The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing on October 22, to accept comments on a Water Quality Management permit application for manure storage facilities at a proposed swine farm in Ayr Township, Fulton County.

The 7 p.m. hearing will be at the McConnellsburg Fire Hall, 2nd floor meeting room, 112 East Maple St., McConnellsburg.

“This hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to make comments or voice concerns about the construction and design of manure storage facilities at the proposed swine farm,” DEP Southcentral Regional Director Lynn Langer said. “All written and oral comments received will be considered with the final review of the application.”

Country View Family Farms LLC is proposing to construct three barns on 224 acres to house 8,722 swine. To manage the manure, Country View would construct concrete deep pit manure storage under two of the barns, with a concrete temporary manure holding area under the third barn.

Country View submitted its WQM permit application on April 8; an update to the design plan was submitted on Aug. 13. WQM permits authorize the construction of manure storage facilities to prevent pollution from entering nearby waterways.

In accordance with state wastewater regulations, there will be a leak detection system encircling each barn, with observation wells at a corner of each building to monitor any manure leaks. The outlets of the leak detection system are 845 feet from the nearest surface water, an Unnamed Tributary to Big Cove Creek. No discharges to surface waters from the proposed farm are expected.

The public will have the opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony during the hearing. To ensure that all speakers have a fair and equal opportunity to present their testimony, relinquishing of time to other speakers will be prohibited and groups are asked to designate one speaker.

All presenters should bring two copies of their comments and exhibits.  Those who wish to present testimony during the hearing are asked to register in advance by contacting Eileen Bitting in DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office at 717-705-4703.

Individuals who register in advance will be given priority on the agenda. If time permits at the hearing, those who did not register in advance will be given the opportunity to testify.

Individuals who are in need of an accommodation for the hearing as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Bitting at the number provided above or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

Those who prefer to present their comments in writing or are unable to attend the hearing may submit written testimony by 4 p.m. on October 29 to Maria Bebenek, DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

All testimony and written comments received during the hearing should pertain to the WQM permit application for manure storage facilities. Testimony and comments unrelated to the permit will not be accepted.

DEP will provide a written response to all relevant testimony and comments provided during the public hearing and public comment period, and will consider relevant comments in its review of the application.

The permit application is open for review until October 29.

To make an appointment to view the application at DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., contact Stacy Burns at 717-705-4732.

The permit application, including the blueprints, is also available for review at the Fulton County Public Library, 227 North First St., McConnellsburg, during business hours.

10/13/2014