community, which is a popular vacation spot in the summer.
“I am aware that we are ag country and I support our farmers 100 percent,” she said. “However, high density farms produce smell – much more than regular family farming. I cant imagine the rental and resort owners are going to want to have to deal with the smell while renting prime property on a lake, let alone all the second home owners who come here for fun and relaxation.”
Silver Creek feeds into the Dowagiac River, which itself is a tributary of the St. Joseph River.
“It will quickly turn them into algal blooms if there is leaching or a spill of even minimal amounts,” Kenreich said. “There are a few ponds and headwaters near that site, Silver Creek is not that far away and our lakes are spring fed so any contamination could potentially be disastrous in all our waters.”
A bacteria called Campylobacter is highly prevalent in commercial poultry, according to the USDA. Air quality issues also have been associated with larger poultry operations.
“I am not saying that this farmer is planning on being negligent with the environment – I don’t think any farmer does that on purpose,” Kenreich said. “This contamination is happening all over this state. Our lakes are literally some of the finest lakes in Michigan and we are so lucky. They should be protected. If something happens like a contamination – the homeowners of this lake are going to have to pay for it … and it will take years to turn it around. Contamination stays in your lake, it doesn’t dissipate.
“I would like to see the operation somewhere not so close to the lakes and viable water sources.”
Joel Layman did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
What can be done?
Township Supervisor Mick Braman said during the meeting the township essentially has no authority in the matter due to Right to Farm laws.
“We’re gathering additional information, but any future developments are going to be between an applicant and the state of Michigan,” Braman said. “Unfortunately, our hands are tied.”
The Right to Farm program responds to nuisance complaints involving farms and will assess a farm operation at a farmer’s request. Program staff evaluate farm activities to decide whether a farm is following the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Farms who follow GAAMPs are afforded a certain level of protection if a nuisance complaint is filed against them, according to the state of Michigan.
Cass County Commissioner Ryan Laylin, who represents the township, said he spoke to the manager of the Right to Farm Program, who informed Laylin the group has not yet looked at the application. Once the application is approved, there is a 30-day window for appeals by any affected property within a half mile.
“I’m going to do my best to be notified if that 30 day window opens up,” Laylin said. “I’d like them to notify me when it does open. So all of you have the opportunity to know exactly when the 30 days is. He did state to me this afternoon that current zoning nor property ownership has any bearing on the application moving forward outside of the appeal window.”
Several residents asked the township if they could help them in their opposition to the proposed farm. Members of the board suggested contacting the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the land owner and other state authorities.
“What are we supposed to do?,” asked one resident, who declined to share their name. “We write to the state, they approve it. Then what? We live with our windows closed? We don’t enjoy our patios? What are our options? There are none. Who’s going to buy property next to a commercial chicken operation? Not many people. … What are we supposed to do? Where do I raise my family? …
“I haven’t slept in three days over this. This is a big deal. Why do I have to raise my kid when there’s poultry bloom in the air? Ammonia. Ammonia turns to what when it hits the air? Nitrates, right? How long will it take to get into my water? We drink that water. How long do we wait before we’ve been drinking water that’s poisoned. What’s our recourse after that? Who’s going to test my water? Who’s going to monitor the air on my property? I’m not paying for it. I shouldn’t have to.”
Supervisor Braman said several members of the board would also be directly affected by the proposed farm, and they will need to talk to counsel before they are able to take any steps on the matter.
“We just found out about this 36 hours ago. … We’re not going to lay down,” Braman said. “We’re going to try to do the right thing by the township.”
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
