Page 11 - March 2024 Issue.indd

on regulatory agencies to monitor the end product being put This is the reverse of NAMBY, (Not In My Backyard) thinking,
in the ground, according to the farmer’s nutrient plan. where you can do whatever you want to do just don’t do it in

my backyard, or close to me. This is “IDWIWIYBY,” (I will
But there is no regulatory agency monitoring the storage of Do Whatever I Want In Your Backyard).
this material during the process of converting to a usable
product. There is not even a regulatory agency monitoring I need to make clear that I completely understand the benefi ts

what is going into the pit. The pit could contain almost of using DAF as a soil nutrient when applied according to a
anything. It has been known that this entrepreneur/farmer farmer’s Nutrient Management Plan. I also understand that
has been hauling cow manure from his dairy farm to put in there are proper procedures and protocols for managing

his DAF pits in Ridgely and Greensboro. DAF pits to mitigate odor and flies. I am not suggesting its
agricultural use be impeded.
While this slurry of waste is being stored and the material is
mixed to separate liquids from solids, a byproduct is an odor
that severely impacts the lives of neighbors and property (continued on next page)
owners.

The smell permeates everything not only outside but inside

and affects neighbors in all directions and within thousands BRIAN’S POWER WASH, LLC
of feet if not a mile, depending on how hard the wind blows. • Low Pressure Exterior Cleaning
Regardless of which direction the wind is blowing the stench
is so severe it survives and can be irritating to those nearby. • No Pressure Roof Cleaning
As we know, on the Eastern Shore, where there is agricultural B • Residential & Commercial
P
W
odor, there will be fl ies. Th ese flies are not only a nuisance • Licensed & Insured

but may at times carry diseases that may be transferred to FREE ESTIMATES!
humans.
Brian Bartolomeo
Our county commissioners, hearing the complaints of brianspowerwash@gmail.com
neighbors who are forced to remain inside during periods 443-786-3439 www.brianspowerwash.com
when the sludge is being stirred, are attempting to stop any
further growth of these DAF pits in our county and to also
find a way to stop this infringement on their right to enjoy

their property, destroying their way of life. This issue goes way LUCK WON’T
beyond a landowner’s “Right to Farm” in Caroline County.
I would argue that accepting wastewater material from a FIND YOUR
commercial facility for a fee is not covered by an individual’s
right to farm. The standard “Right to Farm” contract DREAM HOME...
addendum clearly states:

“Caroline County has determined the inconveniences or Ka t
be considered to be an interference with reasonable use BUT I WILL. Broker/Realtor
Kathleen Brenton
discomforts with such agricultural operations shall not
and enjoyment of land if such operations are conducted in 410-829-3430
accordance with generally accepted agricultural management
practices.” I would argue that storing DAF generated by
commercial food processing facilities, and manure from other
locations is not a “generally accepted agricultural management
practice.”

This DAF issue is another example of a powerful person acting
as if the laws of our land do not pertain to them. Without laws

specifically excluding an activity with defined penalties, it is
unlikely that perpetrators will curtail the activity regardless of 410-479-HOME (4663)
the consequences to others. Ignoring the odor is much easier 10794 Greensboro Road
when you live miles and counties or states away from where Denton, MD 21629
the activity is occurring.
WWW.THEBRENTONREALTYGROUP.COM

11