A proposal to build six poultry houses near the Woodlawn community has prompted at least one nearby resident to urge his neighbors to oppose the project, citing concerns about odor, environmental impact and declining property values.
Steve Orr, who lives near the proposed site, said he is worried about how a large poultry operation could affect Woodlawn School and surrounding homes, particularly because of potential runoff and persistent odors.
According to a public notice published earlier this month in the Cleveland County Herald, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency is conducting a draft environmental assessment for what it describes as a “large CAFO,” or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, with the primary objective of constructing six broiler houses.
The notice states the agency is accepting written comments on the project’s potential effects on protected resources and the human environment through Dec. 26. Comments may be submitted to Adam Kaufman at the Farm Service Agency, 419 W. Gaines St., Monticello, AR 71655.
Project information may also be reviewed in person at the USDA Service Office at 303 N. Lincoln Ave., Suite B, in Star City. The notice states that all comments will be carefully considered and that no action will be taken until the environmental review is completed and a final decision is issued.
While the notice provided a general location for the proposed project, Orr said he visited the USDA office in Star City to review detailed information and learned the poultry houses would be located east of the intersection of Ryburn Road and Highway 63, south of Woodlawn School.
Orr said the site is approximately 1.2 miles from the school by road but less than a mile away geographically. He added that about 40 homes and two businesses are located within one mile of the site, including roughly 15 homes within a quarter mile.
After reviewing the information, Orr posted on Facebook encouraging nearby residents to submit comments opposing the project. His post included a copy of the public
