Big Spring Creek Threatened by Poultry Farm
by
Eugene P. Macri Jr.
Aquatic and Environmental Scientist
Big Spring Creek near Newville, PA is being threatened by poultry operation of 228,000 chickens
(broilers). The massive amounts of water that would be removed from the aquifers (millions of gallons)
threatens the delicate karst topography which the stream relies on for is nutirent rich limestone waters.
The aquifers would be lowered causing massive subsidence, sink hole development, depletion of neighboring wells,
runoff of nutrients into the stream and massive amounts antibiotics and other drugs originating from the total
operation would cause the gradual destruction of the stream. A permit has been denied by the West
Pennsboro Boro at the present time after Macri, the Big Spring Watershed Association, and citizens spoke
against the operation. But the farmer has 30 days to appeal, and the appeal seems likely.
Pennyslvania has few laws to protect its streams and aquifers. The farmer may take over 100,000 gallons of
water per day without a permit! The massive amount of water, pollution, and subsequent damage would destroy
the stream.
|