BEAR GAP - Motivated to act by what they say are overwhelming manure fumes from nearby farming, a Cleveland Township couple and dozens of other residents have decided to fight the prospects of a large-scale pig farm before it's established in their neighborhood.
Thomas Lucid, 67, and his wife, Johanna, 63, of 24 Wynn School Road, a few miles northeast of this village, took their case and a petition with 64 names to the township board of supervisors Tuesday night in an effort to pre-empt any unwanted massive livestock business.
"We can't just sit back and do nothing, and we won't," Thomas Lucid said Wednesday afternoon at his home.
The petition asked for an amendment to the current zoning ordinance that lists agriculture and horticulture as permitted uses within the R2 (residential) district.
"We are petitioning that the livestock density exceeding 100 animals - pigs, horses, cattle and other livestock and the raising of poultry and poultry products - not be allowed within 500 yards of a residential dwelling," the document reads.
Mass produced animal facilities would deter further residential growth, decrease property values, impact roadways due to large truck usage and affect the quality of life and health of residents, they say.
"The vast majority of residents signed this. How can they ignore us?" Johanna Lucid said.
Henry Doraski, township chairman, said he won't ignore them, but he's not sure what can be done.
"Whenever someone wants to apply for a CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation), it goes through the state and federal government. There would be nothing we can do to stop them," he said Wednesday. "Our ordinance might be overturned."
However, the supervisors are seeking advice from their solicitor and checking with state agencies to determine what the township can and can't do.
"As soon as I know more, they will (too). Right now, I'm in limbo," Doraski said.
He reserved further comment until he was provided with further information and guidance.
Neighbor not impressed
The issue was ignited by the spreading of pig manure on Joel Knoebel's farmland surrounding Wynn School, Middle and Polk roads. Knoebel is the owner of Cleveland Pork, a pork producing operation with thousands of pigs on Center School Road. Cleveland Pork was honored by the 2011 Pork Industry Environmental Stewards for demonstrating "a firm commitment to safeguarding the environment and their local communities," according to an announcement from the organization earlier this year.
Among the practices for which they were honored were odor-control strategies, farm aesthetics and neighbor relations.
Johanna Lucid isn't impressed. The stench was so potent from the Knoebel's spreading manure last week, "My throat burned," she said. "It's infringing on our life."
"The stench we endured is sickening," her husband added.
Attempts to reach Knoebel by phone Wednesday and Thursday and during a visit to his farm Thursday were unsuccessful. He was not at Tuesday's meeting, Doraski said.
Flies, runoff
The Lucids said they and other residents have been unable to sleep, that flies and other insects are rampant and that manure run-off has pooled around mailboxes. They are concerned local wells could be polluted.
For the Lucids it's worse because both have medical conditions that have weakened their immune systems, they said.
They moved to a four-acre property in the township seven years ago to retire.
"It's a great area, but I didn't come back to start a fight," Johanna Lucid said.
They want to make it clear they are not necessarily targeting Knoebel's business, but are hoping to pre-empt any large-scale livestock farm being established near their home.
Still, they said they won't hesitate to seek legal advice and take action, and complaints have already been filed with the county and state government.
"We will pursue this matter through every medium and resource available," Thomas Lucid said.