HEBRON, Md--Plans to build a three-million gallon sludge storage tank in one part of Wicomico County is creating quite the stir.
A farmer wants to store poultry by-products on a farm in Hebron.
Neighbors worry about the smell and how it could impact their property values.
"We are very concerned the smell will be a nuisance. I'm sure it will be different on different days and the level in the tank will be a problem," says Cynthia Daugherty.
The owner of the permit, Biff Burns, wants to build the three million gallon sludge container somewhere along a property near Porter Mill Road and Riggin Road in Hebron.
Burns says the container will only be active from December through March 1st, and the smell won't be as bad as neighbors think.
But neighbors say it's not just the smell they're worried about, many fear how the sludge will hurt their property value.
"If it's so bad that I want to move, who will buy my house?"
But Burns says the location is the best area for his sludge container due to it being a rural area.
At this point, the permit has been granted by Wicomico Planning and Zoning. Burns says he is committed to working with neighbors on some sort of agreement, that pleases the entire community.
