DENTON, MD - In response to concerns raised by residents, the Caroline County Commissioners have approved a 60-day moratorium on the installation of future "Dissolved Air Flotation Tanks" (DAF) within the county. These tanks are commonly used for storing animal by-products, subsequently converting them into soil nutrients. However, the proximity of these facilities to residential areas has become a source of contention.
The reason for this temporary ban is a specific DAF tank located on River Road, which has prompted residents to voice grievances about its impact on their daily lives. County Commissioner Larry Porter emphasized that while the Maryland Department of Agriculture oversees the soil nutrient, production process, and application, there is something the commission can control.
"Surprisingly, what we're finding is there is not much control over the storage of the material, so we wanted to take a pause and kind of see what we could put in place for future storage operations," explained Commissioner Porter. He further stated, "So, we wanted to take a pause and kind of see what we could put in place so that we could go back and investigate what regulatory authority we had."
It's important to note that this moratorium will only impact future DAF tanks, and existing operations within the county will remain unaffected. However, Commissioner Porter disclosed that the tank on River Road currently lacks necessary permits. Yet, he declined to comment whether this moratorium will retroactively affect the ongoing operation.
Residents near the River Road tank, particularly Suellen Woodward, expressed concerns about the smell of the facility. Woodward compared the smell to "dead flesh," and noted that the issue has attracted a considerable number of flies, affecting the quality of life for nearby residents.
"He's steady got a fly swatter, I got a fly swatter, and we're counting how many you get, how many you get? You know, so I mean we've been taking it in stride, but that's no way - that's no way to live," shared Woodward.
Commissioner Porter acknowledged that more tanks have been proposed for the area and assured that the county would utilize the moratorium period to find a balance that satisfies both industry needs and the concerns of residents.
"We know that the industry is important; we do not want to affect farmers and agricultures, and poultry growers, but we also got to figure out a way to have people be able to enjoy and live in their homes," stated Porter.
WBOC reached out and spoke with the property owner of the DAF tank; they declined to comment.
A public hearing on the moratorium is scheduled for January 23rd, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the future of DAF tanks in Caroline County.
