A measure to tighten environmental regulations on large chicken operations has been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly. State Senator Richard Madaleno (D) authored the bill that would require the Maryland Department of the Environment to identify and monitor all air pollution emitted from those facilities, known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO’s).
Some longtime residents of the Eastern Shore have complained about the new facilities. Currently, state environmental officials do not monitor air pollutants. Senator Madaleno said studies have shown that CAFO’s can threaten communities and waterways with harmful air pollutants. Other studies have found no impact.
