Opposition Grows Over Proposed Chicken Farm in Coffee County, Georgia

Residents in Georgia are raising strong voices against a proposed chicken farming operation that has plans to become one of the largest of its kind in the state. Reports from local WALB News indicate that land clearance has already begun for this controversial project.

A Major Expansion

The proposed development in Coffee County is set to include 60 chicken houses, sprawling across more than 1,000 acres and boasting the capacity to raise up to three million chickens simultaneously. This operation would surpass the current largest poultry farm in Georgia, which manages only 32 chicken houses.

Regulatory Oversight

State Representative James Burchett conveyed to WALB News that various agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, will monitor the project to ensure compliance with state regulations if it moves forward.

Environmental Concerns

Opponents of the project argue that their fight isn’t merely against large-scale farming; rather, it revolves around the potential environmental consequences. A considerable concern is the impact on the nearby Satilla River, which flows through 15 counties in Georgia. The University of Georgia Extension has provided alarming statistics, revealing that each broiler chicken produces around 2.5 pounds of waste per farming cycle. Therefore, with three million birds, the waste output could reach a staggering 7.5 million pounds annually.

Local Voices Unite

Rod Freeman, a nearby resident whose land borders the proposed site, reported that nearly 5,000 individuals have signed a petition to halt the development. Others, such as Harrison Russ, claim that the motivations behind the proposal are rooted in “corporate greed” rather than legitimate agricultural needs.

Community Engagement and Accountability

While state agencies have agreed to review necessary permits, Coffee County officials have confirmed that no building permits have yet been filed. Additionally, county commissioners missed a recent community meeting, which has only fueled the residents’ determination to make their concerns known.

A Broader Implication

Opponents emphasize that the issue at hand extends beyond just Coffee County. A local resident passionately stated to WALB News, “If it’s here today, it could be somewhere else tomorrow.” This sentiment has contributed to a growing urgency among residents to stand up against the proposed operation.

For further details, you can read the original coverage by WALB.

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